University  of  California. 

FROM    THK    LIBRARY    OF 

DR.     FRANCIS     L1EBER, 
Professor  of  History  ami  Law  in  Columbia  College,  New  York. 

THK   GIFT   OF 

MICHAEL     REESE,       • 

Of  S<i/t  Francisco. 
isr :  i . 


r*- 


•*" 


SYSTEM 


OF 


PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION 


AND 


PRIMARY  SCHOOL  LAW 


OF 


MICHIGAN, 


WITH    EXPLANATORY   NOTES,    FORMS,    REGULATIONS   AND  INSTRUCTIONS'; 

A    DIGEST    OF    DECISIONS;    A    DETAILED    HISTORY    OF   PUBLIC 

INSTRUCTION  AND  THE  LAWS  RELATING  THERETO; 

THE   HISTORY   OF  AND  LAWS   RELATING 

TO  INCORPORATED  INSTITUTIONS 

OF  LEARNING.  &c.  &c. 


[  DOCUMENT  NO.  6.  ] 

PREPARED    BY 

FRANCIS   W.   SHEARMAN, 

SUPERINTENDENT  OF  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION. 


31  arising, 

1NGALS,  HEDGES  &  CO.,  PRINTERS  TO  THE  8TATB 

1852. 


TO  SCHOOL  OFFICERS. 

This  Document  is  transmitted  to  each  County  Clerk  and  County  Treasurer,  and  to  each 
Township  Clerk  for  the  use  of  the  Township  Library,  and  an  additional  copy  to  the  latter, 
for  the  use  of  the  Township  Board  of  School  Inspectors.  One  copy  is  also  transmitted  to 
each  of  the  school  district  officers,  viz  :  the  Moderator,  Director  and  Assessor,  for  their  use 
while  in  office — to  be  delivered  up  to  their  successors  at  the  expiration  of  their  terra. 


NOTE. — On  page  1  an  error  occurs  in  relation  to  the  subdivision  of  lands.    The  smallest 
is  forty  acres. 


CONTENTS. 


PARTI. 

Origin,  Progress,  and  present  Condition  of  Public  Instruction  in  Michigan,- 1 

Congressional  and  Territorial  Legislation  from  1785  to  1836, 1 

State  Legislation  relating  to  Public  Instruction,  from  183G  to  1852,  embracing  the  His 
tory  and  Condition  of  the  University;  Governors'  Messages;  Reports  of  Legislative 
Committees;  Reports  of  Superintendents;  Boards  of  Regents,  and  Boards  of  Visit 
ors;  Condition  of  Incorporated  Literary  Institutions;  the  State  Normal  School,  and 

the  Primary  Schools, 1  to  212,  261  to  295 

Summary  of  Debates  on  Education  in  the  Convention  to  Revise  the  Constitution,  with 
the  Article  as  adopted  and  ratified  by  the  People,  with  a  Comparison  between  the 

First  and  Revised  Constitutions, 212  to  261 

Sketch  of  the  Pnblic  Schools  of  the  City  of  Detroit 296  to  306 

Thirteenth  Annual  Report  of  Regents,  with  the  .Report  of  the  Medical  Faculty,  and 

Course  of  Studies  in  the  Medical  Department  of  the  University, 306  to  312 

Memoir  of  Dr.  Pitcher,  embracing  an  Epitome  of  the  Transactions  of  the  Regents, 
with  some  Reasons  for  the  adoption  of  their  more  important  Measures,  from  1837 

to  June  30,  1851,  prepared  by  order  "of  the  Board  of  Regents, 312  to  328 

Memorial  of  Alvah  Bradish,  for  establishment  of  a  Department  ^of  Fine  Arts  in  the 
University, 328  to  336 


PART  II. 

The  Primary  School  Law  of  Michigan,  with  Notes,  Forms  and  Instructions  for  conduct 
ing  proceedings,  ....• 337 

Districts, ! 338 

District  Meetings, 344 

District  Officers — their  powers  and  duties, 357 

Moderator, 357 

Assessor , 358 

Director, 360 

District  Board, 374 

Township  Board  of  School  Inspectors, 331 

Duties  of  Township  Clerk, 399 


VI 

Taxes  for  School  purposes, 401 

Duties  of  County  Clerk, 402 

Libraries, 403 

Distribution  of  income  of  School  Fund, 405 

Suits  and  Judgments  against  School  Districts, 405 

Penalties  and  Liabilities, 408 

Miscellaneous  Provisions, .* 407 

General  Notes, 409 

Decision  of  Supreme  Court  as  to  dissolution  of  Districts, 409 

Multiplication  of  Districts, 410 

Qualification  of  Teachers, 411 

Discipline  and  conduct  of  the  Schools, 412 

Text  Books, 413,  447 

Change  of  Site  of  School  House, 413 

Reconsideration  of  Proceedings, 414 

Taxes, 414 

Contracts  with  Teachers, 414 

Boarding  Teachers, 415 

Exemption  of  Indigent  Persons, 415 

Dismissal  of    Scholars, 416 

Libraries, 410 

Suits, 420 

Decisions, 420,  421 

Extracts  from  the  Reports  of  successive  Superintendent's  of  Public  Instruction  of  Mich 
igan,  421 

Importance  of  the  Public  Schools, 422 

Improvement  of  the  Schools, 428 

Character  of  Inspectors, . 428 

Course  of  Studies  proper  to  be  pursued  in  the  Schools, 430 

School   Libraries, 447 

Uniformity  of  Books, 449 

Examination  of  Teachers, 451 

Blackboark  Instruction, 453 

The  necessity  of  good  teaching, 454 

Small  Districts, 455 

Consolidation  of  Districts, 457 

Physical  Exercise, 457 

The  Teacher's  Calling, 457 

Union   Schools, 458 

Location  and  Ventilation  of  School  Houses, 460 

Construction  of  School  Houses 462 

Appurtenances, % 467 

Education  of  Teachers, 467 

Regulations  from  other  States   as  to  the  qualifications  of  Teachers  of  Primary  Schools,. .  468 

Moral  qualifications, 468 

Literary        do          469 

Capacity  to  Govern, 470 

Examining  Teachers, 472 

Rate  Bill  and  Warrant, 475 

Decision  of  Supreme  Court, 475 


Vll 

PART  III. 

Laws  relating  to  Public  Instruction  and  Incorporated  Institutions  of  Learning  in  Michi 
gan,  . .  481 

An  act  prescribing  the  duties  of  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction, 481 

Act  to  provide  for  the  Government  of  the  University, 483 

Act  relating  to  State  Library, -485 

Act  to  establish  a  State  Normal  School, 485 

Acts  to  consolidate  and  amend  Normal  School  act, 487,  491 

Laws  relating  to  Free  Schools  of  the  city  of  Detroit, 491 

Laws  relating  to  the  city  of  Ann  Arbor,. 496 

"  "  "  Monroe, 497 

"  "  Grand  Rapids, 497 

Incorporated  Literary  Institutions, 497 

Act  requiring  Returns  to  be  made, 497 

Act  to  incorporate  the  Marshall  academy, ,  ,   497 

"  "  Michigan  Central  Collage, 499 

"  amend  the  same, 500,  501 

"  incorporate  the  trustees  of  Spring  Arbor  Seminary, 501 

Acts  to  amend  the  same, 502,  503,  504,  505 

Act  to  incorporate  the  Michigan  and  Huron  Institute, 505 

"  "  Tecumseh   Academy, 507 

"  "  Trustees  of  Grand  River  Theological  Seminary, 508 

"  "  Grass  Lake  Academy, 509 

«  «  Marshall  College, 516 

"  "  Marshall  Female  Seminary, 512 

St.  Philip's  College, 513 

«  "  Allegan  Academy, ,514 

"  "  Grand  Rapids  Academy, 515 

"  "  Utica  Female  Seminary, 516 

"  "  Ann  Arbor  Female  Seminary, 517 

"  Ypsilanti  Seminary, 518 

"  "  Adrian  Seminary, ^  .  .  ,  519 

«  "  Clinton  Institute, 521 

«  "  Owasso  Literary  Institute, 522 

"  "  Vermontville  Academical  Association, 523 

"  "  White  Pigeon    Academy, 525 

"  "  Raisin  Institute, 526 

"  Howell  Academy, .  .  . .   527 

*  Leoni  Theological  Institute, 528 

*'  "  Leoni  Seminary, , .  529 

«  «  Olivet  Institute, 530 

«  "  Woodstock  Manual  Labor  Institute, 630 

"  u  Oakland  Foraale  Seminary, 531 

"  "  Tecumseh   Literary  Institute,.  .  . „    532 

«  «  Clarksion  Academical  Institute, 533 

«  Clinton  Institute, 534 

M  "  Young  Indies'  Seminary  of  Monroe, „  535 

«  «  St.  Mark's  College, 537 

«  "  St.  Ma:  y's  Academy, .  .  , 539 

Literary  Associations, • 538 

Aot  to  incorporate  the  Young  MQO'S  Society  of  Detroit, ••••*••. «4..  ,53© 


vni 

Act  to  incorporate  the  Union  Hall  Association  of  Monroe, 540 

"  Adrian  Lyceum  and  Benevolent  Association, 541 

"  "  Almont  Young  Men's  Society, 542 

"  "  Lawrence   Literary  Institute  Association, 543 

«  Niles  Union  Hall  Association, 545 

International  exchange, 546 

Joint  Resolution  relative  to  Mons.  Vattemare's  system  of  Exchange, 545,  546 

Edncation  of  the  Deaf  and  Dumb,  £c., 546 

Act  to  establish  an  Asylum, 546 

Act  to  amend  the  same, 547,  548 

Acts  relating  to  School  and  other  Lands, 549 

State  Land  Office, 549 

Superintendence  and  Disposition  of  the  Lands, 550 

Salt  Spring  Lands, 554 

Miscellaneous  Provisions, 554 

Amendatory  acts, 557,  559,  561 

Act  requiring  Report  to  Regents, 558 

Act  for  establishment  of  Land  Office  at  Capitol, 559  to  561 


APPENDIX. 

Communications  embracing  accounts  of  Union  Schools,  &c., 5tx> 

Wesleyan  Seminary, 565 

Olivet  Institute, 566 

St.  Mark's  College, 569 

Young  Ladies'  Seminary  at  Marshall, 570 

Fayette  Union  School, 570 

Battle  Creek  Union  School, 572 

Ypsilanti  Union  School, 573 

Lansing  Union  School, 575 

Detroit  Ladies'  Academy, 577 

Gregory's  -Commercial  College, 579 

Meteorology, 579 

Rules  for  the  Government  of  Township  Libraries, 581 

Rules  for  Government  of  Medical  College, 582 

Text  Books, 587 

Library  Books, 587 

Statement  of  Expenditures  of  Regents  of  University  from  1837  to   Dec.  1851, 596 

Comparative  statement  of  sales  of  University  and  School  Lands, 509 

Abstract  of  Inspectors'  Returns, 600 

Recapitulation  of    <:  "        632 

Apportionment  of  School  Moneys, 634 


STATE  OF  MICHIGAN. 


Report  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction. 


To  His  EXCELLENCY,  ROBERT  MCCLELLAND, 

Governor: 

SIR — When  the  illustrious  Chief  and  Exile  from  Europe,  whose  eloquence  and  philosophy  and 
patriotism  have  so  recently  astonished  the  world,  planted  his  footsteps  for  the  first  time  upon 
the  shores  of  the  United  States,  impressed  with  a  sense  of  its  commercial  greatness,  as  exhib 
ited  in  the  great  metropolis  of  our  country,  his  lofty  genius,  looking  heyond  the  triumphs  of 
the  physical  world,  ascribed  the  glory  of  America  to  its  educational  institutions,  and  the  provis 
ions  made  in  the  early  days  of  the  Republic,  for  the  support  and  spread  of  Primary  School 
education.  Looking  hack,  not  yet  a  century,  American  institutions  existed  not  even  in  name. 
The  struggles  of  the  Revolution  established  them  as  a  fact:  and  it  is  a  circumstance  well  wor 
thy  of  remembrance,  that  our  educational  system  is  closely  allied  to  the  trials  of  the  revolu 
tionary  war,  and  its  means  of  education,  for  the  support  of  schools,  derived  from  the  conse 
quences  of  that  war — the  immense  public  debt  which  it  created.  It  is  an  interesting  fact  in  the 
history  of  our  country,  illustrating  the  sagacity  and  foresight  of  our  fathers,  that  as  a  means 
of  extinguishing  that  debt,  and  as  one,  the  most  reliable  and  sure  of  all  others  that  could  be 
devised,  the  one  thirty-sixth  part  of  the  public  domain  was  set  apart  forever,  as  a  fund  for  the 
advancement  of  education — thus  presenting  an  inducement  to  the  purchase  of  the  lands,  and  to 
the  settlement  of  the  country,  which  has  effected  its  purpose,  and  scattered  over  the  length  and 
breadth  of  our  land,  a  race  of  hardy  men  who  have  subdued  our  forests,  cultivated  our  fields, 
and  laid  the  basis  of  physical,  social,  intellectual  and  moral  prosperity  and  wealth.  It  is  most 
gratifying,  but  not  wonderful  that  such  a  race  should  be  deeply  impressed  with  the  idea,  that 
to  perpetuate  the  blessings  of  liberty  and  good  government,  schools,  and  the  means  of  education 
should  forever  be  encouraged.  New  England  has  long  boasted  of  her  system  of  schools,  and 
means  of  education;  and  it  has  not  been  vain  boasting.  From  the  land  of  the  Rock  of  Ply 
mouth,  from  its  statesmen,  its  orators,  its  poets,  and  its  people,  a  powerful  influence  has  been 
sent  out  in  behalf  of  education.  There  the  principle  of  schools,  free  and  open  to  all — the 
doctrine  of  universal  education — received  its  first  impulse.  The  glory  of  New  England  in  her 
schools  is  the  achievement  of  more  than  a  century.  Her  system  had  its  origin  among  the 
causes  of  the  revolution — ours  is  one  of  its  consequences.  The  success  of  both — the  triumph 
of  education  everywhere  in  our  land — the  means  afforded  for  its  support — educational  insti 
tutions  provided  throughout  the  several  States  of  the  Union — constitute  the  common  glory  of 
the  Republic,  as  they  afford  the  only  safeguard  for  its  progress  and  perpetuity.  "Each  State," 
says  a  distinguished  living  statesman,  "is  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of  every  other,.for 

ii 


the  representatives  of  the  whole  regulate,  by  their  votes,  the  measures  of  the  Union,  which 
must  be  happy  and  prosperous  in  proportion  as  its  councils  are  guided  by  more  enlightened 
views,  resulting  from  the  more  universal  diffusion  of  Light  and  Knowledge  and  Education." 

The  educational  history  of  our  country,  has  not  yet  been  developed  in  the  manner  it  should 
be.  One  of  the  principal  causes  which  has  prevented  it  from  being  done,  has  been  the  fact  that 
in  most  of  the  States  of  the  Union  there  has  been  no  separate  officer  charged  with  the  special 
supervision  of  Public  Instruction.  Information  could  not  be  concentrated,  nor  reduced  to 
system.  So  long  as  tho  interests  of  education  are  made  secondary  in  importance,  in  the 
scale  of  public  offices,  so  Jong  will  its  legitimate  benefits  be  greatly  retarded.  Every  State 
needs  a  separate  officer  of  Public  Instruction,  charged  with  its  general  supervision,  whose 
special  duty  it  should  be  to  accumulate  all  the  material  which  is  legitimately  embraced  in  a 
system  of  Public  Instruction,  to  present  it,  in  embodied  form  before  the  representatives  of  the 
people,  and  thus  secure  from  time  to  time,  that  just  share  of  attention  to  which  the  subject  is 
entitled  at  the  hands  of  those  who  are  placed  in  authority  to  frame  our  laws  and  to  rnould  and 
form  our  local  governments. 

The  State  of  Michigan  was  the  first  in  the  Union  that  established  a  constitutional  officer  by 
the  name  and  designation  of  "  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction."  The  system  contem 
plated  by  the  framers  of  the  first  constitution  and  laws,  embraced  the  widest  field.  It  con 
sisted  of  a  head  of  the  department,  designated  as  above  with  general  supervision;  a  Univer 
sity,  in  which  education  was  free,  governed  by  a  Board  of  Regents,  now  elected  by  the  people, 
with  a  local  Faculty;  branches  of  the  University,  and  a  system  of  Primary  Schools,  under  the 
management  of  Township  officers,  designated  Inspectors  of  Primary  Schools,  and  district 
officers,  known  as  Moderator,  Director  and  Assessor  of  the  school  district.  It  did  not  con 
template  the  creation  of  other  incorporated  literary  institutions;  but  as  their  establishment 
is  based  upon  influences  which  must  always  continue  to  exist,  and  be  more  or  less  power 
ful,  charters  were  subsequently  granted  to  these  institutions.  Having  received  such  charters, 
they  are  legitimately  embraced  in  the  system  of  Public  Instruction,  and  in  most  instances,  as 
they  should  be  in  all,  made  subject  to  the  visitation  of  the  Superintendent,  and  required  to 
make  to  him  an  annual  report.  The  institutions  and  officers  as  above  enumerated,  have  con 
stituted  the  educational  working  force  of  Michigan  for  the  first  fifteen  years  of  its  existence. 
To  these  has  been  added  by  the  Legislature  of  1850,  a  State  Normal  School,  the  exclusive  pur 
poses  of  which  are  defined  in  the  organic  law,  to  be  "  the  instruction  of  all  persons,  both 
male  and  female,  in  the  art  of  teaching,  and  in  all  the  various  branches  that  pertain  to  a  good 
common  school  education;  also  to  give  instruction  in  the  arts  of  husbandry  and  agricultural 
chemistry — in  the  fundamental  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  in  what  regards  the  rights  and 
duties  of  citizens."  This  school  is  under  the  government  of  a  Board  of  Education,  con 
sisting  of  three  members,  and  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  who  are  elected 
by  the  people.  The  requisite  main  building  has  been  erected,  at  an  expense  of  over  twenty 
thousand  dollars,  thirteen  thousand  of  Avhich  was  subscribed  and  paid  by  the  citizens  of 
Ypsikuiti,  where  the  school  is  located.  This  institution  will  be  put  into  operation  in  the 
course  of  the  coming  fall  or  spring,  when  the  principal  and  requisite  teachers  will  be  em 
ployed,  and  its  course  of  studies  announced. 

By  an  act  of  the  Legislature  approved  June  23d,  1851,  all  State  officers  from  whom  reports 
are  required  to  be  made  to  the  Legislature,  are  to  report  for  the  year  1851  to  the  Governor  of 
the  State.  Under  an  act  prescribing  the  duties  of  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  it  is 
provided  that  he  shall  annually  prepare  and  transmit  to  the  Governor  a  report  containing: 

1.  A  statement  of  the  condition  of  the  University  and  its  branches;  of  all  incorporated  lite 
rary  institutions  and  of  the  primary  schools. 

2.  Estimates  and  amounts  of  expenditures  of  tho  school  money. 

3.  Plans  for  the  improvement  and  management  of  all  educational  funds,  and  for   the  better 
organization  of  the  educational  system,  if  in  his  opinion  tho  same  be  required. 

4.  The  condition  of  the  Normal  School. 


XI 

5.  All  such  other  matters  relating  to  his  office  and  the  subject  of  education  generally,  as  he 
shall  deem  expedient  to  communicate. 

By  the  third  section  of  the  act  referred  to,  it  is  also  made  the  duDy  of  the  Superintendent 
to  prepare  and  cause  to  be  printed  with  the  laws  relating  to  primary  schools,  all  necessary 
forms,  regulations  and  instructions  for  conducting  ail  proceedings  under  said  laws,  and  tranfc- 
mit  the  same  with  such  instructions  relative  to  the  organization  and  government  of  such 
schools,  and  the  course  of  studies  proper  to  be  pursued  therein,  as  he  may  deem  advisable^ 
to  the  several  officers  intrusted  with  their  management  and  care.  Having  in  view  the  ac 
complishment  of  the  work  required  in  both  of  the  acts  alluded  to,  it  has  been  deemed  both  a 
measure  of  economy  and  a  means  of  disseminating  m  the  best  form  all  information  in 
relation  to  our  system  of  Public  Instruction,  to  combine  the  material  of  the  annual  report 
required  by  law,  arid  tin  primary  school  law,  with  notes  and  forms,  iu  one  document. 
The  legislature,  in  the  law  of  June  1851,  made  provision  for  au  extensive  distribution  of  the 
annual  report,  providing  that  one  copy  should  l>e  furnished  to  each  township  library,  one  to 
each  county  clerk  and  treasurer,  ten  to  each  city,  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  the  State  Library, 
one  to  each  school  district  in  the  State,  rive  hundred  for  binding,  and  one  hundred  for  the  use 
of  the  office.  By  the  provisions  of  section  3,  the  school  law  is  to  be  transmitted  to  the  several 
officers  entrusted  with  the  management  and  care  of  the  schools.  For  this  purpose  an  addi 
tional  number  of  copies  have  been  printed,  and  also  a  sufficient  number  in  addition  to  supply 
the  demands  which  are  constantly  arising  for  copies  of  the  school  law,  from  time  to  time,  un 
til  another  edition  shall  be  required,  which,  with  the  present  prospect  of  permanency  in  the 
law,  will  not  probably  be  for  some  years.  As  this  document  is  intended  therefore  as  a  perma 
nent  one  for  reference  by  school  officers,  it  has  been  deemed  essential  and  of  vital  importance 
to  the  successful  doveiopement  of  our  system  to  embrace  in  it  not  only  the  school  laws  with 
notes  and  forms,  but  all  such  information  connected  with  the  system,  relating  to  the  Univer 
sity,  and  all  of  our  institutions  of  learning,  and  the  progress  of  education  in  the  State,  as 
would  afford  a  full  knowledge  of  the  subject,  to  our  people,  and  to  the  citizens  of  other  States , 
whose  interest  on  the  subject  is  identical  with  ours,  in  ail  that  relates  co  educational  achieve 
ment. 

The  document  partakes  of  the  character  of  a  compilation.  The  object  has  been  to  put  to 
gether  in  permanent  form  such  experience  and  facts  as  would  lead  to  a  knowledge  of  what 
has  been  attained  in  the  past,  and  from  this,  to  be  better  enabled  to  make  progress  in  the  fu 
ture.  It  has  been  the  design  faithfully  to  record  the  acts  of  those  who  have  taken  a  part  in 
the  educational  career  and  affairs  of  the  State.  The  past  is  thus  secure.  :uid  its  history  is 
here  unfolded  in  the  acts  of  our  successive  Chief  Magistrates,  Legislators,  Board  of  Regents  , 
successive  Superintendents  of  Public  Instruction,  Board  of  Visitors,  and  friends  of  educa 
tion. 

It  will  be  perceived  by  those  who  take  an  interest  in  perusing  our  past  educational  history, 
that  the  efforts  of  each  successive  officer  have  been  attended  with  manifest  improvement.  Tc 
ascertain  what  course  to  pursue  to  ensure  progress  and  stability  in  a  system  of  education 
wliich  was  to  survive  long  after  those  who  had  participated  in  its  creation  and  early 
progress  have  passed  from  the  field  of  action  and  labor,  must  of  necessity  be  the  work 
of  time  and  reflection.  The  charge  of  such  a  system  can  not  fail  to  be  felt  as  one 
of  the  most  solemn  and  responsible  in  worldly  affairs,  requiring  investigation  and  thought, 
and  a  thorough  practical  knowledge  of  and  acquaintance  with  whatever  relates  to  education 
generally,  but  of  the  workings  of  the  system  established  for  its  promotion.  Theory  and  ex 
periment  merely  were  believed  to  he  an  uncertain  basis  for  practical  improvement.  The  re 
ports  which  have  been  made  from  year  to  year  from  the  Department  of  Public  Instruction, 
have  not  been  made  permanent  documents,  and  the  facts  which  they  successively  develop 
were  neither  preserved,  nor  can  they  be  referred  to,  except  among  the  documents  iu  the  Li 
brary  at  the  Capitol.  The  annual  reports  of  the  present  incumbent  to  the  Legislature  haw 
be«n  confined  chiefly  to  the  consideration  of  suc.h  subjects  as  seemed  to  require  legislation  to  p«* 


Xil 

feet  the  system,  tvithout  hazarding  schemes  fur  further  impro^L'raeiit,  till  time  and  experience, 
gained  from  a  knowledge  of  the  subject  and  of  the  past,  would  be  most  likely  tu  make  sug 
gestions  for  the  future,  partake  of  a  wise,  beneficial  and  permanent  character.  To  jit  himself 
for  the  performance  of  the  duties  devolving  upon  him,  in  a  manner  worthy  the  efforts  of  the 
people,  was  believed  by  the  present  incumbent  to  be  the  first  requisite  and  surest  process  for 
improvement  in  all  other  respects;  and  if  in  doing  this,  other  active  and  outward  labors  in 
the  field,  in  the  shape  of  lectures  and  personal  visitations,  have  been  precluded,  it  is  never 
theless  the  deduction  of  his  own  reason,  and  the  conviction  of  his  own  judgment,  that  the 
documentary  history  of  our  educational  affairs  was  of  first  importance,  and  that  permanent 
good,  and  the  utmost  utility  are  best  secured  in  the  outset,  by  studying  thoroughly  to  understand 
and  to  perfect  our  system  of  Public  Instruction;  by  watching  the  operations  of  the  laws  rela 
ting  to  that  system;  by  adapting  them  to  the  wants  of  the  people  and  the  requirements  of  the 
age,  until  such  time  as  it  shall  work  with  entire  harmony  and  develop  the  greatest  amount  of 
good.  Other  duties  may  be  no  less  useful,  and  perhaps  more  agreeable,  but  the  gen 
eral  supervision  of  the  system,  (enlarging  in  its  scop>e  and  sphere  of  operations  from  year  to 
year,)  both  in  general  and  in  detail,  so  as  to  render  it  easy  of  execution  in  all  its  parts,  and  ca 
pable  of  being  readily  comprehended  and  understood  by  those  who  execute  the  laws,  espe 
cially  those  relating  to  our  primary  schools,  is  above  all  other  things  indispensable  to  real  and 
permanent  improvement.  In  vain  may  public  attention  be  aroused  and  public  interest  exci 
ted  in  behalf  of  education,  if  the  system  adopted  be  insufficient  to  meet  the  requirements 
and  wants  of  the  people  and  of  the  age,  or  so  faulty  as  to  be  incapable  of  executing  itself 
with  the  least  degree  of  burthen  to  those  whose  time  and  labor  have  to  be  for  the  most  part 
gratuitously  devoted  to  the  local  management  of  the  schools. 

The  history  of  the  University  of  Michigan  forms  an  important  portion  of  the  sketch  on 
Public  Instruction.  An  important  change  had  taken  place  in  the  organic  law,  by  which  ite 
management  was  changed  from  a  Board  of  Regents  appointed  by  the  Governor  and  Senate,  to 
a  Board  elected  by  the  people.  The  institution  has  passed  through  a  series  of  reverses  since 
its  organization,  and  it  was  deemed  important  to  afford  facilities  of  examination  as  to  the  cau 
ses,  by  referring  with  minuteness  to  the  management  of  its  affairs  from  year  to  year.  But  the 
main  reason  for  including  in  this  document  so  full  and  detailed  account  of  its  rise  and  pro- 
gross,  has  been  to  diffuse  among  the  people,  for  whose  benefit  the  fund  was  granted,  that 
knowledge  concerning  it,  of  which  they  have  been  mostly  deprived,  and  on  account  of  which, 
there  lias  not  been  felt  that  warm  sympathy  with  the  institution  which  has  beon  felt  for  the 
Primary  Schools.  That  it  has  not  accomplished  all  that  could  be  desired,  is  beyond  question: 
but  with  future  good  management,  by  the  exercise  of  prudence,  wisdom,  and  discretion  on 
the  part  of  the  Regents  in  the  appointment  of  a  president,  and  the  re-organization  of 
the  department  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts,  there  is  no  reason  why  it  should 
not  be  ||  filled  with  students,  and  fulfill  the  objects  of  its  high  mission  with  the  most 
abundant  and  satisfactory  success.  But  two  departments,  as  yet,  have  been  organized — that 
of  literature,  science  and  the  arts,  and  that  of  medicine.  The  medical  department  stands 
upon  a  footing  of  the  highest  order.  Although  yet  in  its  infancy,  it  has  taken  high -rank  in 
the  medical  world;  its  course  of  studios  is  of  the  severest  order;  the  discipline  exacted,  of 
such  u  character  as  to  unfold  the  faculties  of  thought,  investigation,  reflection  and  the  power 
of  reasoning,  analyzing  and  comparing,  while  the  general  advantages  offered  to  the  medical 
student  are  not  surpassed  by  those  of  any  other  institution  in  the  United  States.  The  deter 
mination  of  the  Board  of  Regents,  and  of  the  Medical  Faculty,  to  place  this  department  upon 
the  highest  basis  of  improvement,  is  worthy  of  all  commendation  and  praise. 

A  statement  of  the  expenditures  and  receipts  of  the  University  from  its  commencement  in 
"1837,  to  December  31,  1851,  will  be  found  in  the  appendix.  The  whole  amount  of  disburse- 
mente  for  all  purposes  up  to  this  period  is  two  hundred  and  eighty-six  thousand,  nine  hundred 


xm 

and  twenty-eight  dollars  and  twenty-two  cent*.  The  revised  law  relating  to  the  University 
does  not  provide,  as  the  first  law  did,  for  the  establishment  of  a  branch  for  the  purpose  of  Fe 
male  Education;  but  in  this  department,  to  which  the  public  mind  has  not  yet  been  sufficient 
ly  directed,  the  wants  of  the  State  will  doubtless  be  met  by  the  various  institutions  which 
have  been  established  without  the  aid  of  the  State.  The  revised  constitution  provides  that  the 
Legislature  may  appropriate  the  twenty-two  sections  of  salt  spring  lands  now  unappropriated, 
or  the  money  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  same,  where  such  lands  have  already  been  sold,  and 
any  laud  which  may  hereafter  be  granted  or  appropriated  for  such  purpose,  for  the  support 
and  maintenance  of  an  agricultural  school;  and  such  school  may  be  made  a  branch  of  the 
University,  for  instruction  in  agriculture  aud  the  natural  sciences  connected  therewith,  and 
placed  under  the  direction  of  the  Regents. 

Those  institutions  which  are  denominated  INCORPORATED  LITKKAKY  INSTITUTIONS,  a  list  of  which 
will  be  found  under  that  title,  in  the  index,  are  institutions  which  receive  no  pecuniary  aid  from 
the  State.  They  are  the  result  of  the  enterprize  and  zeal  of  various  denominations  and  com 
munities,  and  are  of  a  higher  grade  than  institutions  of  a  similar  character,  in  most  of  the 
States. 

The  origin  and  progress  of  the  PRIMARY  SCHOOLS  may  be  traced  from  year  to  year  through 
out  this  volume.  The  first  primary  school  law  of  the  State  of  Michigan  was  approved  on  the 
20th  day  of  March,  1837,  and  provided  for  supporting  the  schools  by  a  tax  upon  the  taxable 
property  of  the  district,  in  proportion  to  its  valuation,  which  was  to  be  ascertained  by  a 
transcript  of  the  township  assessment  roll;  thus  virtually  making  the  basis  of  a  system  of 
FREE  SCHOOLS.  The  early  legislation  of  the  State  upon  the  subject  of  primary  schools  was 
subjected  to  repeated  change,  from  the  difficulty  of  adapting  a  law  to  the  circumstances  of  a 
people  in  a  new  country.  Of  late  years  there  has  been  a  gradual  approach  to  stability  and 
permanency.  The  law  is  working  well  in  the  main,  and  any  radical  change  in  the  system  ie 
peculiarly  to  be  deprecated.  The  debates  in  the  Convention  to  revise  the  constitution  were  con 
sidered  an  important  portion  of  our  educational  history,  and  will  be  found  under  the  proper 
hoad.  The  main  feature  of  the  revised  constitution,  in  relation  to  primary  schools,  is  the 
Clause  whicl/requires  that  the  Legislature  shall,  within  five  years  from  its  adoption,  provide 
for  and  establish  a  system  of  primary  schools,  whereby  a  school  shall  be  kept  without  charge 
for  tuition,  at  least  three  months  in  each  year,  in  every  school  district  in  the  State,  and  aH 
instruction  is  to  be  conducted  in  the  English  language.  A  school  must  be  maintained  in  each 
school  year  at  least  three  months,  or  it  is  deprived  the  ensuing  year  of  its  proportion  of  the 
income  of  the  primary  school  fund,  and  of  all  funds  arising  from  taxes  for  the  support  of 
schools. 

Under  the  law,  it  is  made  the  duty  of  the  supervisor  of  each  township  to  assess  the  taxes 
voted  by  every  school  district  in  his  township,  and  all  other  taxes  provided  for  in  the  law 
chargeable  against  such  district  or  township,  upon  the  taxable  property  of  the  district  or 
township  respectively,  and  to  place  the  same  in  the  township  assessment  roil.  It  was  made 
the  duty  of  the  supervisor  also,  to  assess  upon  the  taxable  property  of  his  township,  one  mill 
on  each  dollar  of  valuation  thereof  in  each  year,  and  after  deducting  from  the  amount  thus 
raised,  twenty-five  dollars  for  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  library,  the  remainder  is  to  be 
apportioned  to  the  several  districts  in  the  township  for  the  support  of  schools  therein.  Th& 
Legislature  of  1850,  iri  order  to  carry  out  the  provisions  of  the  constitution  for  free  schools, 
in  pursuance  of  the  recommendation  of  the  Superintendent,  increased  the  amount  required 
to  be  assessed  by  the  supervisor,  to  two  mills.  In  consequence  of  imperfect  and  partial  re 
turns  heretofore,  it  has  been  impossible  to  determine  the  amount  which  has  been  actually  as 
sessed.  The  duty  in  some  instances  has  been  neglected  by  supervisors,  and  while  with  one 
mill  on  the  dollar's  valuation,  it  should  raise  some  thirty  thousand  dollars,  the  returns  for 
several  years  show  that  only  some  seventeen  thousand  have  been  assessed.  Provision  has 
been  made  for  more  accurate  and  full  returns.  The  supervisors,  for  the  first  time,  during  the 


XIV 

past  year  assessed  upon  the  taxable  property  tho  stun  of  two  mills  oil  each  dollar  of  the  val 
uation,  and  statements  of  the  amounts  thus  assessed  will  be  returned  to  the  office  of  Public 
Instruction  in  the  month  of  November  next,  when  a  reliable  estimate  may  be  made  as  to  what 
further  legislation  may  be  required  to  carry  out  the  provisions  of  the  constitution.  The 
trouble  in  older  States  has  been  to  regulate  the  detail  of  a  Free  School  Law.  In  Michigan 
the  change  in  the  system  is  unfelt.  The  transition  from  the  old  law  to  the  requirements  of 
the  constitution,  is  accompanied  with  na  confusion,  and  the  system  of  taxation  to  accomplish 
the  purpose  of  Free  Schools  is  as  equal  and  just  as  it  is  possible  to  make  it. 

The  sources  of  revenue  for  the  support  of  primary  schools  are,  1st:  tho  income  of  the 
primary  school  fund,  which  for  the  past  year  has  amounted  to  over  fifty-seven  thousand  dol 
lars.  Tho  total  sale  of  school  lands  for  the  last  year  lias  amounted  to  §83,449  89,  being  an  in 
crease  over  last  year  of  nearly  sixty-seven  per  cent.  The  school  fund  itself  now  amounts  t® 
over  $81 1,000  00.  '2d.  A  tax  of  two  mills  upon  each  dollar's  valuation  of  the  taxable  property  of 
the  township.  3d.  A  tax  not  exceeding  one  dollar  a  scholar,  voted  by  the  district  and  collected 
and  returned  in  the  same  manner  as  other  township  taxes.  The  existing  law  provides  for  a  rate 
bill  to  make  up  any  deficiency.  This  law  will  require  change  or  modification  when  the 
present  constitutional  provisions  are  fully  carried  out. 

Tabular  statements  will  be  found  in  the  appendix,  showing  the  amount  raised  for  various 
school  purposes  in  Michigan,  during  the  year  last  past.  The  whole  number  of  school  districts 
in  the  State  is  three  thousand  three  hundred  and  seven.  The  whole  number  of  children  resi 
ding  in  school  districts  where  a  school  has  been  taught  for  three  months,  is  one  hundred  and 
forty-three  thousand,  two  hundred  and  twenty-two.  The  apportionment  of  the  income  of 
the  primary  school  fund  is  based  upon  this  number,  instead  of  the  number  which  are  actually 
in  attendance  on  the  schools,  the?  latter  being  one  hundred  and  fifteen  thousand,  one  hundred 
and  sixty-five.  Whether  a  change  in  the  system  of  apportionment,  based  upon  actual  atten 
dance,  would  not  be  the  means  of  greatly  increasing  the  usefulness  of  our  system,  and  be  oth 
erwise  beneficial,  is  a  question  which  should  deserve  the  consideration  of  the  people.  The 
whole  armmnt  that  has  been  paid  to  teachers  in  the  State,  during  tho  past  year,  is  one  hun 
dred  and  fifty-four  thousand,  four  hundred  and  sixty-nine  dollars  and  thirty  cents.  N  The  whole 
amount  of  money  raised  by  the  districts  was  one  hundred  and  thirty  thousand,  one  hundred 
and  ninety-six  dollars  and  thirty-eight  cents.  There  has  been  raised  for  the  following  purpo 
ses,  viz: 

Building  School  Houses $57,348  52 

Repairing     "  "         11,205  00 

For  past  indebtedness 9,108  34 

For  other  purposes 4,112  90 

On  rate  bill, 69,035  37 

The  whole  number  of  volumes  in  the  township  libraries,  as  reported,  is  ninety-seven  thou 
sand,  one  hundred  and  fifty-eight.  The  amount  of  mill  tax  reported  is  seventeen  thousand 
one  hundred  and  forty  dollars  and  fifty-nine  cents.  The  returns  of  this  item  are  erroneous, 
or  if  not,  a  large  number  of  tho  Supervisors  have  neglected  to  assess  the  tax.  Tho  probability 
is  that  the  deficiency  mainly  arises  from  the  neglect  of  the  inspectors  to  report  the  amounts  to 
the  Superintendent. 

An  important  and  laborious  part  of  the  work  has  been  the  preparation  of  the  notes  and 
forms  to  the  Primary  School  Law.  The  notes  have  been  based  upon  the  queries  submitted  to 
this  office  by  school  officers  from  time  to  time,  and  embrace  most  of  the  questions  that  arise 
in  the  districts,  so  fur  as  it  is  competent  and  proper  for  this  department  to  give  its  decisions. 
As  there  is  no  law  requiring  such  decisions,  they  are  to  be  considered  advisory,  but  they  are 
believed  to  be  legally  correct,  and  it  is  earnestly  hoped  will  be  found  of  use,  and  be  the  means 
«f  avoiding  much  trouble  and  difficulty.  Access  has  been  had  to  the  volume  of  decisions  pub 
lished  by  the  Superintendent  of  Common  Schools  of  the  State  of  New  York,  and  also  to  the 
Massachusetts  and  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut  decisions.  The  opinions  and  views  of  the 


XV 

school  officers  of  these  States  have  been  adopted  and  published,  so  far  as  they  were  applicable 
to  the  laws  of  Michigan;  and  full  liberty  has  been  taken  to  incorporate  into  the  work,  the 
opinions  and  views  of  the  Superintendents  of  our  own  State,  upon  subjects  connected  with  the 
interests  of  the  schools. 

The  communications  in  relation  to  the  UNION  SCHOOLS  in  the  appendix,  do  not  embrace  an 
account  of  all  that  have  been  established,  and  more  full  information  in  relation  to  this  impor 
tant  branch  of  our  system  will  have  to  be  left  for  tho  future.  This  class  of  schools  deserve 
the  particular  attention  of  the  people.  They  are  destined  to  fill  up  the  space  now  left  between 
the  University  and  the  Primary  Schools,  and  while  they  preserve  the  character  of  Primary 
Schools,  they  are  calculated  to  afford  all  the  advantages  of  higher  Seminaries  of  Learning. 

In  concluding  this  general  summary  of  the  work  now  accomplished,  it  affords  a  satisfactory 
reflection  that  the  subject  of  Education  has  received  so  large  a  share  of  attention  from  the 
successive  Chief  Magistrates  of  the  State,  and  from  successive  Legislative  bodies;  and  the  re 
wards  for  the  time  and  labor  expended  in  gathering  up  the  history  of  our  educational  achiev- 
ments,  will  be  ample  and  sufficient,  if  the  object  for  which  it  was  designed  shall  be  success 
fully  accomplished,  in  tho  promotion  of  the  cause  of  Education  and  the  development  of  our 
system  of  Public  Instruction.  It  is  a  source  of  high  gratification  that  your  Excellency  ha  s 
fully  appreciated  the  importance  of  the  subject,  and  that  in  the  accomplishment  of  the  pnr- 
pose  designed,  the  undersigned  has  received  your  Excellency's  strong  encouragement  and 
support. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully, 

Your  ob't  friend  and  servant. 

FRANCIS  W.  SHEARMAN, 

Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction, 
Lansing.  May  1,  165-2. 


F  A  R  T  I . 

ORIGIN*  PROGRESS.  ASB»  PRESENT  CONDITION 

OF 

PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION  IN  MICHIGAN. 

UONbAttbSK'NAL    A.\U    TEtlP.ITOlllAL    LKOISLATiOii    KUOM    1785     TO   1836. 

The  foundation  upon  which  the  educational  superstructure  of  Mich  - 
igan,  and  the  other  States  comprised  in  that  section  of  our  country, 
known  as  the  north-west  territory,  has  been  raised,  was  laid  in  aa 
ordinance  of  the  Congress  of  the  Confederation,  in  the  year  1785, 
entitled  an  ordinance  for  ascertaining  the  mode  of  disposing  of  the 
lands  in  the  western  territory.  By  its  provisions,  lot  numbered  sis- 
teen,  of  every  township,  was  reserved  for  ;he  maintenance  of  the 
public  schools  within  such  township. 

The  greatest  division  of  land,  according  to  the  uniform  method 
of  survey  of  the  public  lands,  contains  the  quantity  of  23,040  acres. 
This  is  called  a  township,  and  is  six  English  or  American  miles 
square,  and  is  subdivided  into  thirty-six  equal  divisions,  or  square 
miles  by  lines  crossing  each  other,  called  sections.  The  section  con 
tains  640  acres,  and  is  subdivided  into  four  parts,  called  quarter  sec 
tions,  each  of  which  contains  160  acres.  The  quarter  sections  are 
subdivided  into  two  equal  parts,  containing  80  acres,  each  called 
half  quarter  sections,  or  eighths  of  sections,  which  is  the  smallest  sub 
division.  Every  sixteenth  section  of  land  as  here  described,  was  re 
served  by  the  ordinance,  for  the  support  of  schools,  amounting  to  the 
one  thirty-sixth  part  of  the  public  land?. 

1 


"The  plan,"  snys  the  venerable  Gov.  Woodbridge,  late  Senator 
in  Congress  from  Michigan,  in  a  letter  to  this  department,  "in  its  ap 
plication  to  the  *  Western  Country,'  had  doubtless  been  predetermine 
ed,  though  of  course  not  authoritatively  disclosed  before  the  treaty 
of  peace,  and  before  the  cessions  from  the  States.  After  these  events, 
and  when  the  title  of  ihe  General  Government  was  no  longer  dispu 
ted,  a  more  definite  form  w«s  given  to  it.  The  application  of  the 
one  thirty-sixth  part  of  each  surveyed  township  for  the  support  of 
common  schools  within  such  township,  first  appears  in  a  formal  ordi 
nance  of.  the  old  Congress  of  Miy,  178").  All  subsequent  acts  of 
general  legislation  both  before  and  after  the  adoption  of  the  consti 
tution,  affirm  the  plan,  and  indicate  a  scrupulous  adherence  to  the 
principles  of  it,  as  indeed  every  sentiment  of  common  honesty,  as 
well  as  sound  public  policy,  required.  The  United  States  were  deeplf 
in  debt,  and  it  was  an  enquiry  of  the  greatest  solicitude  among  all 
public  men  in  those  days,  by  what  possible  means  that  debt  could  be 
paid.  After  the  treaty  of  peace,  and  especially  after  the  cessions  from 
the  States,  the  immense  public  domain,  which,  without  further  doubt, 
was  then  by  common  consent,  admitted  to  be  subject  to  the  disposi 
tion  of  the  United  States,  was  regarded  as  one  certain,  and  perhaps 
the  most  productive,  of  all  the  means,  applicable  to  that  object,  in 
their  power.  In  these  circumstances  it  was  expedient  to  adopt  a 
system  which  should  hold  out  strong  inducements  to  purchasers,  ia 
order  to  realize  any  revenue  from  its  sale.  Such  policy  was  also  en 
forced,  by  the  consideration  that  no  adequate  protection  could  be 
given  to  the  then  frontier  States,  until  extended  settlements  in  that 
western  country  should  have  tirst  dislodged  trom  it  permanently,  the- 
hostile  savages.  Influenced  by  such  considerations,  the  old  Congress 
passed  its  ordinance  of  1785.  This  was  in  fact,  an  invitation  to  ail 
the  world  to  buy;  and  among  other  inducements  held  out,  it  was 
therein  promised  to  all  who  should  go  out  and  settle  there,  that  one 
thirty-sixth  p-irt  of  the  whole  country  should  be  applied  forever,  as  a 
fund  for  the  advancement  of  EDUCATION.  It  contained  a  promise  to 
all  who  should  buy  there — it  Amounted  to  a  solemn  covenant  with 
each  purchaser  and  settlor  in  every  township,  that  he  and  his  poster 
ity  forever,  should  in  all  future  time,  in  common  with  the  other  set 
tlers  in  the  township,  be  entitled  to  the  usufruct  of  that  fund,  as  a 
means  of  educating  his  children.  What  an  inducement  was  this 
with  the  father  of  a  family,  to  go  out  and  settle  there!" 

In  1787  the  ordinance  was  passed,  establishing  rules  and  regula 
tions  for  the  government  of  the  Territory.  The  provisions  of  the 
prior  ordinance  were  respected;  and  it  was  further  declared  that 
"RELIGION,  MORALITY  and  KNOWLEDGE,  being  necessary  to  goad 
government,  and  the  happiness  of  mankind,  SCHOOLS,  and  the  means 
of  EDUCATION  shall  forever  be  encouraged." 

The  negotiations  which  led  to  the  first  appropriations  for  Univer 
sity  purposes  in  the  Northwest  Territory  were  commenced  in  tlie 


year  1786  by  the  Ohio  company,  and  concluded  the  following  year 
by  a  contract  for  the  purchase  of  one  and  a  half  millions  of  acres  of 
the  public  lands.  In  this  contnct  in  aldition  to  a  reservation  for 
schools  and  religious  purposes,  was  a  provision  for  the  grant  of  two 
entire  townships  as  an  endowment  for  a  University.  These  two 
townships  were  selected  together  at  Athens,  in  Ohio,  and  the  Univer 
sity  located  upon  them.  The  year  after,  John  Cleves  8y minus,  of 
New  Jersey,  and  his  associates,  made  application  for  the  purchase  of 
another  large  tract  of  lanJ,  which  comprehended  what  is  now  Cin 
cinnati.  In  this  contract  provision  was  also  made,  besides  every 
section  16  for  school  and  every  section  29  for  religious  purposes,  for 
an  appropriation  of  one  entire  township  for  a  University.  It  was  a 
fjonditiou  of  the  contract  between  the  government  and  the  purchasers 
of  the  tract  that  within  seven  years  from  the  completion  of  the  sur 
rey,  unless  In  Jim  irruptions  rendered  it  impracticable,  they 
should  lay  off  the  whole  contract  at  their  own  expense,  into  townships 
and  fractional  parts  of  townships  and  divide  the  same  into  lots  ac- 
eordin<r  to  the  land  ordinance  of  1785.  Lot  numbered  16  in  each 

O 

township,  or  fractional  part  of  a  township,  was  given  perpetually 
for  the  purposes  of  EDUCATION.  Lot  No.  *29  in  each  township  was 
granted  perpetually  for  the  purposes  of  RELIUION.  Lots  No,  8,  11 
and  '26,  were  reserved  for  the  future  disposition  of  Congress.  One 
entire  township  was  granted  perpetually  for  the  purpose  of  an  acad 
emy  or  college, 

In  1788  the  quantity  of  land  lirst  applied  for  by  JiHge  Syinmes, 
was  reduced  by  a  subsequent  contract,  to  one  million  of  acres  and  the 
fight  to  a  college  township  thereby  lost. 

The  provisions  for  seminaries  of  learning  and  for  the  other  new  States 
and  Territories,  are  foun  1  in  an  act  of 'Congress  of  1804,  one  entire 
township  being  reserved  for  that  purpose.  In  this  act  provision  is 
made  for  such  a  reservation  in  that  portion  of  the  Western  Territory 
which  is  now  Michigan. 

In  1817  the  administration  of  the  territorial  government  being 
vested  in  a  Governor  and  Judges,  the  following  law  which  may  be 
viewed  MS  a  curiosity  in  the  history  of  education,  both  on  account  of 
its  peculiarity  of  language  and  the  means  provided  for  its  support, 
was  adopted.  It  was,  however,  no  unusual  thing  at  that  early  day, 


arid  is  not  so  now,  in  many  of  the  Stakes  to  providt  for  the  estab 
lishment  of  literary  institutions,  schools  and  colleges,  and  for  benev 
olent  and  religious  enterprises  and  purposes,  by  the  organization  of 
lotteries.  The  law  was  adopted  and  published  from  the  laws  of  tb« 
seven  original  States  mentioned  in  the  last  clause,  by  reason  of  a 
provision  of  the  Ordinance  of  1787,  that  the  laws  which  the  Governor 
and  Judges  made  and  published,  both  civil  and  criminal,  were  to  be 
so  taken,  and  suited  t»>  the  circumstances  of  the  Territory,  and  repor 
ted  to  and  sanction^.  1  by  Congress,  until  the  people  were  entitled  tc 
the  organization  of  a  General  Assembly. 

AM   ACT  to  ».'*;..iblwh  the   Catholepistemitti,   or   V  Diversity  of  Micbt- 

ania. 


Be  It  qtwcted  by  the  Governor  andt/u  Judyw  <.f  ihe  Territory  of 

That  there  shall  be  in  the  said  Territory  a  CatholepisU-miad,  or 


University,  denominated  the  Catholepisteim-U  or  University  of  Mieh- 
igania.  The  Catholepistemiad  or  University  of  Michigania  shall  be 
composed  of  thirteen  Didaxum,  or  Professorships;  iirst.  a  Didaxitj, 
or  Professorship  of  Catholepistemia,  or  universal  science,  ihe  Didae 
tor  or  professor  of  which  shall  be  President  of  the  Institution;  set- 
ond,  a  Didaxia  or  professorship  of  Anthropoglossica.  or  literature 
embracing  all  the  Epistemum  or  sciences  relative  to  language;  third, 
a  Didaxia  or  professorship  of  Mathematica,  or  Mathematics;  fourth, 
a  Didaxia,  or  professorship  of  Physiognostiea  or  Natural  History; 
fifth,  a  Didaxia.  or  professorship  of  Physiosophiea  or  Natural  Phi 
losophy;  sixth,  ti  Didaxia  or  professorship  of  Astronomic  or  Astron 
omy;  seventh,  a  Didaxia  or  professorship  of  Chymia,  or  Chemistry; 
eighth,  a  Didaxiu  or  professorship  latuc-'i,  or  M^dwal  Sciences;  ninth, 
a  Didaxia  or  professorship  of  oeconomia,  or  economical  sciences; 
tenth,  a  Didaxia  or  professorship  of  .Ethica,  or  Ethical  Sciences; 
eleventh,  a  Didaxia  or  professorship  of  Polernitactica,  or  Military 
Sciences;  twelfth,  a  Didaxia  or  professorship  of  Diegetic  i,  or  Histor 
ical  Sciences,  and  thirteenth,  a  Didaxia  or  professorship  of  Ennoeica, 
OT  Intellectual  Sciences,  embracing  all  the  Kpistemum  or  sciences 
relative  to  the  minds  of  animals,  to  the  human  mind,  to  spiritual 
existence,  to  the  Deity,  and  to  Religion;  the  Did  ac  tor  or  professoi 
of  which  shall  be  Vice  President  of  the  Institution.  The  Di- 
dactors  or  professors  shall  be  appointed  and  commissioned  by  the 
Governor.  There  shall  be  paid  from  the  Treasury  of  Michigan,  iu 
quarterly  payments,  to  the  ['resident  of  the  Institution,  and  to  each 
Didactor  or  Professor,  an  annual  salary  to  be  from  time  to  time 
ascertained  by  law.  More  than  one  Didaxia  or  professorship  may  b« 
conferred  upon  the  same  person.  The  President  and  Didactors,  OF 
professors,  or  a  majority  of  them  assembled,  shall  have  power  to  reg 
ulate  all  the  concerns  of  the  Institution,  to  enact  laws  for  that  pur 
pose,  to  Rue,  to  be  sued,  to  acquire,  to  hold  and  to  aliene  property, 
veal,  mixed  nnd  personal,  to  make,  to  use  and  to  alter  a  seal,  ro  estab- 


iiish  colleges?,  academies,  schools,  libraries,  musueums,  a  then  a*  urns,  Bo- 
fcanic  gardens,  labaratories,  and  other  useful  literary  and  scientific  in 
stitutions,  consonant  to  the  laws  of  the  United  States  of  America,  and 
of  Michigan,  and  to  appoint  officers,  instructors  and  instructri.  in 
;imong  and*  through  out  the  various  counties,  cities,  towns,  townships, 
and  other  geographical  divisions  of  Michigan.  Their  name  and  style 
as  pc  corporation,  shall  be  "The  Catholepistemiad  or  University  of 
PHichigania."  To  every  subordinate  instructor  and  instruxtrix,  ap 
pointed  by  the  Catholepistemiad  or  University,  there  shall  be  paid  from 
the  treasury  of  Michigan,  in  quarterly  payments,  an  annual  salary,  to 
be,  from  time  to  time,  ascertained  by  law.  The  existing  public  taxes 
are  hereby  increased  fifteen  per  cent.:  and  from  the  proceeds  of  the 
present,  and  of  all  future  public  taxes  fifteen  per  cent,  are  appropriated 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Catholepistemiad  or  University.  The  Treasurer 
of  Michigan  shall  keep  a  separate  account  of  the  University  fund. 
The  Gatholepistemiad  or  University  may  prepare  and  draw  four  suc 
cessive  lotteries,  deducting  from  the  prizes  in  the  same  fifteen  per 
®ent.  for  the  benefit  of  the  Institution.  The  proceeds  of  the  prece 
ding*  sources  of  revenue,  and  of  all  subsequent,  shall  be  applied,  in 
die  first  instance,  to  the  acquisition  of  suitable  hmds  and  buildings, 
md  book:;,  libraries  and  apparatus,  and  afterwards  to  such  purposes 
as  shall  be,  from  time  to  time,  by  law  directed.  The  Honorarium  for 
a  course  of  lectures,  shall  not  exceed  fifteen  dollars:  for  classical 
instruction,  ten  dollars  a  quarter,  and  for  ordinary  instruction,  six 
dollars  a  quarter.  If  the  Judges  of  the  court  of  any  county,  or  a 
majority  of  them,  shall  certify  that  the  parent  or  guardian  of  any 
person  has  not  adequate  means  to  defray  the  expense  of  suitable 
Instruction,  and  that-  the  same  ought  to  be  a  public  charge,  the  hon 
orarium  shall  be  paid  from  the  Treasury  of  Michigan.  An  annual 
report  of  the  state,  concerns,  and  transactions  of  the  Institution,  shall 
be  laid  before  the  legislative  power  for  the  time  being.  This  law  or 
any  part  of  it,  may  be  repealed  by  the  legislative  power,  for  the  time 
being.  Made,  adopted  and  published  from  the  laws  of  seven  of  the 
original  States,  to  wit:  the  States  of  Connecticut,  Massachusetts, 
New  Jersey,  New  York,  Ohio,  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia,  as  far  as 
necessary  and  suitable  to  the  circumstances  of  Michigan,  at  Detroit 
on  Tuesday  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  August,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
®QC  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventeen. 

WILLIAM  WOODBRIDGE, 
Secretary  <>/  Michigan,  ami  at  present  actinq  Governor  thereof. 

A.  B.  WOODWARD, 
Prcgi-dintr  Judqr  of  f/>e  Supreme   Court  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan. 

JOHN  GRIFFIN, 
One  oj  the  Judges  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan. 

I  hereby  certify  the  above  and  foregoing  to  be  a  true  copy  of  the 
original,  now  of  record  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State,  on 
pages  52  and  53  of  the  Executive  Records  of  Michigan. 

R.  R.  GIBSON, 
Deputy  Secretary  of  State. 


6 

In  the  same  year  that  this  territorial  law  was  enacted  and  pub 
lished,  three  sections  of  land  were  granted  to  the  "College  of  Detroit* 
by  th«;  treaty  nvule  at  Fort  M»-igs.  For  the  purposes  of  a  seminary 
of  learning  therefore,  there  were  at  this  time  two  sources  of  revenue; 
that  derived  from  the  grant  of  one  township  and  that  derived  from 
the  treaty. 

In  1818,  the  first  sales  of  public  lands  were  made  in  Michigan, 
The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  had  not  then  located  the  college 
township-?.  In  IS  19  Gov.  Woodbridge  was  sent  from  the  Territory 
as  the  first  delegate  in  Congress,  and  gave  his  attention  to  the  sub 
ject  with  a  view  to  cause  the  location.  The  result  of  his  examination 
was  a  conviction  that  in  consequence  of  the  rapid  sales  then  making 
there  did  not  rermin  within  the  district  designated  by  the  law  of 
1804,  any  one  entire  township  of  good  lands  upon  which  the  location 
could  be  made.  The  session  was  too  far  advanced  to  secure  the 
passage  of  a  law  to  remedy  the  evil,  and  in  1820  Gov.  W.  resigned 
his  seat  in  Congress. 

In  1321,  an  act  was  promulgated  and  adopted  by  the  Governor 
and  JuJges,  establishing  a  UNIVERSITY  "for  the  purpose  of  educating 
youth,"  It  was  to  be  placed  under  the  management,  direction  and 
government  of  twenty-one  trustees,  of  whom  the  Governor  of  the 
Territory  was  always  to  be  one,  by  virtue  of  his  office.  The  first 
trustees  named  in  the  act  were  the  Governor,  John  Biddle,  Nich 
olas  Bolvin,  Daniel  Le  Roy,  Christian  Clemens,  William  H.  Put- 
huff,  John  Anderson,  John  Hunt,  Charles  L-irned,  Gabriel  Richard, 
John  R.  Williams,  Solomon  Sibley,  John  Monteith,  Henry  J.  Hunt, 
John  L.  Leib,  Peter  J.  Desnoyers,  Austin  E.  Wing,  William  Wood- 
bridge,  Benjamin  Stead,  Philip  Lecuyer  and  William  Brown. 

Section  five  of  this  act  provided  that  the  trustees  might  from  time 
to  time  ESTABLISH  SUCH  COLLEGES,  ACADEMIES  AND  SCHOOLS  depend 
ing  upon  the  University,  as  they  might  think  proper;  made  it  the 
duty  of  the  trustees  to  visit  and  inspect  such  colleges,  academies  and 
school*,  to  examine  into  the  state  and  system  o*  education  and  dis 
cipline  therein,  and  to  make  a  yearly  report;  to  ordain  rules  for  the 
government  of  the  institution  not  inconsistent  with  the  laws  of  the 
United  Sta  es  or  of  the  Territory,  and  to  appoint  a  president  and 
professois  and  to  remove  them  at  pleasure.  A  president  was  to  be 


appointed  without  waiting  until  the  state  of  the  funds  would  allow 
the  establishment  of  a  college.  Persons  of  every  religious  denomi 
nation  were  capable  of  being  elected  trustees,  nnd  no  person,  presi 
dent,  professor,  instructor  or  pupil  was  to  be  refused  admittance  for 
kixS  conscientious  persuasion  in  matters  of  religion. 

The  corporation  had  control  and  management  of  the  township  of 
land  granted  by  the  act  of  1804,  and  of  the  three  sections  granted 
to  the  college  of  Detroit  by  the  treaty  of  Fort  Meigs  in  1817,  and 
also  were  entitled  to  Jill  property,  rights  and  credits  of  the  corpora 
tion  established  by  the  act  to  establish  a,  "Catholepistemiad,"  which 
act  was  repealed. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  board  of  trustees,  Gov.  Woodbridge 
disclosed  to  the  board  the  result  of  his  previous  inquiries  and  was 
appointed  one  of  a  committee  to  memorialize  Congress  in  relation  to 
the  lands.  A  memorial  was  drawn  up  by  him,  adopted  by  the  trus 
tees,  and  a  copy  laid  before  the  Legislative  Council  which  held  its 
first  session  in  the  Territory.  It  was  transmitted  with  their  approval 
to  Congress  in  1824.  This  document,  which  may  be  found  at  length 
in  the  journal  of  Congress  for  that  year,  embodies  the  motives 
which  led  to  a  location  of  the  township  in  detached  sections,  rather 
than  in  an  entire  township. 

The  evils  resulting  from  the  separate  interests,  adverse  to  the  gen 
eral  interests  of  the  State  and  of  the  institution,  which  could  hardly 
fail  to  grow  up,  by  embodying  together  in  one  county  and  neighbor 
hood,  so  large  a  number  of  lessees  (for  at  this  time  no  thought  was 
entertained  of  selling  these  lands  in  fee,)  had  been  witnessed  by  the 
memorialist  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  andjbrmed  a  leading  consideration 
for  locating  the  land  in  separate  tracts. 

The  petition  of  the  trustees  was  attended  to  with  zeal  and  fidelity, 
by  the  late  AUSTIN  E.  WING,  and  through  his  earnest  efforts,  a  second 
township  was  appropriated  for  University  purposes,  both  to  be  loca 
ted  in  detached  tracts.  An  addition  was  made  to  our  University 
lands  by  the  terms  of  the  treaty  of  Fort  Wayne.  The  Catholic  res 
idents  of  the  city  of  Detroit  were  desirous  of  obtaining  bind  to  aid 
in  the  building  of  a  church.  This  wish  was  complied  with  in  the 
txecution  of  the  treaty,  by  General  Cavs,  with  the  condition  that  nn- 
aiher  tract  should  be  granted  for  the  benefit  of  general  education, 
This  treaty  was  confirmed  and  the  grants  sanctioned, 


Classical  and  evening  schools  weie  established  in  the  city  ot  De 
troit,  as  early  as  1822,  by  private  teachers,  and  a  Lancastcrian  school 
was  kept  as  part  of  the  University,  but  no  law  was  passed  to  provide 
for  a  system  of  common  or  primary  schools,  until  1827,  four  years 
after  the  organization  of •  the  legislative  council.  This  act  provided 
that  every  township  containing  fifty  inhabitant^  or  householders, 
should  provide  themselves  with  a  schoolmaster,  of  good  morals,  to 
teach  children  to  read  and  write,  and  to  instruct  them  m  the  English 
and  French  language,  as  well  as  in  arithmetic,  orthography  and  de 
cent  behavior,  for  such  terms  of  time  as  shall  be  equivalent  to  sis: 
months  for  one  school  in  each  year;  every  township  containing  one 
hundred  families  or  householders,  for  an  increased  length  of  time: 
and  to  provide  in  addition,  a  schoolmaster  or  teacher  to  instruct  child 
ren  in  the  English  language.  Every  township  containing  two  hund 
red  families  or  householders,  was  to  be  provided  with  a  grammar 
schoolmaster  of  good  morals,  well  instructed  in  the  Latin.  I<Yench  and 
English  languages. 

For  neglect  of  any  township  to  procure  and  support  such  teacher 
as  was  required  for  the  various  lengths  of  time,  the  township  incur 
red  a  penalty  in  proportion,  from  titty  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  dol 
lars;  and  the  penalty  was  to  be  levied  by  warrant  from  the  court, 
upon  the  inhabitants  of  the  deficient  township,  and  was  appropriated 
for  the  use  of  such  schools  as  had  complied  with  the  law,  and  whose 
circumstances  most  required  such  assistance. 

The  inhabitants  were  to  choose  nve  persons  within  their  township, 
as  inspectors  of  common  school-,  who  possessed  simitar  powers  to 
these  officers  at  the  present  time. 

The  inhabitants  voted  at  the  annual  meetings  10  rais^  such  tutus 
of  money  upon  the  polls  and  rateable  estates,  within  the  respective 
townships,  for  the  support  and  maintenance  of  a,  schoolmaster,  to 
teach  youth  to  read,  write  and  cipher,  as  a  majority  deemed,  expe 
dient:  to  be  assessed  and  collected  at  the  same  time  and  in  the  same- 
manner  with  the  township  and  eouuly  laxes;  the  moneys  were  ap 
portioned  by  the  supervisor  and  township  clerk,  according  to  the  num 
ber  of  children  between  the  ages  of  five  and  seventeen,  as  appeared 
by  a.  census  of  Cm-  district,  Uiken  under  oaih  by,  one  or  more  of  the 
s  of  th-r  .school,  who  '-vore  nppoir.k-d  in  each  •>£'  the  district*. 


i) 

54ie  immey»  **>"\'c  to  be  applied  exclusively  in  paying  the  wa^es  of 
Ae  teacher  or  schoolmaster.  But  the  law  did  not  apply  to  any  town 
*hip  which  at  an  annual  meeting,  declared  by  a  "two-thirds  vote 
that  they  would  not  comply  with  the  act." 

Section  six  of  this  act  relates  to  proceedings  after  f:.e  formation  oi 
a  school  district,  and  also  to  ihe  power  of  the  inhabitants  to  vote  tax 
and  the  manner  of  its  collection,  and  is  deemed  to  be  of  sufficient 
interest,  being  the  first  school  law,  and  adapted  to  a  state  of  things 
?o  different  from  uuv  present  condition  as  a  StaU',  to  be  inserted  at 
length : 

Sec.  *.),  Thai,  whenever  any  township  m  this  territory  shall  be  di 
vided  into  school  districts,  according  to  the  directions  of  this  act,  i: 
shall  b?  the  duly  of  one  of  the  inspectors  of  .said  township,  within 
twenty  days  after,  to  make  a  notice  in  writing,  describing  said  dist 
rict,  and  appointing  a  time  and  place  for  the  first  district  meeting, 
and  deliver  said  writing  to  some  one  of  the  freeholders  or  inhabitants, 
liable  to  pay  taxes,  residing  in  said  district,  whose  duty  if,  shall  be  to 
.notify  each  freeholdei  or  inhabitant  residing  in  said  district,  qualified 
;is  aforesaid,  by  reading  such  notice  in  the  hearing  of  each  such 
freeholder  or  inhabitant,  or  leaving  a  copy  thereof  at  the  place  of  his 
abode,  at  least  six  days  before  the  time  of  such  meeting;  and  if  any 
such  freeholder  or  inhabitant  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  give  pucli  no- 
rice,  he  shall  pay  a  tine  of  five  dollars,  to  be  recovered  in  the  .same 
maniaer,  -Hid  for  the  same  use  as  is  provided  in  the  third  section  of 
this  act.  Such  district  meeting  shall  have  power,  when  so  convened,, 
by  the  major  part  of  the  persons  so  met,  to  adjourn  from  time  to 
time,  ay  occasion  may  require,  and  to  fix  on  a  time  and  place  to  hold 
their  future  annual  meeting,  which  annual  meeting  they  are  hereby 
authorized  and  required  to  hold,  and  to  alter  and  change  the  time 
arid  place  of  holding  such  annual  meeting,  as  they  or  a  majority  of 
them,  at  any  legal  meeting,  may  think  proper.  And  at  such  first 
meeting,  or  at  any  future  meeting,  the  said  freeholders  and  inhabit 
ants,  or  a  majority  of  them  so  met,  are  hereby  authorized  and  em 
powered  to  appoint  a  moderator  for  the  time  being,  to  designate  a  site 
for  their  school  house,  to-.votc  a  tax  on  the  resident  inhabitants  of 
such  district,  as  a  majority  present  shall  deem  sufficient,  to  purchase 
a  suitable  site1  for  their  school  house,  and  build,  keep  in  repair,  and 
furnish  it  with  necessary  fuel  and  appendages;  also  to  choose  three 
trustees  10  marine  the  concerns  of  said  district,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  build  and  ke  -p  in  repair  their  school  house,  and  from  time  to 
time,  as  occasion  rr;;.y  require,  to  agree  with  and  employ  instructors, 
and  to  pay  them:  also  to  choose  one  district  clerk,  to  keep  the  records 
and  doings  of  said  meeting,  whose  doings  shall  be  good  in  law,  who 
shall  be  qualified  by  oath  or  affirmation,  as  the  several  township 
ks  are;  likewise  one  collector,  who  shall  have  the  same  p  -wer 
authority,  and  hare  the  same  fees  for  collecting,  and  be  subject 
2 


10 

to  the  some  rules,  regulations  and  duties,  as  respects  the  business  of 
the  district,  which  by  law  appertained!  to  the  collector's  of  townships 
in  this  territory;  and  the  said  trustees,  clerks  and  collectors  shall  not 
be  compelled  to  serve  more  than  one  year  at  any  one  time;  and  it 
shall  be  the  further  duty  of  the  trustees  of  each  district,  as  soon  as 
may  be,  after  the  trustees  have  voted  a  tax,  to  make  a  rate  bill  or 
tax  list,,  which  shall  raise  the  sum  voted,  wiih  four  cents  on  a  dollar 
for  collector's  fees,  on  all  the  taxable  inhabitants  of  said  district, 
agreeably  to  the  levy  on  which  the  township  tax  was  levied  the  pre 
ceding  ye  >r,  and  annex  to  the  said  tax  list  or  rate  bill,  a  warrant, 
which  warrant  shall  be  substantially  as  followeth: 
County  of  '^  t 

To  ,  Collector  of  the  district,  in  the  town  of 

,  in  the  county  aforesaid.  Greeting:— -In  the  name  of  the 

United  States  of  America,  you  are  hereby  required  and  commanded 
to  collect  from  each  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  district,  the  several 
svims  of  money  written  opposite  to  the  names  of  each  of  s*id  inhabi 
tants,  in  the  annexed  t  ix  list,  and  within  —  —  days,  after  receiving  this 
warrant,  to  pay  the  amount  of  the  money  by  you  collected,  into  the 
hands  of  the  trustees  of  s  iid  district  or  some  one  of  them,  and  take 
their  or  his  receipt  therefor.  And  if  any  one  or  more  of  said  inhabi 
tants  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  pay  the  sum,  you  are  hereby  further 
commanded  to  levy  on  the  goods  and  chattels  of  each  delinquent, 
and  make  sale  thereof,  according  to  law.  Given  under  our  hands 
and  seals,  this  .  day  of  182  . 

Trustees.  • 


In  IS'2"?  Congress  authorized  the  Governor  and  Council  to  take 
tharge  of  the  school  sections,  to  protect  them  from  waste  and  injury 
and  to  provide  by  law  for  leasing  them.  In  1833  (he  school  law  of 
1828  was  repealed  and  another  act  passed,  which  provided  for  the 
election  of  three  commissioners  of  schools  and  ten  inspectors,  whose 
duties  were  similar  to  those  of  inspectors  under  the  present  law. 
They  were  charged  with  the  protection  of  section  16,  with  power  to 
)ease  and  manage  if,  in  whatever  manner  they  deemed  best  calcula 
ted  to  enhance  its  value.  Any  moneys  arising  from  such  care  and 
management  were  to  be  applied  to  the  support  of  common  schools. 
The  mode  of  taxation  to  build  a  school  house,  after  a  majority  of  the 
inhabitants  approved  of  the  estimate  of  expense,  was  similar  to  later 
provisions,  requiring  the  directors  o!  districts  to  obtain  a  transcript 
of  so  much  of  the  last  assessment  roll  of  ihe  township  as  related  to 
his  district,  and  to  add  to  it  all  the  property  of  persons  who  hal  be- 


11 

«ome  residents,  and  of  residents  who  had  purchased  *inee  the  last 
assessment  roll  was  made. 

A  humane  provision  of  the  law  gave  discretion  to  directors,  when 
ever  there  was  within  any  district,  nny  poor  and  indigent  person 
unable  to  pay  for  the  instruction  of  his  or  her  children,  or  where 
there  were  poor  children  without  parents,  to  order  such  children  to 
be  instructed  at  the  school,  and  the  expense  of  such  instruction  was 
defrayed  by  tax  upon  the  property  of  the  district. 

This  law  gave  authority  to  the  several  commissioners  of  adjoining 
townships  to  constitute  and  establish  conjointly  school  districts  on 
the  line  dividing  such  townships.  It  also  authorized  the  appoint 
ment  of  some  person,  by  the  governor  of  the  territory,  as  '-Superin- 
tendent  of  common  schools,"  who  had  authority  to  take  supervision 
of  section  16,  and  all  fractional  sections  for  the  use  of  schools,  where 
trustees  or  commissioners  haJ  not  been  chosen.  The  directors  of 
districts  were  to  report  to  the  Superintendent,  the  whole  number  of 
scholars  taught  in  the  district  for  three  months,  and  any  additional 
time,  together  with  the  amount  of  moneys  received  from  the  commis 
sioners.  It  was  made  the  duty  of  the  Superintendent  to  report  an 
nually  to  the  Legislative  Council,  the  number  of  scholars  taught,  the 
condition  of  the  school  lands,  suits  or  actions  brought,  and  moneys 
arising  from  this  and  other  sources,  and  whatever  else  might  to  him 
appear  necessary,  concerning  the  lands  and  the  condition  of  the 
schools. 

In  1835,  the  same  year  in  which  the  law  was  passed  to  form  a 
constitution  and  state  government,  an  amendment  to  the  act  of  1833, 
made  it  the  duty  of  the  school  commissioners  to  make  yearly  divi 
dends  of  all  moneys  coming  into  their  hands  by  virtue  of  their  office, 
for  rents  or  damages  done  to  section  16,  and  distribute  and  pay  over 
the  amount  to  the  directors,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  scholars 
taught,  according  to  the  provisions  of  the  law  of  1 833.  This  amend 
ment  repealed  the  sections  of  the  previous  act  relating  to  the  Super 
intendent,  and  provided  for  his  appointment  by  the  Governor,  by  and 
•with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Legislature,  with  the  same  powers 
and  duties  as  before. 

During  the  year  [1835,]  the  people  of  the  Territory  adopted  a 
constitution  and  formed  a  State  government.  The  ordinance  of  the 


cocLveatioQ  submitted  to  Congress  the  following  propositions  iu  rela 
tion  to  educational  funds: 

First.  That  section  numbered  sixteen  in  every  township  of  the 
pubiic  lands,  and  where  such  section  has  been  sold  or  otherwise  dis 
posed  of,  other  lands  equivalent  thereto,  and  as  contiguous  as  may 
be,  shall  be  granted  to  the  State  for  the  use  of  schools. 

Second,  '1  hat  the  seventy-two  sections  of  land  set  apart  and  re- 
aerved  for  the  use  and  support  of  a  university  by  an  act  of  Congress 
approved  on  the  twentieth  clay  of  May,  eighteen  hundred  and  twenty  - 
six,  entitled  "an  act  concerning  a  seminary  of  learning  in  the  Territory 
of  Michigan,"  are  hereby  granted  and  conveyed  to  the  State,  to  be 
appropriated  solely  to  the  use  and  support  of  such  university,  in  such 
manner  as  the  Legislature  may  prescribe:  And  provided  also,  That 
nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  impair  or  affect 
in  any  way  the  rights  of  any  person  or  persons  claiming  any  of  said 
seventy-two  sections  oi  land,  under  contract  or  grant  from  said  uni 
versity. 

These  propositions  became  subsequently  a  part  of  the  ordinance 
',  admitting  Michigan  into  the  Union  and  form  the  basis  upon  which 
rests  the  educational  system  of  the  State.  Previous  to  the  admission 
of  Michigan,  the  other  States  of  the  Northwest  Territory  took  the 
grant  of  the  school  section  "to  each  township  respectively  in  the  State 
for  the  use  of  schools,"  or  "to  the  Stale  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  township  for  the  use  of  schools."  The  difficulties  under  which 
these  states  had  labored  in  making  the  fund  available  and  effective 
for  educational  purposes,  were  avoided  in  the  ordinance  admitting 
Michigan  into  the  Union  as  a  State,  and  the  foundation  was  laid  for 
a  better  order  of  things,  the  results  of  which  have  been  witnessed 
with  abundant  satisfaction  during  the  sixteen  years  of  its  existence. 
In  no  other  State  of  the  Union,  under  all  circumstances,  has  education 
been  so  amply  and  abundantly  sustained  by  a  sure  and  steadily  in 
creasing  fund.  This  great  advantage  has  been  secured,  as  facts  will 
demonstrate,  from  two  causes:  the  taking  of  (he  grant  to  the  State 
So  be  appropriated  to  the  use  of  all  the  schools  of  the  State,  and  to 
the  constitutional  provision  subsequently  adopted,  creating  a  distinct 
and  separate  department  of  public  instruction. 

A  question  involving  a  claim  of  great  magnitude,  however,  ha* 
been  raised  as  to  the  subsequent  and  existing  rights  of  the  inhabi 
tants  of  townships  under  the  ordinance  of  Congress,  in  con 
sequence  of  the  alleged  departure  from  its  original  terms.  I)uring[Uu» 


senatorial  term  of  Gov.  Woodbridge  in  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  he  eloquently  and  ably  maintained  the  right  and  justice  of 
a  farther  claim  on  Congress  in  behalf  of  the  individual  inhabitants 
of  township-,  and  at  three  different  sessions  introduced  and  got 
successfully  through  the  Senate  a  bill  granting  a  million  and  a 
half  of  acres  of  land  to  the  State,  sustaining  it  before  that  body  on 
the  ground  of  a  want  of  fair  equivalent  for  the  rights  of  taxation 
which  the  State  had  given  up  in  the  adoption  of  the  ordinance  of 
admission,  still  leaving  untouched  all  question  of  compensation  to  the 
inhabitants  respectively  of  the  several  townships.  The  question 
may  yet  in  the  view  of  many,  become  important  to  Michigan  and 
other  State,-,  which  have  been  admitted  under  similar  provisions. 
Should  it  become  so  or  not,  it  is  a  subject  which  deserves  to  be  gen 
erally  understood,  or  at  all  events  not  lost  sight  of,  as  a  part  of  the 
history  of  our  legislation.  The  substance  of  the  ground  thus  as 
sumed  is,  thuf  the  provision  of  the  ordinance  of  the  Congress  of  1786. 
amounts  to  a  solemn  covenant  with  each  purchaser  and  settler  that 
he  should  be  forever  entitled  to  the  usufruct  of  that  fund,  with  the 
other  settlers  in  the  township,  as  a  means  of  educating  their  children 
within  such  township;  that  every  man  who  buys  \\  lot  of  land  and 
pays  for  it,  buys  with  it  the  right  to  his  proportion  of  the  use  of  sec 
tion  l(j  tcithin  hi*  township,  establishing  thereby  a  claim  of  great 
magnitude  in  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  each  surveyed  township; 
that  the  right  to  taxation  is  a  right  which  no  State  may  surrender  or 
abrogate;  that  if  the  right  may  be  commuted  for  or  surrendered  for 
an  equivalent,  no  just  equivalent  has  been  rendered,  and  nothing 
gained  but  what  was  before  guaranteed  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 
townships;  that  the  equitable  and  available  right — the  use — the 
beneficiary  interest  in  it  had  passed  from  Congress;  that  in  the  case 
of  Michigan,  Congress  had  resumed  that  which  it  had  before  sold, 
to  the  purchasers  of  its  wild  lands,  as  if  it  were  an  equivalent  for  the 
surrender  by  the  State  of  the  brightest  jewel  of  its  sovereignty — the 
right  of  taxation — no  matter  how  the  State  may  have  been  required 
to, dispose  of  these  lands;  in  short  that  the  resulting  rights  of  the 
people  of  the  townships  were  the  same,  ns  if  it  were  a  case^between 
two  individuals,  where  either  the  second  conveyance  by  the  trustee 
would  be  pronounced  void,  or  an  adequate  indemnity  for  the  right 


14 

taken,  would  be  decreed.  The  considerations  however,  whisli  ia- 
duce  1  the  action  of  the  convention  which  gave  its  assent  to  the 
ordinance  of  admission  embracing  the  grant  of  the  school  lands  to 
the  State,  were  based  upon  the  light  of  experience  afforded  in  the 
educational  history  of  the  other  States  of  the  .North  West.  The 
States  of  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Illinois  had  reserved  the  grant  to  the 
inhabitants  of  the  township;  such  inhabitants  exercising  over  the 
section  16  the  duties  and  powers  of  a  landlord,  and  disposing  of  it 
by  vote;  such  management  requiring  a  multiplicity  of  officers  with 
out  any  identity  of  purpose,  and  without  the  authority  or  means  to 
consolidate  their  action  to  produce  an  equal  amount  of  benefit  to  all 
the  citizens.  The  history  of  the  'educational  affairs  of  these  State* 
afforded  practical  evidence,  [even  if  it  was  a  doubtful  assumption 
that  these  States  possessed  the  right  to  take  the  grant  to  the  State,} 
that  the  minagement  and  disposition  of  these  sections  by  the  inhabi 
tants  of  the  townships  was  a  source  of  difficulty,  embarrassment  and 
expense,  fatal  to  the  success  of  any  educational  achievement  worthy 
of  the  people,  or  productive  to  them  of  the  greatest  amount  of  good. 

Such  considerations  afford  satisfactory  grounds  for  the  action  of 
our  own  Convention,  in  submitting  different  terms  to  Congress  for  its 
assent,  and  to  the  people  for  their  sanction.  In  taking  the  grant  to 
the  St-ite,  it  avoided  a  multiplicity  of  officers  otherwise  located  ia 
different  counties;  it  contributed  and  is  still  contributing  in  aa 
unexampled  manner  to  the  education  of  all  the  youth  of  the  whole 
State;  it  has  saved  many  townships  from  asking  legislative  aid, 
where  the  school  section  was  unavailable,  either  from  prior  locations  . 
by  actual  settlers,  as  was  the  case  in  the  counties  of  Wayne,  Macomb 
and  Monroe,  or  where  the  section  was  covered  with  heavy  timber, 
which  prolonged  the  event  of  its  being  cleared  for  a  series  of  years; 
and  in  many  instances,  saving  not  only  time,  labor  and  expense,  but 
the  means  of  education  itself,  to  the  inhabitants  of  those  townships 
where  the  section  was  entirely  unavailable  from  natural  causes,  and 
relieving  the  inhabitants  in  such  cases  from  the  management  of 
equivalent  sections,  at  a  distance  from  their  townships. 

In  tiking  the  grant  to  the  State,  there  was  a  higher  principle  of 
equity  involved  in  relation  to  the  whole  people,  than  would  have  ob- 
ftained,  had  Congress  refused  its  assent  to  the  terms  demanded  in  the 


15 

ordinance  of  the  Convention.  If  the  original  faith  of  Congress 
might  be  con  icLre  i  a^  pi  d^ed  to  the  township?,  previous  to  the 
adoption  of  our  constitution,  the  inhabitants  by  their  votes  in  adop 
ting  that  instrument,  dicided  in  favor  of  a  consolidation  of  the  fund 
and  its  management  by  'he  legislature,  for  the  common  benefit  of  all 
fche  townships.  Nor  was  such  policy  rendered  less  sound  by  the 
adoption  of  a  sy-tcm  which  avoided  the  repeated  applications  to 
Congress  which  have  arisen  in  other  States,  and  which  left  all  ques 
tions  connected  wi.h  these  I  mds,  to  be  settled  by  Congress  and  tho 
State,  in  i:s  sovereign  capacity,  rather  than  by  township  jurisdictions, 
aubor  linate  in  th-ir  will  and  power,  to  the  higher  and  more  general 
interests  of  the  whole  people. 

The  step  thus  early  taken  by  the  Old  Congress,  which  so  mate 
rially  aided  in  increasing  the  settlement  of  the  western  country,  and 
providing  it  with  the  permanent  means  of  education,  has  been  fol 
lowed  by  Cjngress  in  later  days,  in  providing  for  territorial  govern 
ment*.  For  the  government  of  Oregon,  two  sections  were  set  apart 
for  school  purposes.  The  grant  of  an  additional  school  section  to 
6he  new  territories  was  recommended  by  Mr.  Robert  J.  Walker,  while 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  and  his  comprehen- 
aive  and  liberal  views  of  the  subject,  are  worthy  of  a  place  upon  the 
record  of  the  future  educational  history  of  the  United  States. 

"This  grant  to  each  of  the  new  States,"  says  Mr.  Walker  in  his  report 
to  Congress,  "of  one  section  of  the  public  lands  in  each  township,  was 
designed  to  secure  the  benefit  of  education  to  all  the  children  of  that 
township.  This  object  has  failed  to  a  great  extent,  because  one  sec 
tion  in  the  centre  of  a  township,  six  miles  square,  is  too  distant  from 
many  of  the  sections  to  furnish  a  school  to  which  all  c-n  resort,  and 
because  as  a  pecuniary  provision  it  is  inadequate.  The  grant  of  one 
section  for  every  section  in  such  quarter  township  would  be  sufficient, 
whilst  the  central  location  would  be  adjacent  to  every  other  peclion 
r.n  such  qu  -rter  township,  bringing  the  school  house  within  the  im 
mediate  vicinage  of  every  child  within  its  limits.  Congress,  to  some 
extent,  adopted  the  recommendation  of  granting  two  school  sections 
instead  of  one,  for  education  in  Oregon,  but  even  thus  extended,  the 
grant  is  still  inadequate  in  amount,  whilst  the  location  is  too  remote 
for  a  school  which  all  car,  attend.  This  subject  is  again  presented 
to  Congress,  wiih  the  recommendation  that  it  shall  be  extended  t* 
California  and  New  Mexico,  and  also  to  the  other  new  states  and 
territories  compo-ing  the  public  domain.  Even  as  a  subject  of  rev 
enue,  such  grants  would  more  than  refund  their  value  to  the  govern- 


10 

meut,  as  each  quarter  township  is  composed  of  nine  "notions,  of 
which  the  central  section  would  be  granted  for  schools,  and  each  of 
the  remaining  eight  sections  would  be  adjacent  to  that  granted.  The 
eight  se«tions  thus  located,  and  each  adjoining  a  school  section  would 
be  of  greater  value  than  when  separated  by  many  miles  from  such 
opportunities,  and  the  thirty-two  Sections  of  one  entire  township 
wolud  bring  a  larger  price  to  the  government  than  thirty-five  sections 
out  of  thirty-six,  when  one  section  only,  so  remote  from  the  rest, 
was  granted  for  such  a  purpose.  The  public  domain  would  then  D€ 
.settled  at  an  earlier  period,  and  yielding  larger  products,  thus  soon 
augment  our  exports  and  imports,  with  a  correspondent  increase  of 
revenue  from  duties. 

"Ihe  greater  diffusion  of  education  would  increase  the  power  of 
mind  and  knowledge  applied  to  our  industrial  pursuits,  and  augment 
in  this  way  also,  the  products  and  wealth  of  the  nation.  Each  State 
is  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of  every  other,  for  the  representa 
tives  of  the  whole,  regulate  by  their  votes,  the  Measures  of  the  Union., 
which  must  be  happy  and  prosperous  iu  proportion  as  its  councils  are 
guided  by  more  enlightened  views,  resulting  from  the  men;  universal 
diffusion  of  LIGHT,  and  KNOWLEDGE  and  EDUCATION." 

These  are  the  sentiments  of  a  great  Statesman,  speaking  of  edu 
cation,  and  the  means  of  its  permanent  support  and  spread,  as  tl*e 
main  spring  of  national  progress  and  greatness  in  its  intimate  con 
nection  not  only  with  the  intellectual  power,  but  with  the  wealth  of 
the  country  applied  to  its  industrial  pursuits.  But  the  ''failure  in 
the  object  of  the  grant"  is  attributable  in  a  great  degree  to  other 
aause.'j  tli  on  to  those  assigned  by  Mr.  Walker.  These  causes  have 
consisted  in  the  manner  of  taking  the  grant  and  in  the  want  of  a  se 
parate  officer  of  public  instruction,  with  general  supervision  of  tb-e 
subject  of  education.  Whatever  may  have  been  the  failure  in  other 
States,  the  arguments  of  Mr.  Walker  do  not  apply  in  this  respect,  to 
our  condition  of  things,  but  furnish  a  strong  argument  in  support  of 
the  action  of  our  own  State  in  taking  the  grant  to  itself,  whatever 
claim  may  be  supposed  to  arise  in  favor  of  the  inhabitants  of  th« 
townships. 

Facts  demonstrate  that  there  has  been  no  such  thing  as  failure  m. 
MICHIGAN,  in  the  object  of  the  grant,  either  as  a  pecuniary  provisioa 
or  as  a  means  of  affording  the  blessings  of  general  education.  On 
the  other  hand,  comparison  may  be  challenged  in  this  respect,  with 
the  educational  system  and  progress  of  any  other  State  in  the  U»- 
k>n.  Our  fund  for  the  support  of  primary  schools,  after  a  lapse  of 


only  fifteen  years  of  our  existence  as  a  State,  amountiag  to  nearly  a 
million  of  dollars,  the  interest  of  which,  with  a  principal  rapidly  ac 
cruing  from  the  sales  of  the  lands  granted  for  the  purpose,  is  annually 
distributed  throughout  the  whole  State,  affording  aid  to  all  sections, 
for  the  purpose  of  instruction,  whffe  the  school  system  itself  is  meet 
ing  the  educational  wants  of  all,  and  successfully  carrying  forward 
the  objects  of  the  great  mission,  it  is  destined  to  accomplish. 

The  manner  of  the  grant  being  fixed  by  the  assent  of  Congress 
and  the  people  of  Michigan,  the  next  question  of  historical  impor 
tance,  is  the  adoption  of  the  CONSTITUTIONAL  PROVISIONS  on  the  sub 
ject  of  education.  It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  proceedings  of  the 
first  Convention  have  not  been  preserved,  so  as  to  be  accessible  to 
public  inspection.  There  was,  however,  no  debate  in  relation  to  the 
importance  of  making  suitable  provision  for  Public  Instruction.  A 
committee  was  appointed  to  draft  an  article,  of  which  Isaac  E.  Cra- 
ry,  of  Calhoun,  was  chairman.  It  was  reported  on  the  second  day 
of  June,  1835.  and  was  adopted  substantially  as  it  came  from  the 
kaads  of  the  committee.  As  reported  to  the  convention,  the  article 
provided  for  a  Secretary  of  Public  Instruction.  When  the  article 
came  up  in  Convention,  Judge  Woodbridge  remarked  that  he  had 
road  it,  and  although  it  was  new  and  not  to  be  found  in  any  other 
constitution,  yet  he  was  inclined  to  give  it  his  support,  if  the  chairman 
of  the  committee  would  consent  to  make  one  alteration,  viz:  to  strike 
out  the  word  "Secretary,"  and  insert  '•  Superintendent."  The 
chairman  remarked  that  the  report  was  beyond  his  control,  but  if 
there  was  no  objection  on  the  part  of  any  member  of  the  Convention, 
ia  order  to  secure  the  support  of  the  member  from  Wayne,  he  would 
readily  consent  to  the  change.  The  change  was  accordingly  made. 

The  article,  as  reported,  provided  for  a  library  in  each  school  dis 
trict.  This  was  amended  in  Convention,  by  the  casting  vote  of  the 
President,  by  striking  out  the  words  "  school  district,"  and  inserting 
"  township."  The  article  being  then  referred  to  the  committee  on 
phraseology  and  revision,  the  words  "at  least,"  were  inserted,  where 
they  appear  in  the  old  constitution;  and  the  article  thus  passed,  secu 
ring  by  this  slight  addition  and  changv,  the  establishment,  by  subse 
quent  legislation,  of  libraries  in  every  school  district.  The  following 
is  the  constitutional  article  adopted  in  1835: 
3 


IS 

EDUCATION. 

1.  The   Governor  shall  nominate,    and  by  and  with    the    advice 
and  consent  of  the  Legislature,   in  joint  vote,  shall  appoint  a  Super 
intendent  of  Public  Instruction,  who    shall  hold  "his  offiV.<-  for  two* 
years,  and  whose  duties  shall  be  prescribed  by  law. 

2.  The   Legislature  shall    encourage,  by  all  suitable    means,  the 
promotion  of  intellectual,  scientifical  and  agricultural  improvement.. 
The  proceeds  of  all  lands  that  have  been  or  hereafter  may  be  grant 
ed  by  the  United    States  to  this    State    for  the  support  of  schools,, 
which  shall  hereafter  be   sold  or  disposed  of,  shall  be  and  remain  a 
perpetual  fund;  the  interest  of  which,  together  with  the  rents  of  ail 
such  unsold  lands,  shall  be  inviolably  appropriated  to  the  support  of 
schools  throughout  the  State. 

3.  The  Legislature  shall  provide  for  a  system  of  common  schools 
by  which  a  school  shall   be  kept  up  and    supported  inrcach   school 
district  at  least  three  months  in  every  year;  and   any  school  district 
neglecting  to  keep  up  and  support,  such  a  school   may  be  deprived  of 
its  equal  proportion  of  the  interest  of  the  public  fund 

4.  As  soon  as  the  circumstances  of  the  State  will  permit,  the  Le 
gislature  shall  provide  for  the  establishment  of  libraries;  one  at  least 
[in]  each   township;  and  the  money  which  shall  be  paid  by-  persons 
as  an  equivalent  for  exemption  from  military  duty,  and  the  clear  pro 
ceeds  of  all  fines  assessed  in  the  several  counties  for  an}'  breach  of 
the  penal  laws,  shall  be  exclusively  applied  for  the  support  of  nakl 
libraries. 

5.  The  Legislature  shall  take  measures  for  the  protection,  improve 
ment  or  other  disposition  of  such  lands  as  have  been   or  may  here 
after  be  reserved  or  granted  by  the  United  States  to  this*  State  for  the 
support  of  a  University;  and  the  funds  accruing  from  the  rents  or 
safe  of  such  lands,  or  from  any  other  source  tor  the  purpose  afore 
said,  shall  be  and  remain  a  permanent  fund  for  the  support  of  said 
University,  with  such  branches  as  the  public  convenience  may  here 
after  demand  for  the  promotion  of  literature,  the  arts  and  scie»ees, 
and  as  may  be  authorized  by  the  terms  of  such  grant:  and  it  shall 
be  the  duty  of  the  Legislature,  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  provide  etiecfc- 
ual  means  for  the  improvement  and  permanent  security  of  the  funds 
of  said  University.  . 

The  SYSTEM  OF  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION  which  was  intended  to  be  es 
tablished  by  the  framers  of  the  constitution,  the  conception  of  the 
office,  its  province,  its  powers  and  duties  were  derived  from  Prussia. 
That  system  consisted  of  three  degrees.  Primary  instruction,  cor 
responding  to  our  district  schools;  secondary  instruction,  commu 
nicated  in  schools  called  Gymnasia,  and  the  highest  instruction 
communicated  in  the  Universities.  The  superintendence  of  this  entire 
system,  which  was  formed  in  1819,  was  entrusted  to  a  Minister  of 
State,  called  the  Minister  of  Public  Instruction,  and  embraced 


19 

thing  which  belonged  to  the  moral  and  intellectual  advancement  of 
the  people. 

The  system  in  Michigan  was  intended  to  embrace  ali  institutions 
which  had  for  their  object  the  instruction  of  youth,  comprising  the 
education  of  the  primary  school,  the  intermediate  class  of  schools, 
however  denominated,  and  the  University.  The  idea  of  tlie  framers  of 
the  constitution  was  to  embrace  the  whole,  and  in  one  sense,  a  wider 
and  different  field  of  supervision  than  was  embraced  in  the  first  law 
established  under  it — a  wider,  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  high  and 
peculiar  signification  of  Public  Instruction:  and  different,  in  the  ab 
sence  of  any  connection  of  the  Superintendent  with  the  disposition 
of  the  lands,  or  management  of  the  funds  granted  for  the  support  of 
education.  The  Prussian  principle  upon  which  the  constitutional 
provisions  of  Michigan  were  based,  asserted  the  fact  "that  every 
State  needs  a  separate  officer  of  Public  Instruction,  and  that  there 
should  be  nothing  to  divert  his  attention  from  the  general  supervision 
of  education."  Under  that  system  this  officer  devotes  his  whole 
time  to  rtchools  and  the  subject  of  education.  The  creation  of  such 
an  officer  was  intended  in  the  adoption  of  our  own  constitution.  Its 
framers  looked  to  this  officer  for  a  general  supervision  not  only  of 
primary  schools,  but  of  the  university,  of  colleges,  academies,  high 
schools  and  all  schools,  established  or  to  be  established  throughout 
the  State.  True,  the  government  of  these  institutions  were  to  be 
confided  to  the  management  and  control  of  local  officers,  adapted  !• 
the  character  and  wants  of  each — but  over  all,  as  representing  the 
guardian  watchfulness  and  interest  of  the  State,  was  intended  to  be 
the  general  officer  of  Public  Instruction,  accumulating  all  the  mate 
rial  of  this  congregated  effort,  and  laying  it  in  embodied  form  before 
the  tribunal  of  the  people  and  their  legislatures;  devising  and  ma 
turing  plans  for  improvement;  requiring  full  information  in  every 
particular  relating  to  the  annual  condition  and  progress  of  all  these 
institutions;  preparing  suitable  forms  of  procedure  for  the  expedition 
and  correct  transaction  of  business;  suggesting  the  wants  of  the 
system,  and  perfecting  its  details  where  it  was  found  to  be  wanting; 
giving  his  support  to  the  labors  of  officers  entrusted  with  the  care  of 
schools;  impressing  the  importance  of  education  by  public  leetureg 
and  personal  visitations  in  the  various  counties  and  districts;  infusing 


20 

life  and  zeal,  and  spreading  information  among  all;  showing  the  re 
wards  of  labor;  and  by  the  energy  of  his  exertions,  in  common  with 
others,  and  from  advantage  of  position  in  acquiring  knowledge,  en 
suring  progression  in  all  that  relates  to  educational,,  intellectual  and 
moral  achievement. 

This  was  the  field  laid  out  by  the  framers  of  the  constitution.  It 
was  conceived  to  be  sufficiently  responsible  and  arduous;  sufficiently 
yast  and  comprehensive,  to  engage  every  moment  of  time  and  con 
sideration,  to  employ  the  entire  thought  and  labor  of  one  man,  in 
devising  the  means  of  bringing  into  perfection  a  system  so  enlarged 
and  commanding;  embracing  full  knowledge  of  education  and  its 
progress  among  the  people,  in  whatsoever  form  and  shape  it  was 
working  its  way;  by  public  grant,  or  private  endowment,  by  State 
patronage,  or  by  individual  exertion  or  munificence.  The  history  of 
our  State  legislation  will  demonstrate  how  this  conception  has  been 
filled,  and  what  progress  has  been  made  in  Michigan  towards  the 
development  and  perfection  of  a  SYSTEM  OF  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION. 


STATE  LEGISLATION. 


EXTRACT    FROM    GOV.    MASON'S    FIRST    MESSAGE. 

Ours  is  said  to  be  a  government  founded  on  intelligence  and 
morality,  and  no  political  axiom  can  be  more  beautifully  true.  Here 
the  rights  of  all  are  equal,  and  the  people  themselves  are  the  primary 
source  of  all  power.  Our  institutions  have  levelled  the  artificial  dis 
tinctions  existing  in  the  societies  of  other  countries,  and  have  left 
open  to  every  one,  the  avenues  to  distinction  and  honor.  Public 
opinion  directs  the  course  which  our  government  pursues,  and  so 
long  as  the  people  are  enlightened,  that  direction  will  never  be  mis 
given.  It  becomes,  then,  your  imperious  duty,  to  secure  to  the 
State,  a  general  diffusion  of  knowledge.  This  can  in  no  wise  be  so 
certainly  effected,  as  by  the  perfect  organization  of  a  uniform  and 
liberal  system  of  common  schools.  Your  attention  is  therefore  called 
to  the  effectuation  of  a  perfect  school  system,  open  to  all  classes,  as 
the  surest  basis  of  public  happiness  and  prosperity. 

The  constitution  declares  that  the  legislature  shall  provide  a  sys 
tem  of  common  schools  by  which  a  school  shall  be  kept  up  and  sup 
ported  in  each  school  district  at  least  three  months  in  every  year; 
and  it  also  provides  for  the  appointment  of  a  Superintendent  of  Pub 
lic  Instruction,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  direct  and  superintend  said 
s<jhools.  Under  the  direction  of  the  government,  section  16  in  each 


21 

township  is  reserved  for  schools,  and  under  the  act  of  Congress,  of 
January  20,  1826,  72  sections  of  land  are  reserved  for  the  use  and 
support  of  the  University  of  Michigan.  Forty-nine  sections  of  the 
University  lands  have  been  located,  and  consist  of  some  of  the  most 
valuable  tracts  on  the  peninsula  of  Michigan.  I  would  suggest  that 
the  proper  authority  be  requested  to  make  the  remaining  locations. 
These  locations  will,  when  brought  under  the  control  of  the  State, 
place  the  University  of  Michigan,  among  the  wealthiest  institutions  of 
the  country,  and  under  a  proper  direction,  render  it  an  ornament  and 
honor  to  the  West. 


On  the  16th  of  July,  Mr.  WHIFFLE,  from  the  committee  on  educa 
tion,  to  whom  had  been  referred  a  resolution  of  the  House  of  Rep 
resentatives,  instructing  them  to  report  whether  any  law  be  necessa 
ry  to  give  effect  to  the  constitution,  regarding  the  subject  of  educa 
tion,  reported  that  full  and  complete  effect  could  not  be  given  at  this 
session  to  an  article  respecting  it — that  in  legislating  upon  a  subject 
of  such  vital  importance,  the  proceedings  of  the  Legislature  should 
be  guarded — that  no  measures  should  be  taken  without  the  greatest 
consideration;  that  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  appreciating  the 
vast  importance  of  a  universal  diffusion  of  knowledge,  so  necessary 
to  the  very  existence  of  a  republican  government,  had  granted  to  the 
State,  lands,  not  only  for  supporting  an  extended  system  of  common 
schools,  but  for  the  purpose  of  founding  a  University — that  the  fra- 
mers  of  the  constitution,  impressed  with  the  magnitude  of  the  sub 
ject,  with  wise  forecast,  had  adopted  an  article  intended  to  protect  the 
fund  from  being  diverted,  and  made  other  general  provisions,  well 
adapted  to  attain  the  great  end  sought  to  be  accomplished — that  the 
committee  did  not  think  it  expedient  then  to  recommend  the  adoption 
of  any  system  of  instruction,  but  had  provided  a  bill  for  collecting 
such  information  as  would  enable  their  successors  to  act  understand- 
ingly,  and  hoped  that  by  an  efficient  and  well  digested  system  to  be 
devised  thereafter,  the  intellectual  and  moral  condition  of  the  people 
would  be  improved,  their  happiness  promoted,  and  their  liberties  es 
tablished  on  a  firm  foundation.  The  bill  thus  introduced,  resulted  in 
the  act  of  July  26,  1836,  a  summary  of  which  is  embraced  in  the 
first  report  made  under  it,  by  the  officer  charged  with  that  duty. 
On  the  same  day,  Ptev.  JOHN  D.  PIERCE  was  nominated  by  the  Gov 
ernor  for  the  office  of  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  and 


•22 


continued  by  both  Houses  of  the  Legislature.  To  this 
geatleman  was  confided,  by  the  aet  referred  to,  the  responsible  duty, 
among  other  things,  of  preparing  a  system  for  common  schools,  and 
a  plan  for  a  University  and  its  branches. 


EXTRACT  FROM  GOV.  MASON'b    SKCOSD    MESSAGE. 

The  Superintendent  of  Public  instruction  will  report  to  you  a 
byotem  for  the  government  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  and 
for  the  organization  of  the  primary  schools  of  the  State.  I  cannot, 
however,  dismiss  the  subject  of  education  without  endeavoring  to 
impress  upon  your  minds  the  truth,  that  in  it,  is  embraced  the  most 
rital  interests  of  our  country,  and  that  no  object  within  the  province 
of  your  legislation,  should  demand  so  important  a  portion  of  your 
time  and  attention.  The  State  fund  for  the  support  of  common 
schools,  with  a  prudent  husbandry,  will  equal  our  utmost  wants. 
The  University  of  Michigan  will  also  possess  an  endowment,  which 
will  enable  the*  State  to  place  that  institution  upon  an  elevation  of 
character  and  standing  equal  to  that  of  any  similar  institution  in  the 
Union.  I  would  therefore  recommend  the  immediate  location  of  the 
University,  and  at  the  same  time,  the  adoption  of  a  system  of  prima 
ry  schools. 

In  the  organization  of  your  primary  schools,  which  are  the  found 
ation  upon  which  your  whole  system  of  education  must  be  based, 
the  first  measure  essential  to  their  success  and  good  government  is 
the  APPOINTMENT  OF  GOOD  TEACHERS,  of  the  highest  character,  both 
moral  and  intellectual.  Liberal  salaries  should  be  allowed  the  in 
structor,  and  without  this,  you  may  rest  assured,  you  must  fail  in 
your  object;  as  individuals  in  all  respects  competent  to  the  charge  of 
your  schools  will  be  excluded  from  them  by  the  parsimoniousness  of 
their  compensation.  Let  me  also  suggest  that  you  adopt  A  PERMA 
NENT  AND  UNIFORM  STANDARD  OF  WORKS  to  be  USed  ill  the  Schools, 

and  that  in  the  studies  selected,  they  may,  to  as  great  an  extent  as 
practicable,  embrace  the  useful  and  practical  information  of  life. 
Let  your  youth  be  taught  the  first  principles  in  morals,  in  science, 
and  in  government,  commencing  their  studies  in  the  primary  schools, 
elevating  its  grades  as  you  approach  the  distinct  seminary,  and  con 
tinue  its  progress  till  you  arrive  at  the  University.  By  this  system 
your  children  will  acquire  practical  knowledge  for  afterlife,  and  have 
instilled  in  their  minds  at  an  early  day,  their  duties  as  citizens,  and 
above  all,  their  obligations  to  the  Searching  Power  of  another  world. 

In  contemplating  the  Past,  and  dwelling  on  the  Future,  we  are  for 
cibly  reminded  that  if  our  government  is  to  outlive  the  term  hereto 
fore  allotted  to  Republics,  it  is  to  be  accomplished  by  the  diffusion  of 
knowledge  amongst  the  people,  and  that  we  must  depend  upon  the 


power  oi  a  liberal  and  enlightened  public  "  as  the  palladium  of  a 
free  government — the  rcgis  of  our  Federal  existence."  Let  us  not 
suppose  that  WE  are  beyond  the  calamities  which  have  befallen  other 
nations.  Guard  the  education  of  the  rising  generation.  Teach  them 
id  earliest  lessons  of  life,  the  great  principle  upon  which  their  gov 
ernment  was  founded,  and  keep  before  their  minds  those  scenes  of 
American  j^lory  which  have  chiefly  contributed  to  immortalize  the 
American  name. 

STfcTEM    OF  PUBUU  LV^TRUCTION AS     KKPOKTKD     BY   THE    SUPERINTEN 
DENT. 

The  plan  reported  defined  the  rights,  powers  and  duties  of  school 
districts — the  duties  of  district  officers — of  township  officers,  of 
school  inspectors,  and  of  townships — proposed  the  establishment  of 
libraries,  and  plans  for  school  houses — the  establishment  of  academies 
as  branches  of  the  University,  and  a  method  of  organization  for  the 
University,  and  also  defined  the  duties  of  Superintendent  of  Public 
Instruction. 

The  officers  of  the  system  proposed  for  school  district*,  were 
moderator,  vice  moderator,  director  and  assessor,  and  three  township 
school  inspectors,  with  the  township  clerk  as  clerk  of  the  board. 

The  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Superintendent  evinces 
the  high  estimation  in  which  that  officer  viewed  the  system  of  FREE 
SCHOOL.%  as  connected  with  education  in  a  government  like  ours.  He 
says: 

"It  has  been  said,  and  rightly  too,  that  common  schools  are  truly 
republican.  The  great  object  is  to  furnish  good  instruction  in  all 
the  elementary  and  common  branches  of  knowledge,  for  all  classes 
of  community,  as  good  indeed  for  the  poorest  boy  of  the  State,  as  the 
rich  man  can  furnish  for  his  children,  with  all  his  wealth.  The  object 
is  universal  education — the  education  of  every  individual  of  all  classes. 
The  great  thing  which  has  rendered  the  Prussian  system,  so  popular 
and  efficient,  which  has  so  strongly  attached  it  to  the  hearts  of  the 
people,  and  made  it  an  essential  element  of  the  social  state,  is  its  truly 
republican  character.  It  is  this  feature  of  FREE  SCHOOLS  which  has 
nurtured  and  preserved  pure  republicanism  in  our  own  land.  In 
the  public  schools,  all  classes  are  blended  together;  the  rich  mingle 
with  the  poor,  and  are  educated  in  company.  In  their  sportive 
gambols  a  common  sympathy  is  awakened;  all  the  kindlier  sensibil 
ities  of  the  heart  are  excited,  and  mutual  attachments  are  formed 
which  cannot  fail  to  exert  a  soothing  and  happy  influence  through 
life.  In  these  schools  the  poor  are  as  likely  to  excel  as  the  rich,  for 
there  is  no  monopoly  of  talent,  of  industry,  or  acquirements.  It  was 
fce  ceaseless  application  and  untiring  perseverance  of  FRANKLIN,  and 


24 

not  his  wealth,  which  raised  him  to  the  highest  eminence.  It  is  this 
system  which  brings  forward  and  elevates  to  places  of  distinction,  a 
due  proportion  of  that  class  of  citizens  which  the  Romans  called 
new  men — men  who  owe  nothing  either  to  birth  or  fortune — but  all 
to  the  Free  Schools  and  their  own  exertions.  It  is  this  principle  of 
universal  education  adopted  by  the  Pilgrims,  and  cherished  by  their 
descendants  through  succeeding  generations,  which  has  given  them 
and  their  sons  pre-eminence.  Nothing  can  be  imagined  more  ad 
mirably  adapted,  in  all  its  bearings,  to  prostrate  all  distinctions 
arising  from  mere  circumstances  of  birth  and  fortune.  By  means  of 
the  public  schools,  the  poor  boy  of  to-day,  without  the  protection  of 
father  or  mother,  may  be  the  man  of  learning  and  influence  of  to 
morrow;  he  may  accumulate,  »nd  die  the  possessor  of  thousands; 
he  may  reach  the  highest  station  in  the  Republic,  and  the  treasures 
of  his  mind  may  be  the  richest  legacy  of  the  present  to  coming  gen 
erations.  Whilst  the  reverse  of  all  this  may  be  true  of  the  young  scion 
of  wealth  and  power,  proud  and  accomplished  as  he  may  be  in  per 
son,  and  gifted  also  by  nature  with  the  highest  order  of  intellect,  and 
blessed  with  the  fairest  prospect  of  usefulness,  the  long  cherished 
hopes  of  doatiug  parents  and  the  brightest  youthful  visions  of  rising 
greatness,  may  all  be  disappointed  in  some  thoughtless  moment  of 
ungoverned  passion,  and  his  sun  go  down  in  the  gloom  of  midnight 
darkness.  Let  FREE  SCHOOLS  be  established  and  maintained  in  per 
petuity  and  there  can  be  no  such  thing  as  a  permanent  aristocracy 
in  our  land;  for  the  monopoly  of  wealth  is  powerless  when  mind  is 
allowed  freely  to  come  in  contact  with  mind.  It  is  by  erecting 
a  barrier  between  the  rich  and  the  poor,  which  can  be  done  only  by 
allowing  a  monopoly  to  the  rich — a  monopoly  of  learning,  as  well  as 
of  wealth — that  such  an  aristocracy  can  be  established.  But  the 
operation  of  a  Free  School  system  has  a  powerful  tendency  to  pre 
vent  the  erection  of  this  barrier." 

Another  feature,  which  was  presented  to  the  consideration  of  the 
Legislature,  was  the  obligation  on  the  part  of  the  State  to  suffer  none 
to  grow  up  in  ignorance.  For  this  purpose,  the  Superintendent  sug 
gested  that  all  persons  having  the  care  of  children,  should  be  requi 
red  to  send  them  to  school,  the  constitutional  portion  of  each  year. 
The  object  to  be  attained  was  the  welfare  of  the  individual  instructed, 
and  the  security  of  the  State;  and  the  reason  given  was,  that  the 
State  had  the  right  to  require  the  education  of  all  children  and 
youth,  and  to  impose  upon  all  to  whom  their  management  and  care 
are  committed,  the  duty  of  educating  them.  In  carrying  out  this 
idea,  the  Superintendent  was  of  opinion  that  it  might  not  be  consis 
tent  with  the  principles  of  our  constitution,  to  prohibit  private  sem 
inaries,  but  that  it  was  consistent,  both  with  the  spirit  and  the  letter 
of  our  institutions,  to  place  the  public  schools  upon  high  and  elevated 


25 

ground,  to  make  them  adequate  to  the  wants  of  the  whole  commu 
nity;  to  place  them  on  such  a  footing  as  to  furnish  the  best 
instruction,  not  only  in  the  more  common,  but  in  all  the  higher 
branches  of  elementary  knowledge.  "But/'  says  the  Superintendent, 
"the  most  perfect  organization  of  the  entire  system  in  all  the  varied 
departments  of  instruction  must  fail  of  securing  the  desired  results 
without  a  sufficient  number  of  COMPETENT  TEACHERS."  To  this  end, 
it  was  suggested,  as  a  subject  for  consideration,  whether  it  would 
not  be  expedient  to  fix,  by  law,  a  minimum  price,  below  which  no 
teacher  should  be  entitled  to  receive  aid  from  the  public  fund,  and  to 
provide  prospeciively  thai  every  teacher  of  tlie  public  schools  shall  have 
been  through  a  regular  course  of  training,  and  received  his  diploma 
from  the  academic  board,  setting  forth  his  qualifications  as  a  teacher. 
It  was  suggested,  in  relation  to  the  public  money,  whether  any  town 
ship  ought  to  be  entitled  to  its  proportion  of  the  income  of  the  fund, 
which  did  not  comply  with  the  provisions  of  the  law,  and  maintain 
an  EFFICIE^7T  SCHOOL  BOARD.  It  was  recommended  that  the  active 
agents  of  the  schools,  upon  whose  activity  and  energy  the  success 
of  the  system  would  depend,  be  few  as  possible,  their  duties  clearly 
defined,  and  their  services  paid  for;  that  the  time  of  any  man  was 
Jiis  property,  and  ought  not  to  be  taken  by  the  public  without  remu 
neration. 

It  was  recommended  that  the  legislature  provide,  as  soon  as  cir 
cumstances  would  permit,  for  DISTRICT  LIBRARIES.  The  clear  pro 
ceeds  of  all  fines,  the  equivalent  for  exemptions  from  military  duty, 
and  a  district  tax  of  $10,  were  suggested  as  establishing  the  basis  of 
a  fund  for  the  purpose. 

ACADEMIES  OR  BRANCHES. 

The  original  plan,  as  reported,  provided  that  any  county  contain 
ing  a  given  number  of  inhabitants,  should  be  entitled  to  an  academy 
of  the  highest  grade,  as  a  branch  ot  the  University,  on  condition  that 
the  board  of  supervisors  should  procure  an  eligible  site,  and  cause 
suitable  buildings  to  be  erected,  such  as  should  be  deemed  sufficient. 
and  approved  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction.  The 
board  of  supervisors  were  to  appoint  six  "  wise  and  discreet  per 
sons,"  who,  together  with  one  appointed  by  the  Superintendent, 
were  to  constitute  the  board  of  trustees.  Of  this  academic  board, 
4 


26 

fche  judge  of  probate  and  the  two  associate  judges  of  the  county,  were 
to  be  eit-officiu  members,  and  the  county  clerk,  clerk  ex-o/ic-io  of  the 
board.  The  trustees  were  to  superintend  its  general  concerns,  ap 
point  professors  and  teachers,  and  make  a  report  to  a  board  of  t>w- 
tors.  This  board  was  to  consist  of  three  persons,  to  be  appointed 
annually,  one  by  the  supervisors,  and  two  by  the  Superintendent.  It 
was  to  be  their  duty  to  visit  the  academy  at  its  annual  examination, 
to  inquire  into  its  condition,  examine  the  proceedings  of  the  board  of 
trustees,  and  forward  their  report  to  the  Superintendent. 

For  the  support  of  these  institutions  it  was  proposed  that  the  board 
of  supervisors  cause  to  be  raised  by  the  county,  a  sum  equal  to  that 
which  should  be  apportioned  to  it  from  the  income  of  the  University 
fund.  In  each  academy  were  to  be  three  departments — one  for  the 
education  of  teachers,  one  for  the  higher  branches  of  English  educa 
tion,  and  one  for  classical  learning.  The  course  of  instruction  for 
ftfae  teachers'  class,  to  be  three  years;  this  department  to  be  open, 
without  charge,  to  all  who  wished  to  fit  ihemselves  for  the  business  of 
teaching,  on  pledge  of  teaching  at  least  four  years,  under  a  forfeiture, 
if  they  did  not.  Tuition  for  English  department  not  to  exceed  ten 
dollars,  and  for  the  classical,  twelve.  Whenever  any  county  complied 
with  these  requirements,  they  were  to  be  entitled  to  an  appropriation 
of  $500  for  the  purchase  of  apparatus  and  books.  In  the  TEACH 
ER'S  DEPARTMENT  the  following  studies  were  recommended:  the  Eng 
lish  language,  writing  and  drawing,  arithmetic,  mental  and  written, 
and  book  keeping,  geography  and  general  history  combined,  and 
history  of  the  United  States,  geometry,  trigonometry,  mensuration 
and  surveying,  natural  philosophy  and  elements  of  astronomy,  geolo 
gy  and  chemistry,  constitution  of  the  United  States  and  of  the  State 
of  Michigan,  select  portions  of  the  laws  and  duties  of  public  officers, 
principles  of  teaching,  rhetoric,  algebra,  the  nature  of  man  as  a 
physical,  intellectual  and  moral  being,  and  his  relative  duties. 

THE  UNIVERSITY. 

The  additional  and  general  interest  created  by  a  change  of  the  or 
ganic  law  m  1850,  in  placing  the  University  under  the  control  oi 
Kegents  elected  by  the  people,  and  the  consequent  questions  of  policy 
which  have  arisen  in  relation  to  this  institution,  renders  it  not  only 
Desirable,  but  an  object  of  the  deepest  importance  to  trace  with  care 


27 

the  history  of  legislation  in  regard  to  it.  For  this  reason,  it  is 
deemed  important  to  give  much  of  it,  in  detail.  The  following  ex 
tract  contains  the  plan  of  government  for  this  institution  suggested 
by  the  first  Superintendent: 

In  the  organization  of  the  University,  it  will  be  proper  and  ne 
cessary  to  create  a  Board  of  Regents  to  superintend  and  manage  its 
general  concerns.  The  powers  to  be  vested  in  this  Board,  and  its 
duties  may  and  ought  to  be  prescribed  by  law.  The  Board  of  Re 
gents  shall  consist  of  the  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor,  the  Chief 
Justice  and  Associate  Justices  of  the  Supreme  Court,  Chancellor  of 
the  State,  and  the  Chancellor  of  the  University,  who  shall  be  ex-offijio 
members,  and  twelve  others  to  be  appointed  by  the  Legislature.  Of 
these  twelve,  three  shall  continue  in  office  four  years,  three  three 
years,  three  two  years,  and  the  remaining  three  one  year,  to  be  de 
termined  by  drawing.  This  arrangement  will  make  it  the  duty  of 
die  Legislature,  after  the  first  organization,  to  appoint  three  annually. 
Of  this  Board,  the  Secretary  of  State  shall  be  ex-ofticio  Secretary. 
The  Regents  shall  have  the  power,  and  it  shall  be  their  duty,  to  en 
act  laws  for  the  government  of  the  University,  to  confer  degrees,  to 
appoint  a  Chancellor,  and  the  prescribed  number  of  professors  in  the 
several  departments,  and  the  requisite  number  of  tutors,  also  to  de 
termine  their  respective  salaries;  to  appoint  a  steward  and  fix  the 
amount  of  his  salary.  The  university  shall  consist  of  three  depart 
ments: 

1 .  The  department  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts. 

2.  The  department  of  law. 

:',  The  department  of  medicine. 

En  the  department  of  literature,  science  and  the  art?,  there  should 
ultimately  be  established  the  following  professorships: 
One  of  Ancient  Languages. 
"       Modern  Languages. 
"       Rhetoric  and  Oratory. 
"       Philosophy  of  History  and  Logic. 
Philosophy  of  the  Human  Mind. 
"       Moral  Philosophy. 

Theology. 

"       Political  Economy. 
;'       Mathematics. 
"       Natural  Philosophy. 
"       Chemistry. 
"       Geology  and  Mineralogy. 
"       Botany  and  Zoology. 
"       Fine  arts. 

"       Civil  Engineering  and  Drawing. 

Tbe  department  of  law  should  consist  of  the  following  professor 
ships  • 

One  of  International  Law. 

"       Common  Law  and  Equity. 


28 

One  of  Constitutional  and  Statute  Law. 
"  Commercial  and  Maritime  Law. 
"  Jurisprudence. 

In  the  department  of  medicine  there  should  be  the  following  pro 
fessorships: 

One  of  Anatomy. 
"       Surgery. 
u       Pathology. 
"       Practice  of  Physic. 
"       Obstetrics. 
"       Materia  Medica. 

The  immediate  government  of  the  several  departments  must  ne 
cessarily  be  intrusted  to  their  respective  faculties.  The  Regents  shall 
have  the  power  to  regulate  the  course  of  instruction,  and  prescribe, 
under  the  advisement  of  the  professorships,  the  books  and  authorities 
to  be  used  in  the  several  departments.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
the  Board  of  Regents  to  report  annually  to  the  board  of  visitors,  the 
condition  of  the  University,  the  amount  of  its  expenditures,  the  num 
ber  of  its  professors  and  tutors,  the  number  of  students  in  the  several 
departments,  and  in  the  different  classes,  and  text-books  used,  to 
be  accompanied  with  an  estimate  of  expenses  for  the  coming  year. 
The  board  of  visitors,  to  consist  of  five,  shall  be  appointed  annually 
by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction.  But  the  question  will 
arise,  and  it  is  a,n  important  one  and  must  be  met,  can  an  institution 
on  a  scale  thus  magnificent  be  sustained?  It  is  confidently  believed 
that  the  day  is  not  distant,  when  the  wants  of  the  State  will  require 
such  an  institution,  and  when  its  resources  will  be  amply  sufficient 
to  sustain  it.  With  a  population  already  exceeding  two  hundred 
thousand  souls,  and  floods  of  immigration  of  intelligent,  enterprising 
and  educated  men  pouring  in  upon  us.  it  cannot  be  otherwise.  To 
suppose  that  the  wants  of  the  State  will  not  soon  require  a  super 
structure  of  fair  proportions  on  a  foundation  thus  broad,  would  be  a 
severe  reflection  upon  the  foresight  and  patriotism  of  the  age.  And 
to  suppose  that  such  an  institution  cannot  be  sustained,  would  seem 
to  be  a  contradiction  of  the  known  laws  by  which  human  affairs  are 
governed.  Let  the  State  move  forward  as  prosperously,  for  a  few 
years  to  come,  as  it  has  for  a  few  years  past,  and  one-half  of  the  reve 
nue  arising  from  the  University  fund,  will  sustain  an  institution  on  a 
scale  more  magnificent  than  the  one  proposed,  and  sustain  it  too,  with 
only  a  mere  nominal  admittance  fee;  a  consummation  most  devoutly  to 
be  desired.  And  this  fee.  say  810  from  each  student,  may  be  ap 
plied  to  the  increase  of  the  library.  The  institution  would  then  pre 
sent  an  anomaly  in  the  history  of  learning,  an  university  of  the  first 
order,  open  to  nil,  tuition  free.  It  is  not  to  be  expected,  nor  will  it 
be  necessary,  that  all  the  professorships  should  be  filled  at  the  com 
mencement  of  its  career.  One-half  the  number  judiciously  appointed 
and  arranged  could  ad  interim  discharge  the  duties  of  the  whole; 
they  could  do  so  without  difficulty,  until  the  wants  of  the  institution 
and  the  state  of  its  funds  should  warrant  the  completion  of  the  plan. 


29 

But  in  laying  the  foundations  of  a  superstructure  to  be  raised  in  just 
and  equal  proportions,  .and  to  be  continued,  as  we  trust,  through  all 
succeeding  ages,  liberal  and  ample  provisions  should  be  made  for  the 
anticipated  wants  of  a  high-minded  and  growing  people.  Present 
appearances  warrant  the  belief  that  the  income  of  the  UnirersUy  fund 
cannot  fall  short  of  850,000  per  annum.  One-half  of  this  sum  will 
be  amply  sufficient  to  give  life  and  vigor  to  the  several  academies  aks 
branches  of  the  I'niversity,  and  the  remaining  half  will  be  fully  ade 
quate  to  sustain  the  parent  institution  on  a  scale  as  grand  and  mag 
nificent  as  that  proposed. 

But  there  is  another  question  to  be  considered,  and  one  which  re 
quires  a  more  detailed  examination  than  can  now  be  given  to  it.  It 
is  the  propriety  of  engrafting  upon  an  institution  destined  for  public 
education  in  the  higher  branches  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts, 
the  departments  of  law  and  medicine.  Lord  Bacon,  one  of  the  great 
master-spirits  of  the  human  race,  states  the  true  doctrine  on  this  sub 
ject,  and  gives  a  conclusive  reason  for  it.  He  says — "  to  disincor 
porate  any  particular  science  from  general  knowledge  is  one  great 
impediment  to  its  advancement.  For  there  is  a  supply  of  light  and 
information,  which  the  particulars  and  instances  of  one  science  do 
yield  and  present  for  the  framing  and  correcting  the  axioms  of  an 
other  science,  in  their  very  truth  and  notion.  For  each  particular 
science  has  a  dependence  upon  universal  knowledge,  to  be  augment 
ed  and  rectified  by  the  superior  light  thereof."  In  an  address  de 
livered  on  occasion  of  the  dedication  of  Dane  Law  College,  as  a  de 
partment  of  Harvard  University,  President  Quincy  made  the  follow 
ing  lucid  remarks: — "In  no  way,  perhaps,  can  the  truth  of  this  doc 
trine  be  better  illustrated,  than  by  the  history  of  the  progress  of  the 
English  law,  from  its  ancient,  barbarous,  and  perplexed,  to  its  present 
cultivated  and  lucid  state.  So  long  as  it  was  disincorporated  from 
general  knowledge,  and  pursued  exclusively  under  the  guidance  of 
professional  men,  in  the  Inns  of  Courts,  or  in  offices  of  practitioners, 
its  outline  was  obscure,  its  aspect  forbidding  and  mysterious;  none 
dared  to  pretend  to  master  it,  except  the  regularly  initiated;  and  to 
some  of  these,  its  reason  was  a  closed  book,  which  they  had  not  the 
strength  or  patience  to  open.  No  sooner,  however,  was  the  common 
law  introduced  among  the  branches  of  University  education,  than  it 
became  liberalized  and  refined.  Its  particular  light  was  augmented 
and  rectified  by  the  superior  light  of  universal  knowledge.  Its  for 
eign  jargon  was  abandoned.  Its  technicalities  were  diminished— by 
the  labors  of  Blackstone  the  rough  scene  was  changed.  After  the 
publication  of  his  work,  men  of  general  science  began  to  think  and  to 
speak  of  the  English  law,  as  of  a  subject  which  could  be  understood 
without  the  exclusive  devotion  of  a  whole  life  to  it.  Professional 
men  also,  their  progress  thus  facilitated,  found  more  leisure  themselves 
to  pursue  general  science.  From  the  hour  when  the  great  magician, 
Blackstone,  standing  in  the  halls  of  Oxford,  stretched  his  scientific 
wand  over  the  '  illimitable  ocean,  without  bound,'  where,  to  the  un- 
instructed  eye,  '  cold,  hot,  moist,  dry,  in  their  pregnant  causes  mixed, 


seemed  to  strive  for  the  mastery/  confusion  disappeared.  In  ite  s 
was  seen  a  well  proportioned,  well  cemented  fabric,  pleasing  to  the 
sight,  satisfactory  to  the  taste,  approved  by  the  judgment,  its  archi 
tectural  principles  just,  its  parts  orderly  and  harmonious,  in  whioh 
justice  was  found  consorting  with  reason,  and  controversy  guided  by 
the  spirit  of  truth,  and  not  by  the  spirit  of  victory.  Thus,  under  the 
joint  influences  of  a  thorough  legal  education  and  of  general  science, 
it  may  confidently  be  anticipated,  that  the  destinies  of  the  profession 
of  the  law  will  daily  become  more  and  more  elevated  and  refined." 
What  the  learned  President  here  affirms  in  regard  to  the  science  of 
law,  and  its  corresponding  art  and  profession,  is  equally  true,  with 
some  slight  modifications,  of  the  science  of  medicine,  and  its  corres 
ponding  art  and  profession.  The  science  has  been  enlarged  and  rec 
tified,  and  the  profession  elevated  and  rendered  more  permanently 
beneficial  to  the  human  family,  by  its  connection  with  general  knowl 
edge.  It  is  not  easy  to  imagine  a  more  appropriate  place  for  the  in 
vestigation  of  the  sciences  of  law  and  of  medicine,  and  the  study  of 
the  professions  thereunto  belonging,  than  at  the  fountain  hoad  of  light 
and  intelligence.  Che  advantages  resulting  to  each  profession,  from 
this  connection  with  general  literature  and  science,  must  be  strikingly 
obvious.  So  much  so  indeed  as  to  excite  wonder,  on  the  slightest 
reflection,  that  a  disconnection  should  ever  have  been  tolerated. 

But  whatever  may  be  the  advantages  of  such  a  connection,  it  is 
not  to  be  expected  that  the  study  of  theology,  as  a  profession,  can 
ever  be  made  a  separate  department  of  the  University.  There  is  no 
connection,  and  it  is  devoutly  to  be  hoped  there  never  will  be,  between 
church  and  State  under  our  government.  We  have  therefore  no  es 
tablishment,  and  consequently  no  ministry  to  provide  for  it.  The  dii- 
fercnt  denominations,  being  left  free  in  the  exercise  of  their  religion, 
are  at  liberty  to  adopt  such  measures  for  the  training  of  the  ministry 
of  their  respective  churches  as  they  may  deem  most  advisable.  The 
control  and  management  of  this  business  of  right  belongs  to  th^m; 
and  it  would  be  usurpation  on  the  part  of  the  State  to  assume  to  intei- 
fere  in  its  direction.  But  so  far  as  the  great  principles  of  the  science 
of  theology  are  concerned,  they  necessarily  come  within  the  compass 
of  that  general  knowledge,  with  which  every  well  educated  young 
man  ought  to  be  acquainted.  The  mighty  evidences  of  the  divine 
existence,  resulting  from  the  unnumbered  manifestations  of  contri 
vance  and  design  throughout  the  universe  of  matter  and  of  mind; 
and  the  basis,  on  which  Christianity  has  reared  its  stupendous  fabric, 
and  founds  its  claims  to  the  confidence  and  affection  of  the  world, 
would  be  fruitful  topics  for  the  predilections  of  such  a  professorship 
as  is  proposed  to  be  established.  Besides,  it  will  be  found  to  be  es 
sential  to  the  prosperity  of  the  University.  Without  something  of 
the  kind,  it  would  be  abandoned  by  all  religious  denominations.  W« 
should  then  have  presented  to  our  view  the  spectacle  of  an  Uniyeir- 
sity,  on  the  broadest  foundation,  and  splendidly  endowed,  but  with 
out  students;  while  private  institutions,  struggling  for  existence,  with 
comparatively  few  advantages,  would  be  filled  to  overflowing.  As 
•hristianity  is  the  religion  of  our  people,  it  must  be  recognised  m 


coming  within  the  cirwie  oi  general  knowledge,  though  they  will  suf 
fer  no  interference  in  the  formation  of  their  religious  opinions.  It  is 
all  important  to  secure  the  interest  of  the  great  body  of  the  people 
in  the  welfare  of  the  University.  But  the  great  mass  of  them  will 
be  found  attached  to  the  different  denominations  of  Christians.  Noth 
ing,  therefore,  should  be  done  to  excite  jealousy,  or  create  alarm. 
And  it  is  equally  important  that  no  religious  test  be  introduced,  bui 
that  every  individual  be  left  free  in  the  exercise  of  his  religion,  and 
to  worship  as  his  conscience  shall  dictate.  No  flourishing  institution 
can  be  found,  which  does  not  embrace  as  much  as  is  here  proposed; 
every  attempt  on  a  different  plan  hitherto  made,  has  proved  an  entire 
failure.  The  University  lately  established  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
has  a  professorship  of  the  character  here  contemplated;  and  as  the 
first  fruit  of  it,  a  splendid  production  has  recently  been  presented  k> 
the  public  in  a  volume  of  lectures,  written  in  the  most  captivating 
style,  and  filled  with  the  clearest  logical  argumentation,  and  abound 
ing  in  the  most  enlarged  and  liberal  views.  Such  a  professorship, 
thus  filled,  would  secure  to  any  institution  unbounded  confidence. 
And  the  men  who  founded  that  seat  of  learning  are  to  be  numbered 
among  the  most  talented  of  our  country,  enlightened  and  Hberal  IB 
their  views,  and  belonging  to  the  different  religious  persuasions.  We 
find  among  them  an  ex-president  of  the  United  States,  and  the  Hon. 
Benjamin  F.  Butler — the  present  distinguished  attorney-general,  who 
is  now  one  of  the  council  of  the  University,  and  who  has  recently 
been  appointed  to  a  professorship  iu  the  department  of  law.  The 
fact  is  not  to  be  concealed,  that  there  is  a  strong  prejudice  in  the 
minds  of  many  worthy  and  enlightened  men,  against  state  institu 
tions.  And  it  is  often  said  of  late,  that  State  institutions  do  not  flou 
rish.  This  feeling  has  originated  from  the  attempt  of  two  or  three 
States  to  exclude  everything  in  the  form  of  religion  from  their  Uni 
versities.  The  moral  sense  of  the  community  was  found  to  be  against 
the  plan,  and  the  institutions  could  not  flourish;  for  they  were  aban 
doned  by  the  great  majority  of  those  who  patronize  the  higher  semi 
naries  of  learning.  And  the  consequence  was,  difficulties  ensued, 
and  private  institutions  rose  up  around  them  and  prospered.  The 
truth  is,  the  nature  of  man  is  such,  that  the  result  might  have  beem 
anticipated.  There  is  a  medium  between  bigotry  on  the  one  hand, 
and  atheism  on  the  other.  And  the  success  of  the  University,  its 
rife,  energy,  character  and  usefulness,  will  essentially  depend  on  the 
adoption  of  that  medium  course.  In  Brown  University,  the  different 
denominations  have  ever  been  conjointly  engaged  in  promoting  the 
cause  of  letters.  Difficulties  may  be  created  in  anticipation,  but  they 
will  generally  be  found  on  a  nearer  inspection  to  be  imaginary.  Some 
may  complain  if  they  cannot  have  the  entire  control,  but  the  great 
body  of  the  people  will  be  satisfied.  In  respect  to  the  assertion 
that  state  institutions  do  not,  and  cannot  flourish,  it  may  safely  be 
affirmed  that  the  history  of  the  past  proves  directly  the  reverse. 
The  oldest  and  most  venerable  institutions  in  our  land  are  emphat 
ically  state  institutions;  they  were  planted,  came  up,  increased  i» 
stature,  and  attained  to  the  maturity  and  vigor  of  manhood,  under 


32 

tlie  guidance  and  patronage  of  the  state.  There  have  been  no  fail 
ures,  except  in  the  cases  named,  and  obviously  for  the  reason  assign 
ed.  The  same  is  true  of  nearly  all  the  celebrated  European  Univer 
sities;  they  are  state  institutions,  founded,  sustained  and  directed  by 
the  state.  It  is  all  important  that  the  University  of  Michigan,  in  its 
constitution  and  order,  be  such  as  to  secure  the  confidence  of  the 
liberal  minded  of  all  denominations,  and  then  it  may  be  expected 
that  they  will  give  it  countenance  and  support. 

PRIVATE    INSTITUTIONS. 

But  there  is  another  question,  involving  important  considerations, 
which  is  intimately  connected  with  the  subject  that  has  just  now  been 
discussed,  and  it  is  one  that  justly  demands  the  exercise  of  the  sound 
est  discretion.  It  is  the  granting  to  private  associations,  acts  of  in 
corporation  with  university  powers.  Such  corporations,  if  the  filling 
of  all  vacancies  is  vested  in  themselves,  contain  within  their  own 
body,  the  principle  of  self-preservation  and  perpetual  existence. 
Thus  far,  they  are  independent  of  the  government,  and  cannot  be 
reached  by  any  power  in  the  state;  because  the  charter  is  held  to  be 
sacred.  It  is  true,  the  right  of  supervision  may  be  retained,  and 
also  the  right  of  repeal.  The  principle  adopted  in  New  York  is  to 
grant  university  powers  only  on  condition  that  the  company  apply 
ing  shall  have  $25,000  in  appropriate  buildings,  and  $100,000  in 
funds,  secured  in  double  the  amount,  for  the  use  of  the  institution; 
the  state  reserving  to  itself  the  right  of  visitation.  The  object  of 
this  rule  is  to  prevent  the  multiplication  of  such  institutions,  without 
any  fair  prospect  of  permanent  usefulness;  and  where  the  practice  of 
granting  such  charters  has  obtained,  the  propriety  of  the  rule  cannot 
reasonably  be  questioned.  With  us,  as  a  state,  all  is  new;  and  we 
are  at  liberty  to  adopt  such  principles,  and  form  such  rules  of  action, 
as  on  mature  reflection  the  great  interests  of  learning  may  seem  to 
require.  It  is  respectfully  suggested  to  the  consideration  of  the  leg 
islature,  whether  it  will  be  desirable  to  incorporate  such  a  number 
of  private  associations  for  the  purposes  of  education,  as  will  have 
the  effect  to  draw  off  the  attention  and  interest  of  any  considerable 
portions  of  the  public  from  the  institution  founded  by  the  State. 

SUPERINTENDENT    OF   PUBLIC    INSTRUCTION. 

The  duties  of  this  officer  were  proposed  to  be  as  follows: 

1.  To  submit  to  the  Legislature  an  annual  report  ex&Ming  the 
condition,  of  the  University  and  primary  school  funds;  also  of  the  pri 
mary  schools  and  of  the  University  and  its   branches,  and  all  such 
matters  relating  to  his  office  and  the  public  schools  as  he  may  think 
proper  to  communicate. 

2.  To  prepare  suitable  forms  for  making  all  reports  which  may 
be  required  of  the  district,  township,  academic  and  university  boards, 
and  suitable  regulations  for  conducting  all  proceedings  under  the  law 
relating  to  public  instruction,  and'  transmit  the  same  with  such  in 
structions  as  he  may  deem  proper  for  the  organization  and  govern 
ment  of  the  public  schools,  with  such  directions  as  to  the  course  of 


studies  as  he  may  judge  advisable,  to  the  several  officers  intrusted 
with  their  management  and  care. 

3.  To  appoint  the  prescribed  number  of  trustees  and  visitors  in 
the  different  academic  boards,  and  the  annual  board  of  visitors  to  the 
University. 

4.  To  take  charge  of  all  University  and  school  lands  and  all  other 
property  reserved  to  the  State  for  the  purposes  of  education,  and  dis 
pose  of  the  same  according  to  law. 

5.  To  invest  all  moneys  arising  from  sale  of  such  lands  and  prop 
erty  as  directed  by  law. 

6.  To  apportion  the  income  of  the   University  fund  among  its 
branches  and  the  parent  institution,  and  also  the  income  of  the  pri 
mary  school  fund  among  the  several  townships  and  cities  of  the 
State,  on  sueh  principles  as  shall  be  sanctioned  by  the  Legislature. 

7.  To  prepare  annually  a  table  of  the  amount  to  be  paid  to  the 
University  and  each  of  its  branches;  also  the  amount  in  the  aggre 
gate  to  be  paid  to  the  different  counties  of  the  State  from  the  income 
of  the  University  and  primary  school  funds  respectively,  and  present 
the  same  to  the  State  Treasurer. 

8.  To  notify  the  treasurers  of  the  several  counties  of  the  amounts 
to  be  disbursed. 

9.  To  hear  and  decide  all  questions  arising  under  the  paUlc  school 
system. 

This  was  designed  to  give  him  the  power  of  putting  at  rest 
all  controversies  arising  in  the  administration  of  the  system  of  which 
he  has  the  supervision. 

The  provision  was  intended  to  guard  against  the  difficulties  which 
had  arisen  under  the  administration  of  the  school  system  in  Nevr 
York,  and  in  relation  to  which,  the  Superintendent  of  that  State,  Mr. 
Dix,  had  said — "if  the  system  has  any  defect,  it  is  that  the  Superin 
tendent  has  no  power  by  law  to  enforce  the  execution  of  his  own  de 
cisions." 

The  report,  of  which  the  above  is  a  synopsis,  was  laid  before  the 
legislature  on  the  5th  day  of  January,  1837.  On  the  18th  day  of 
February,  Mr.  Ward,  from  the  committee  on  education,  submitted  a 
report  concurring  in  the  views  presented  by  the  Superintendent,  and 
also  a  bill  authorizing  the  Superintendent  to  sell  the  lands  set  apart 
for  educational,  purposes,  both  school  and  University,  and  to  invest  the 
proceeds  in  the  manner  pointed  out  by  law,  and  to  give  him  the 
care  and  disposition  of  all  the  lands  and  other  property  reserved  and 
granted  to  the  State  for  educational  purposes.  A  law  was  also  pass 
ed  giving  to  the  Superintendent  generally,  the  powers  specified  in 
his  plan,  with  the  exception  of  that  which  related  to  the  decisions  of 


34 

questions  arising  under  the  school  laws,  and  011  ihe  20th  day  of 
March  of  this  year,  was  approved  the  "  act  to  provide  for  the  organ 
ization  and  support  of  schools." 

This  law  also  carried  out  in  its  details  the  views  of  the  Superinten 
dent,  but  did  not  give  to  Michigan  a  system  of  FREE  SCHOOLS.  It 
provided  for  the  establishment  of  school  districts,  with  the  offices  of 
moderator,  director  and  assessor,  and  defined  their  duties;  for  the 
appropriation  of  a  share  of  the  proceeds  arising  from  "fines,  breachevS 
of  penal  laws  and  exemption  from  military  duty."  to  every  district  in 
which  the  inhabitants  voted  a,  tax  for  a  suitable  library  case,  and  a 
sum  not  to  exceed  ten  dollars  annually,  for  the  purchase  of  books; 
it  established  a  board  of  school  inspectors,  defined  the  duties  of 
township  clerks  relative  to  schools,  and  provided  for  the  distribution 
of  the  income  of  the  school  fund  among  the  school  districts,  in  pro 
portion  to  the  number  of  scholars  in  each,  between  the  ages  of  five 
and  seventeen  years,  and  required  a  report  from  the  inspectors  to 
the  county  clerk,  annually,  of  the  whole  number  of  districts  in  the 
township,  the  number  from  whicl;  reports  were  received  for  the 
year,  the  length  of  time  a  school  had  been  taught  for  the  year  by  a 
qualified  teacher,  the  amount  of  public  money  belonging  to  each 
district,  the  number  of  children  taught  in  each,  and  the  number 
belonging  to  each  between  the  ages  of  five  and  seventeen,  the 
amount  of  public  moneys,  the  amount  raised  in  the  township  for 
schools,  and  the  manner  of  its  appropriation.  The  method  of  sup 
porting  the  schools  was  by  the  levy  of  a  tax  upon  the  taxable  pro 
perty  of  the  district,  in  proportion  to  its  valuation,  which  was  to  be 
obtained  by  a  transcript  of  the  township  assessment  roll.  The  dis 
tricts  had  authority  to  levy  and  assess  upon  the  taxable  property  of 
the  district,  all  moneys  voted  by  the  district,  the  necessar3r  sums  for 
appendages  and  fuel,  and  for  purchasing  and  leasing  a  site  and  buil 
ding,  hiring  or  purchasing  a  school  house — a  fund  to  be  raised  for 
this  purpose,  specially.  It  was  made  the  duty  of  the  board  of  su 
pervisors  to  add  to  the  sums  to  be  raised  in  each  township  a  sum 
^qual  to  that  apportioned  to  the  townships  from  the  income  of  the 
school  fund. 

THE    UNIVERSITY. 

The  first  law  under  State  legislation,  establishing  this  institution, 
was  approred  March  IS,  1837.     Its  name  and  style  was  to  be  "THE 


UNIVERSITY  OF  MICHIGAN;'"  its  objects  defined  to  be  "to  provide  the 
inhabitants  of  the  State  with  the  means  of  acquiring-  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  various  branches  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts." 
Its  arovernment  was  vested  in  a  Board  of  Regents  to  consist  of  twelve 

o  o 

members  and  the  Chancellor,  which  member  were  to  be  appointed 
by  the  Governor,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate. 
The  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor,  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court 
and  Chancellor  of  the  State  were  ex-officio  members.  It  was  made 
die  duty  of  the  Regents  "to  enact  laws  for  the  government  of  the 
University;  to  appoint  the  prescribed  number  of  professors  and  tu 
tors;  to  determine  the  amount  of  their  salaries."  The  University  was 
to  consist  of  three  departments — literature,  science  and  the  arts;  law, 
and  medicine.  The  professorships  to  be  established  under  the  law, 
to  be  appointed  as  the  wants  of  the  institution  might  require,  were 
as  follows: 

In  the  department  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts,  one  of  an 
cient  language,  one  of  modern  languages,  one  of  rhetoric  and  orato 
ry,  one  of  philosophy,  of  history,  logic  and  philosophy  of  the  hu 
man  mind,  one  of  moral  philosophy-  and  natural  theology,  mchtding 
tiie  history  of  all  religions,  one  of  political  economy,  one  of  mathe 
matics,  one  of  natural  philosophy,  one  of  chemistry  and  pharmacy, 
one  of  geology  and  mineralogy,  one  of  botany  and  zoology,  one  of 
the  fine  arts,  and  one  of  civil  engineering  and  architecture 

In  the  department  of  law,  one  of  natural,  international  and  consti 
tutional  law,  one  of  common  and  statute  law,  and  equity,  and  one  of 
commercial  and  maritime  law. 

In  the  department  of  medicine,  one  of  anatomy,  one  of  surgery, 
one  of  physiology  and  pathology,  one  of  practice  of  physic,  one  of 
obstetrics  and  diseases  of  women  and  children,  and  one  of  materia 
medica  and  medical  jurisprudence. 

The  government  of  these  departments  was  entrusted  to  their  re 
spective  faculties,  but  the  Regents  had  power  to  regulate  the  course 
of  instruction,  and  prescribe,  under  the  advice  of  the  professors,  the 
books  and  authorities  to  be  used  in  the  several  departments;  also  to 
confer  degrees  and  grant  diplomas.  The  fee  of  admission  was  nev 
er  to  exceed  ten  dollars,  and  the  institution  was  to  be  "  open  to  all 
persons,  resident  in  the  State,  who  might  wish  to  avail  themselves  of 
its  advantages,  witJiout  charge  of  tuition',  and  to  all  others,  under  such 
regulations  and  restrictions  as  might  be  prescribed  by  the  Regents. 
A.  board  of  visitors,  five  in  number,  were  to  be  appointed  by  the 
Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  whose  duty  it  was  "  to  make  ft 


36 

personal  examination  into  the  state  of  the  University,  in  all  its  de 
partments,  and  report  the  result  to  the  Superintendent,  suggesting 
such  improvements  as  they  deemed  important." 

It  was  made  the  duty  of  the  Regents  to  make  an  exhibit  of  the  af 
fairs  of  the  University;  the  amounts  of  expenditure;  the  number  of 
professors  and  tutors,  and  their  salaries;  the  number  of  students  im 
the  several  departments  and  in  the  different  classes;  the  books  of  in 
struction  used  and  such  other  information  as  the  Board  might  require, 
with  an  estimate  of  expenses  for  the  ensuing  year.  As  soon  as  the 
State  should  provide  funds  for  that  purpose,  the  Regents  were  to 
proceed  to  the  erection  of  the  necessary  buildings  for  the  University 
on  the  ground  to  be  designated  by  the  Legislature. 

It  was  made  their  duty,  together  with  the  Superintendent  of  Public 
Instruction,  to  ESTABLISH  SUCH  BRANCHES 'in  the  different  parts  of 
the  State  as  should  be  authorized  by  the  Legislature,  and  to  pre 
scribe  needful  rules  and  regulations.  The  branches  were  excluded 
from  the  right  to  confer  degrees.  In  connection  with  every  such 
branch,  there  was  to  be  an  institution  for  the  EDUCATION  OF  FEMALE? 
in  the  higher  branches  of  knowledge,  whenever  suitable  buildings 
should  be  prepared.  In  each  of  the  branches  there  was  to  be  a  DB- 
PARTMKNT  OF  AGRICULTURE,  with  competent  instructors  in  the  theorj 
of  agriculture,  including  vegetable  physiolgy  and  agricutural  chem 
istry,  and  experimental  and  practical  farming  and  agriculture." 
Whenever  such  branch  was  formed,  there  was  to  be  in  each  a  de 
partment  especially  appropriated  to  the  EDUCATION  OF  TEACHERS 
FOR  THE  PRIMARY  SCHOOLS,  and  such  other  departments  as  the  Re 
gents  deemed  necessary.  Whenever  the  branches  were  established, 
or  any  of  them,  there  was  to  be  apportioned  to  each,  in  proportion 
to  the  number  of  scholars  therein,  for  the  support  of  its  professors 
and  teachers,  such  sums  as  the  state  of  the  University  fund  should 
allow,  and  also  such  sums  for  the  purchase  of  books  and  apparatus. 
The  Board  were  required  to  procure  the  best  and  most  appropriate 
plan  for  the  University  building,  which,  if  approved  by  the  Gov 
ernor  and  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  was  to  be  adopted. 

By  an  act  approved  March  20,  1837,  the  University  was  to  be  lo 
cated  in  or  near  the  village  of  Ann  Arbor,  in  the  State  of  Michigaia, 
upon  such  site  as  the  Regents  should  select,  which  site  was  to  b« 


37 

eoaveyed  to  the  Regents,  for  the  use  of  the  State,  and  for  that  express 
purpose,  free  of  cost,  and  the  site  was  to  include  not  less  than  forty 


At  the  extra  session  of  this  year,  Gov.  Mason,  in  behalf  of  the 
Regents,  transmitted  to  the  House  of  Representatives  a  communica 
tion,  asking  for  the  following  amendments,  which  were  passed,  and 
became  a  law  on  the  21st  of  June,  viz:  an  amendment  to  invest  the 
board  with  power  to  elect  a  chancellor,  and  prescribe  his  duties  —  to 
make  the  Governor  president  of  the  board,  and  provision  authorizing 
tfie  Regents  to  create  such  professorships  in  the  University  as  they 
might  deem  proper,  and  to  establish  branches  at  discretion. 

Authority  was  given  to  the  Regents  to  expend  so  much  of  the  in 
terest  arising  from  the  University  fund,  as  may  be  necessary  for  the 
purchase  of  philosophical  and  other  apparatus,  a  library,  and  cabinet 
of  natural  history.  It  had,  by  the  previous  law  of  March  21,  1837, 
been  made  the  duty  of  the  Superintendent  to  apply  the  income  of 
the  University  fund  to  the  payment  of  such  debts  as  should  accrue 
from  the  operation  of  the  law  establishing  the  University. 

During  the  year,  as  an  auxiliary  to  the  cause  of  education,  the 
"Journal  of  Education"  was  established  in  Detroit,  under  the  auspi 
ces  of  the  late  Senator  Lyon,  Dr.  Pitcher,  and  H.  R.  Schoolcraft; 
and  on  motion  of  Hon.  J.  M.  Howard,  the  Superintendent  was  in 
structed  to  furnish  one  copy  to  each  board  of  inspectors,  and  one  to 
each  director  of  a  school  district. 

1838- 

EXTRACT  FROM  GOV.    MASON'S  THIRD  MESSAGE. 

From  the  report  of  the  Superintendent,  you  will  receive  all  the  ne 
cessary  information  connected  with  our  schools  and  University.  He 
will  present  to  you  the  general  condition  of  the  common  schools,  and 
will  at  the  same  time,  suggest  to  your  consideration  such  amend 
ments  to  our  existing  school  laws,  as  may  appear  to  him  expedient 
and  desirable.  I  would,  however,  recommend,  by  the  appointment 
of  an  assistant,  the  separation  of  the  financial  department  from  the  or 
dinary  duties  of  the  office  of  Superintendent,  so  as  to  relieve  that  offi- 
aerfrom  duties  too  onerous,  and  in  themselves  inconsistent. 

I  have  so  often  referred  to  the  subject  of  education  in  my  former 
communications,  that  important  as  the  subject  is,  I  feel  indispo 
sed  to  dwell  on  it  at  any  great  length,  sensible  that  your  feelings  and 
interests  are  alive  to  its  success,  and  that  your  most  unremitting  ex- 


38 

ertions  will  be  directed  to  its  advancement  throughout  the  State. 
Every  free  government  is  called  on  by  a  principle  of  self-preserva 
tion,  to  afford  every  facility  for  the  education  of  the  people.  The 
liberty  of  a  people  cannot  be  forced  beyond  its  intelligence.  The 
South  American  Republics  exhibit  but  alternate  scenes  of  anarchy 
and  despotism.  France,  in  the  day  of  her  bloody  struggles  for  free 
dom,  was  overwhelmed  and  plunged  in  misery,  by  the  very  attempt 
to  make  her  free.  In  the  United  States  we  witness  the  advantages 
of  education,  in  the  virtue,  intelligence  and  liberty  of  the  people. 
History  points  out  the  ignorance  and  degradation  of  other  countries, 
and  we  are  admonished  of  the  duties  before  us.  If  our  own  coun 
try  is  ever  to  fall  from  her  high  position  before  the  world,  the  cause 
will  be  found  in  the  ignorance  of  the  people — if  she  is  to  remain 
where  she  now  stands,  with  her  glory  undimmed,  educate  every  child 
MI  the  land. 

Whilst  the  fund  will  be  sufficiently  great  for  the  support  of  the 
University,  on  the  broad  scale  intended  by  the  Legislature,  if  applied 
to  that  object  alone,  it  may  fall  short  of  that  purpose  when  direct 
ed  to  the  numerous  branches  which  seem  to  be  demanded  by  the 
people.  I  would  therefore  suggest  that  portions  of  the  seventy- 
two  sections  of  the  salt  spring  lands  be  set  apart  by  the  Legislature 
as  an  exclusive  fund  for  the  support  of  the  branches  of  the  Univer 
sity. 

SUPERINTENDENT'S  REPORT. 

The  Superintendent  refers  to  the  following  acts  as  comprising  what 
might  be  termed  the  "  MICHIGAN  SCHOOL  SYSTEM,"  viz:  the  act  to 
provide  for  the  disposition  of  the  University  and  primary  school 
lands;  the  act  to  provide  for  the  organization  and  government  of  the 
University  with  branches;  and  the  act  for  the  establishment  and  sup 
port  of  the  primary  schools. 

No  change  was  recommended  in  the  system  of  primary  schools. 
The  previous  laws  were  during  this  year  prepared  and  arranged  into 
a  code.  The  commissioners  were  not  authorized  to  make  alterations, 
however,  and  the  school  laws,  with  all  other  laws,  were  consolidated 
in  the  revised  statutes  of  1838.  A  question  of  great  importance 
was  brought  before  the  Legislature,  by  the  Superintendent,  relating 
to  the  policy  of  granting 

CHARTERS    FOR    PRIVATE    COLLEGES. 

This  question,  in  the  view  of  the  Superintendent,  involved  th« 
highest  considerations  of  sound  public  policy  as  affecting  ihe  State 
in  all  time  to  come. 

"When  this  decision  is  finally  made,"  says  the  reporf,  "it  will  not 
require  the  inspiration  of  a  prophet  to  dttermine  whether  ihe  State  shall 


39 

eventually  assume  the  first  rank  in  the  Republic  of  Letters,  by  found 
ing  and  rearing  up  an  institution  of  noble  stature  and  just  propor 
tions,  worthy  alike  of  the  State  and  of  learning,  and  equally  worthy 
the  name  of  University,  or  whether  the  State  shall  ultimately  sink 
to  a  low  level  in  the  world  of  knowledge,  having  institutions  under 
the  imposing  name  of  colleges,  scattered  through  the  length  and 
breadth  of  the  land,  without  funds,  without  cabinets,  without  appa 
ratus,  without  libraries,  without  talents,  without  character  and  with 
out  the  ability  of  ever  maintaining  them.  If  one  is  granted,  others 
must  be,  and  there  is  no  limit.  If  one  village  obtains  a  charter  for 
a  college,  all  others  must  have  the  same  favor.  In  proportion  as 
they  increase  in  number,  just  in  that  proportion  will  be  their  decrease 
ef  power  to  be  useful." 

In  aid  of  this  view  of  the  question,  the  opinions  of  distinguished 
scholars  were  obtained,  among  whom  were  the  names  of  Dr.  Way- 
land,  Edward  Everett,  President  Humphrey,  President  Mellvaine 
and  others.  The  question  was  submitted  to  these  distinguished  gen 
tlemen  in  a  letter  of  the  Superintendent  requesting  "the  result  of  their 
observations  as  to  the  effect  produced  on  the  higher  branches  of  lit 
erature  and  science  by  the  multiplication  of  universities  and  colleges 
in  the  United  States.  In  the  creation  of  the  higher  institutions  a 
question  has  arisen,  in  the  commencement  of  our  existence  as  a  State, 
whether  we  shall  grant  to  an  indefinite  number  of  private  associa 
tions  the  right  of  conferring  degrees,  or  for  the  present  concentrate 
our  energies  in  one  university."  To  this,  President  Wayland  re 
plied:  "that  so  far  as  he  was  qualified  to  judge,  the  plan  of  concen 
trating  your  energies  in  one  university,  is  incomparably  preferable  to 
that  of  granting  university  charters  to  an  indefinite  number  of  pri 
vate  institutions.  By  a  great  number  of  small  and  badly  appointed 
colleges  you  will  increase  the  nominally  educated  men,  but  you  will 
decrease  the  power  of  education,  because  it  will  be  little  else  but  tke 
name."  The  reply  of  Mr.  Everett  was  in  substance,  that  supposing 
the  condition  of  Michigan  to  be  the  same  as  most  other  infant  politi 
cal  communities,  he  should  think  that  one  institution  of  a  high 
order  would  be  as  much  ns  we  could  expect  to  found  and  sustain  at 
the  first.  uYou  will  not  understand  me,"  says  Mr.  Everett,  "as  at  all 
underrating  the  importance  of  acadamies  and  schools.  I  deem  them 
quite  as  important  as  colleges.  Good  common  schools  are  the  basis 
of  every  wise  system  of  popular  education.  But  it  is  not  useful  to 
grant  to  academies  and  schools  the  privilege  of  conferring  degrees. 


40 

Harvard  college  in  Massachusetts,  was  founded  in  1636.  There  was 
no  other  college  in  New  England  till  1700,  when  Yale  was  founded. 
If  the  question  is  between  one  well  endowed  and  amply  provided 
institution,  and  sereral  languishing  on  an  inadequate  public  and  pri 
vate  patronage — which,  if  several  are  attempted,  will  be  apt  to  be 
their  condition — it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  say  the  decision  must  be 
for  the  former." 

President  Brown,  of  Pennsylvania,  was  of  the  opinion  that  much 
depended  on  circumstances — the  public  fund,  the  character  and  num 
ber  of  the  inhabitants,  the  probability  of  uniting  in  the  patronage  of 
one — people  of  different  talents,  prejudices,  literary  taste,  and  espe 
cially  different  moral  and  religious  sentiments.  If  all  these  could  be  con 
centrated  harmoniously,  it  might  be  best  to  confine  their  energies  to 
one,  for  a  time — that  if  all  religious  men  were  excluded,  the  institu 
tion  would  become  infidel.  Serious  people  would  not  send  their  sons 
to  such  an  institution;  that  no  amount  of  funds  per  se  created  a  col 
lege,  and  that  any  amount  of  talent  would  not  alone  command  suc 
cess — that  there  must  be  harmony  and  co-operation,  and  he  sugges 
ted  "that  the  Legislature  should,  for  the  present,  look  to  the  forma 
tion  of  only  one  State  University,  to  receive  the  ample  endowments 
the  State  is  able  to  afford;  that  they  should,  from  the  commencement, 
guard  against  the  evils  of  an  undue  multiplication  of  colleges, 
and  in  order  to  do  this,  that  no  charter  should  be  granted  to  any 
association,  only  on  the  condition  of  having  procured  such  an  amount 
of  funds  as  will  secure  respectability  by  supplying  able  professors. 
and  the  proper  college  accommodations.  President  Mcllvaine  con 
sidered  that  with  the  property  devoted  to  college  education  in  Michi 
gan,  the  State  had  a  noble  opportunity  of  taking  and  holding  digni 
fied  ground  on  this  subject:  of  building  a  breakwater  against  the 
winds  and  waves,  by  which  other  less  independent  institutions  are  in 
danger  of  being  overwhelmed,  and  recommended  that  it  be  improved 
by  having  but  one  place  of  degrees  in  Michigan. 

From  these  opinions  and  others  similar,  the  Superintendent  ex 
pressed  the  opinion  that  "the  multiplication  of  institutions  under  the 
imposing  name  of  universities  and  colleges,  was  to  be  regarded  as 
an  evil  of  great  magnitude,  as  exceedingly  detrimental  to  the  interests 
of  literature,  science  and  the  arts,''  and  recommended  that  the  Re- 


41 

^  of  the  University  be  empowered  to  grant  charters  for  colleges 
enly  on  condition  that  the  association  applying  shall  have  actually 
secured  for  the  use  of  the  institution  the  sum  of  two  hundred  thou 
sand  dollars  ;  that  of  this  sum,  fifty  thousand,  at  least,  should  be 
invested  in  suitable  buildings  and  other  accommodations,  and  the 
balance  secured  so  that  the  full  amount  of  the  interest  arising  there 
from  should  be  yearly  available  for  the  support  of  the  college,  so 
long  as  it  should  continue  in  operation,  reserving  to  the  State  the 
rigJit  of  visitation,  and  requiring  an  annual  report. 

On  the  19th  of  January,  of  this  year,  a  petition  was  presented  to 
the  House  of  Representatives,  by  Hon.  J.  M.  HOWARD,  -'to  incorpo 
rate  the  Trustees  of  Michigan  College."  The  petition  was  referred 
to  a  committee,  of  which  Mr.  HOWARD  was  chairman,  who  made  a 
majority  report,  and  also  reported  a  bill  to  incorporate  the  institution. 
The  majority  of  the  committee  did  not  agree  in  opinion  with  the  Su 
perintendent,  or  see  the  propriety  of  restricting  the  power  in  ques 
tion,  exclusively  to  the  State  institution.  The  institution  proposed  to 
be  incorporated,  in  its  inception,  had  contemplated  a  school,  to  be  or 
ganized  on  the  manual  labor  plan,  and  was  designed  ultimately  as  a 
college.  Owing  to  financial  embarrassments,  the  "  colony  scheme'* 
was  abandoned.  A  subscription  of  about  eighteen  thousand  dollars  had 
been  raised  and  applied  to  the  purchase  of  a  farm  of  three  hundred  and 
seventy-five  acres,  near  Marshall,  in  the  county  of  Calhoun.  In  ad 
dition  to  this  the  trustees  had  become  the  owners  of  a  landed  inter 
est  on  Grand  lliver,  with  a  mill  privilege  upon  it,  which  was  estima 
ted  at  ten  thousand  dollars,  and  friends  of  the  enterprise  in  New 
York  had  conditionally  invested  for  the  benefit  of  the  college,  five 
thousand  dollars.  Buildings  were  proposed  to  be  commenced,  to  ac 
commodate  one  hundred  and  fifty  or  two  hundred  students — a  pre 
paratory  school  opened,  and  a  president  of  the  college  appointed, 
who  was  seeking  further  pecuniary  aid  for  the  institution.  The  val 
ue  of  the  property  owned  by  the  trustees,  the  committee  were  assured, 
vras  not  less  than  from  $60,000  to  $100,000.  It  was  announced  to 
be  the  settled  determination  of  its  founders  "  to  establish  it  on  a 
broad  and  liberal  scale — one  which  would  make  it  an  ornament  and 
honor  to  the  State — an  efficient  means  of  diffusing  the  benefits  of 
general  and  classical  education — to  open  its  doors  for  the  instruction 
6 


of  youth  of  all  classes,  sects  and  conditions,  and  dispense  to  the  in 
digent  as  well  as  to  the  wealthy,  the  charities  of  an  ever-wakeful 
benevolence — the  means  of  solid  and  useful  le  irnino-,  and  the  con- 

o 

stant  healthful  influence  of  religious  precept  and  example." 

The  following  extracts  from  the  report  of  the  majority  of  the  com 
mittee,  substantially  develope  their  views  of  the  subject. 

The  committee  cannot  appreciate  the  force  of  the  objection,  that 
by  granting  the  franchises  asked  for,  we  encourage  others  to  make 
like  requests.  We  are  of  opinion  that  in  this,  as  well  as  in  other 
matters  coming  before  the  Legislature,  it  is  to  be  governed  by  a 
sound  discretion,  neither  grunting  nor  withholding,  without  sufficient 
reason,  and  keeping  constantly  in  view  the  general  good  of  commu 
nity. 

They  deem  it  the  duty  of  the  legislature,  not  only  to  prevent  all 
impediments,  but  to  afford  facilities  to  the  progress  of  general  educa 
tion;  to  speak  in  words  of  encouragement  rather  than  of  restraint, 
to  those  who  volunteer  to  aid  it,  and  not  from  an  over  weening  fond  ness 
for  one  particular  institution,  or  one  particular  system,  place  all  others 
under  the  ban  of  power. 

As  to  the  fear  expressed,  that  "to  permit  the  establishment  of  this 
or  other  institutions  of  the  kind,  would  distract  public  attention  and 
tfivert  patronage,  from  the  State  University,"  the  committee  did  not 
participate  in  it,  but  maintained 

That  an  institution,  under  the  immediate  supervision  and  control 
of  the  government,  with  an  endowment  of  one  million  of  dollars,  and 
all  the  attendant  patronage,  cannot  be  prostrated  or  impeded  in  its 
progress  by  any  voluntary  association,  founded  upon  individual  mu 
nificence.  The  true  secret  of  the  success  of  every  such  institution, 
is  found  in  the  enterprise,  learning  and  capacity  of  those  at  its  head; 
and  where  these  are  wanting,  the  interests  of  education,  like  those  of 
commerce  and  other  branches  of  business,  will  assuredly  decline." 

It  is  also  urged  that  by  confining  the  power  of  granting  diplomas 
to  the  State  University,  and  withholding  its  exercise  from  all  other 
institutions,  the  State  ensures  to  that  University,  at  all  times,  a  num 
ber  of  students  corresponding  to  its  high  literary  claims,  and  the 
wealth  of  its  endowment.  We  are  at  a  loss  to  discover  the  propriety 
of  this  restrictive  and  exclusive  principle.  *  *  *  It  is  certainly  at 
war  with  the  well  known  freedom  of  American  Institutions  and 
American  character.  *  *  *  We  claim  that  the  ancient  and  time 
honored  system  of  New  England,  now  extending  over  almost  the 
•whole  country,  is  more  in  accordance  with  the  genius  of  the  Amer- 
•an  people  than  any  known  system  of  foreign  nations.  We  are  not 
to  suppose  that  the  settled  feelings,  habits  and  opinions  of  a  people 
can  be  safely  disregarded  by  their  rulers,  nor  that  they  can  be  made 
to  bend  and  quadrate  to  any  and  every  innovation,  which  those  in 
authority  may  dignify  with  the  name  of  improvements.  Still  less 


4  •  > 

can  freemen  be  compelled  to  countenance  a  monopoly  of  those  ben 
efits  which  they  have  been  taught  to  regard  as  the  gift  of  God.*  *  * 
In  our  own  community,  there  exists  every  variety  of  religious  and 
political  opinion,  and  so  strong  are  men's  attachments  to  their  own 
particular  creeds,  that  any  legislative  attempt  to  change  or  modify 
them  by  the  course  of  instruction  or  otherwise;  any  system  which 
seeks  to  make  all  coalesce  in  one  set  of  opinions,  or  to  inculcate  in 
difference  to  all,  or  which  erects  a  barrier  to  even  the  caprices  of 
men,  must  necessarily  prove  odious  and  unavailing.  Whatever  may 
be  the  theories  of  philosophers  and  speculatists,  among-  the  mass 
of  mankind,  religion  is  not  supposed  to  exist  without  creed,  and  to 
use  the  language  of  another,  "he  is  a  rash  man,  indeed,  and  little 
conversant  with  human  nature,  and  especially  has  he  a  very  erro 
neous  estimate  of  the  character  of  the  people  of  this  country,  who 
supposes  that  a  feeling  of  this  kind  is  either  to  be  trifled  with  or  des 
pised;  it  will  assuredly  cause  itself  to  be  respected. 

One  obvious  effect  of  the  system  recommended  will  be  to  drive 
from  the  State  every  young  man  wishing  to  obtain  a  degree,  but  un 
willing  from  whatever  cause  to  prosecute  his  studies  in  the  Univer 
sity.  The  majority  of  the  committee  deem  it  unjust  to  individuals 
and  the  State,  to  confer  on  the  State  University  a  monopoly  of  col 
lege  honors.  It  is  the  right  of  every  parent  and  guardian,  and  one 
which  we  may  be  assured  will  be  insisted  on,  to  educate  his  child  or 
ward  in  his  own  way;  and  it  is  furthermore  the  right  of  ihe  student 
himself,  that  the  road  to  literary  honors  should  be  opened  to  him  by 
his  own  State,  in  a  manner  accordant  with  his  own  feelings  and  prin 
ciples;  and  it  is  the  correspondent  duty  of  the  State,  to  cherish  and 
encourage  all  her  sons  in  the  way  to  distinction  and  usefulness,  in 
order  that  she  may  reap  her  just  share  of  the  glory  of  their  achieve 
ments.  It  is  made  the  duty  of  the  Legislature  "to  encourage  by 
sill  suitable  means,  the  promotion  of  intellectual  and  scientific  im 
provements."  It  is  conceived  that  the  policy  proposed  is  in  conflict 
•with  the  spirit  of  this  provision,  inasmuch  as  it  in  a  manner  disfran 
chises  a  large  portion  of  the  community.  We  predict  that  if  it  be 
adopted  as  the  governing  rule  of  the  Legislature,  it  will  drive  from 
among  us  a  large  number  of  young  men,  seeking  a  liberal  education, 
and  the  usual  honors  by  which  it  is  and  ever  ought  to  be  distin 
guished,  will  engender  hatred,  rather  than  create  respect  for  the  State 
institution,  and  ultimately  leave  it  deserted  by  all  but  its  immediate 
government  patrons — a  place  where  the  idle  and  curious  may  find 
gratification,  but  devoid  of  that  active,  vital  energy,  which  is  ever 
kept  awake  by  peaceful  and  salutary  competition. 

Another,  and  with  many  a  weighty  objection,  is  the  fear  that  the 
institution  [proposed  to  be  established]  will  be  sectarian.*  *  *  Hu 
man  nature  cannot,  however,  be  changed,  and  religious  partialities 
vill  exist  as  long  as  man  is  a  religious  animal.  *  *  *  The  constitu 
tion  declares  "that  the  civil  and  political  rights,  privileges  and  ca 
pacities  of  no  individual  shall  be  diminished  or  enlnrged  on  account 
of  his  opinions  or  belief  concerning  matters  of  religion;"  and  it  seems 
unfair  and  extra  legislative  to  anticipate,  and  use  as  an  objection,  a 


44 

stale  of  tacus  against  which  the   constitution  requires  us  to  close  our 
eyes. 

The  majority  report  was  signed  by  Hons.  J.  M.  Howard,  S,  Vick- 
ery,  Wra.  P.  Draper,  and  Jer.  R.  Smith.  A  minority  report  was 
made,  signed  by  Hons.  D.  B.  Wakefield,  John  Ball,  and  Wm.  H. 
Montgomery.  The  report  of  the  minority  was  in  accordance  gen 
erally  with  the  views  of  the  Superintendent.  They  regarded  the 
petition  referred  to  them  as  asking  an  infraction  of  a  general  system 
adopted  by  the  State;  as  a  precedent,  drawing  after  it  all  the  weight 
and  authority  necessary  to  give  it  effect  and  cogency  in  argument, 
in  favor  of  further  infractions,  which  as  friends  of  the  system  estab 
lished  they  were  bound  to  look  upon  with  caution  and  distrust.  The 
decision  upon  this  question  was  made  by  the  Legislature  in  1839, 
when  a  charter  was  granted,  the  provisions  of  which  are  stated  here 
after. 

THE    UNIVERSITY. 

The  fund  of  this  institution,  at  this  time,  was  estimated  by  the 
Superintendent  at  one  million  of  dollars,  and  the  interest  arising 
therefrom,  at  $70,000;  yet  he  suggests  that  it  will  not  be  sufficient 
to  put  the  present  institution,  with  such  a  number  of  branches  as  it 
would  be  desirable  to  create,  into  immediate  and  successful  opera 
tion.  Buildings  were  to  be  erected,  a  library  to  be  procured,  a  phi 
losophical  and  chemical  apparatus  to  be  purchased,  and  a  cabinet  of 
natural  history  to  be  selected,  besides  the  yearly  payment  of  sala 
ries,  when  the  University  should  have  commenced  operations;  and 
for  years  to  come,  it  was  suggested  the  University  would  need  ev 
ery  dollar  of  the  income  of  its  fund  to  give  it  a  vigorous  and  manly 
existence.  To  relieve  the  University  fund,  therefore,  for  the  time 
being,  it  was  recommended  that  the  income  of  the  salt  spring  lands 
be  devoted,  for  a  limited  number  of  years,  to  support  the  branches. 
The  object  and  importance  of  the  BRANCHES  of  the  University  are 
set  forth  in  the  following  extract  from  this  year's  report: 

It  is  certainly  of  much  consequence  to  the  public  interests  that 
these  branches  be  pushed  forward  with  vigor,  and  be  adequately  sus 
tained.  They  form  the  all-important  connecting  link  between  the 
primary  schools  and  the  University.  They  are  specially  intended  to 
fit  such  young  men  for  the  regular  classical  course  of  the  Universi 
ty,  as  wish  to  enter  the  institution;  also  to  prepare  some  for  the  PRO 
FESSION  OF  TEACHING,  that  the  primary  schools  may  be  fully  suppli- 


45 

ed  with  competent  instructors;  and  to  qualify  others  for  those  numer 
ous  employments  of  life,  which  require  a  more  extended  education 
than  is  usually  to  be  obtained  at  the  district  school.  Unquestionably, 
then,  they  are  essential  to  the  successful  and  harmonious  action  of 
the  system.  Without  them,  every  part  of  it  must  suft'er,  and  every 
department  languish.  Without  teachers,  thoroughly  educated  and 
bred  to  the  profession,  what  essential  benefit  can  rationally  be  ex 
pected  to  result  from  the  general  establisment  of  primary  schools? 

But  where  can  we  find  such  teachers,  without  furnishing  the  ne 
cessary  means  to  fit  them  for  the  work,  and  where  can  we  better  do 
it  than  in  the  contemplated  branches  of  the  University?  It  is  indeed 
of  the  first  importance  to  the  great  interests  of  education  in  our  own 
State,  that  these  branches  be  well  appointed  and  vigorously  sustain 
ed.  For  the  purpose  of  supporting  the  department  for  the  educa 
tion  of  teachers,  it  is  suggested  whether  a  small  amount  might  not 
be  appropriated  to  this  object,  from  the  income  of  the  school  fund? 
The  proposed  branches  occupy  the  middle  ground,  being  connected 
on  the  one  hand  with  the  primary  schools,  by  the  establishment  of  a 
department  in  each,  for  the  education  of  teachers;  and  on  the  other 
with  the  University  itself,  by  the  establishment  in  each  of  them,  of  a 
preparatory  course,  and  being  thus  equally  designed  for  the  benefit 
of  both  the  University  and  district  schools,  it  seems  no  more  than 
right  and  just  that  they  should  be  supported  from  the  funds  of  each. 
On  the  8th  day  of  March,  of  this  year,  the  Governor  transmitted 
to  the  Legislature  a  resolution  of  the  Board  of  Regents,  requesting 
that  the  President  of  the  Board  mio-ht  be  authorized  to  ascertain 

O 

whether  a  loan  of  State  bonds,  to  the  amount  of  8150,000  might 
be  obtained  for  tlie  University,  during  the  term  of  twenty  years,  the 
interest  and  principal  of  which,  to  be  secured  to  the  Treasurer  of  the 
State,  and  to  be  paid  out  of  any  moneys  belonging  to  the  Uniyersity> 
or  which  might  be  applicable  to  such  purpose.  The  application  was 
commended  to  the  favorable  consideration  of  the  Legislature,  on  the 
ground  that  it  would  enable  the  Regents  to  open  the  institution  at  an 
early  day — that  it  would  provide  the  necessary  library  and  appara 
tus  required — and  that  without  the  loan,  the  opening  of  the  institu- 
tiod  must  await  the  tardy  process  of  realizing  a  fund  by  the  sale  of 
University  lands,  whilst  the  lands  themselves  must  be  disposed  of  at 
an  immense  sacrifice,  if  sold  under  the  existing  financial  embarrass 
ments  of  the  country.  The  committee  of  the  House  reported  favor 
ably  upon  the  proposition,  and  an  act  was  passed  authorizing  the 
loan,  and  the  same  approved  April  6,  1838. 

An  interesting  and  useful  object  of  the  law  in  relation  to  the  Uni 
versity,  was  to  secure  zoological    specimens  for  that  institution.     A 


46 

report  was  this  year  made  by  Dr.  Pitcher,  on  the  part  of  a  commit 
tee  of  the  Regents,  stating  that  from  an  estimate  made  on  data  fur 
nished  by  the  State  Geologist,  they  had  come  to  the  conclusion  that 
in  the  section  of  ornithology  alone,  the  State  of  Michigan  would 
yield  from  three  hundred  and  fifty  to  four  hundred  species,  and  that 
a  complete  collection  of  Michigan  birds  would  contain,  at  the  lowest 
estimate,  one  thousand  specimens,  one-fourth  of  that  number  having 
been  already  obtained.  An  appropriation  was  urged  for  this  purpose 
to  prepare  specimens,  provide  cases,  and  to  go  on  with  the  collection 
of  quadrupeds,  fishes  and  reptiles;  to  provide  the  University  with  a 
complete  collection  of  the  subjects  of  natural  science,  and  especially 
such  as  were  indigenous  to  the  State. 

No  change  in  legislation  was  made  this  year,  in  relation  to  the  pri 
mary  schools.  A  resolution  was  introduced  into  the  House  ot  Rep 
resentatives  and  passed,  requesting  the  Superintendent  to  recommend 
to  the  several  school  districts  in  the  State,  such  elementary  books  to 
be  used  in  the  schools,  as  he  might  think  best  calculated  for  that 
purpose. 

Before  the  sales  of  the  school  lands  commenced,  they  were  esti 
mated  to  amount  in  all,  to  1,148,000  acres.  In  this  estimate  was 
included  all  lands  lying  within  the  boundaries  of  the  State  at  that 
time,  704.000  acres  being  situated  within  the  peninsula  portion,  and 
444,160  on  the  west  of  Lake  Michigan.  Under  the  act  for  the  dis 
position  of  the  lands,  34,399  acres  had  been  sold  already,  at  an  av 
erage  price  of  nearly  $12  per  acre,  amounting  to  $411,794.33,  the 
interest  of  which,  was  $28,825.60.  The  amount  for  distribution, 
adding  the  amount  to  be  raised  by  supervisors  for  that  purpose  for 
the  vear,  amounted  to  $57,651.20. 


EXTRACT  FROM  GOVERNOR  MASON'S    MESSAGE. 

The  Governor  announced  the  sales  of  primary  school  lands,  in 
addition  to  the  sales  of  previous  years,  to  amount  to  $55,650,  and 
those  of  the  University,  to  $10,104;  renews  his  recommendation  for 
a  separation  of  the  fiscal  from  the  other  duties  of  the  Superinten 
dent's  office,  and  says: 

I  have  so  often  referred  to  the  subject  of  EDUCATION,  in  my  for 
mer  communications  to  the  Legislature,  and  its  importance  to  the  per- 


manent  prosperity  and  happiness  of  the  American  people  is  so 
manifest,  that  I  shall  refrain  from  its  repetition.  In  a  government 
like  ours,  which  emanates  from  the  people,  and  where  the  entire  ad 
ministration  of  its  affairs  is  submitted  to  their  supervision  and  control, 
no  other  subject  can  equal  in  importance  that  of  Public  Instruction. 
As  the  friends  of  civil  liberty,  it  becomes  our  duty  to  provide  for  the 
education  of  the  rising  generation.  To  the  intelligence  of  those  who 
preceded  us,  we  are  indebted  for  our  admirable  system  of  govern 
ment,  and  it  is  only  upon  the  intelligence  of  those  who  are  to  come 
after  us,  that  we  can  hope  for  the  preservation  and  perpetuation 
of  that  system.  Our  own  State  has  been  highly  favored.  The 
Federal  Government  has  secured  us  an  ample  fund  for  all  the  pur 
poses  of  a  liberal  system  of  education;  and  it  only  remains  for  us  to 
foster  it  with  a  scrupulous  regard  to  the  important  object  for  which  it 
is  assigned. 

O.ir  system  of  education  as  adopted  has  not  yet  had  sufficient 
time  to  develope  its  defect^,  if  any  exist.  It  would  not  be  advisable, 
perhaps,  to  attempt  any  material  change,  for  the  present. 

SUPERINTENDENT'S  REPORT. 
The  Superintendent,  in  his  report,  remarks: 

The  progress  of  the  school  system  has  been  as  rapid  as  could 
rationally  have  been  anticipated.  Scarcely  two  years  and  a  half  have 
elapsed  since  the  first  movement  was  made.  In  1836,  thirty-nine 
townships  reported  fifty-five  districts,  having  two  thousand,  three 
hundred  and  thirty-seven  children,  between  the  ages  of  five  and  sev 
enteen.  In  1837,  one  hundred  and  nine  townships  reported  three 
hundred  and  eighty-two  districts,  having  fifteen  thousand,  four  hun 
dred  and  forty -one  between  those  ages,  in  1838,  two  hundred  and 
forty-five  townships  reported  fifteen  hundred  and  nine  districts,  with 
rising  THIRTY-FOUR  THOUSAND  between  those  ages. 

The  importance  of  statistical  knowledge  was  urged,  as  becoming 
every  year  more  and  more  apparent,  it  being  by  such  information  as 
statistics  furnish,  that  the  wants  of  a  community  can  be  ascertained, 
and  its  progress  in  improvement  determined.  Several  amendments 
were  proposed  in  the  report  to  the  existing  school  laws,  the  enumera 
tion  of  private  schools,  and  the  requiring  from  them  annual  reports. 
Defects  were  found  to  exist  in  regard  to  the  collection  of  taxes  for 
school  districts,  there  being  no  provision  in  relation  to  the  sale  of 
any  lands  or  tenements  for  the  collection  of  taxes. 

The  establishment  of  DISTRICT  LIBRARIES  was  recommended,  and, 
in  the  opinion  of  the  Superintendent,  too  much  value  could  hardly  be 
attached  to  this  essential  agency  of  Public  Instruction. 

The  Superintendent  urged  anew  the  importance  of  making  more 
awnple  provision  for  BRANCHES,  again  expressing  the  opinion  "  thai 


48 

without  the  aid  of  these,  the  University  itself  could  not  be  expected 
to  prosper,"  and  that  they  were  equally  important  to  the  success  of 
the  primary  schools,  being1  the  sole  means  of  obtaining  a  full  supply 
of  competent  teachers.  He  again  recommends  the  appropriation  of 
the  salt  spring  lands  to  this  object.  The  AGRICULTURAL  DEPARTMENT, 
yet  to  be  established  in  one  of  the  branches,  was  also  deemed  an  ob 
ject  of  great  interest  and  importance. 

FIRST  REPORT  OF  THE  REGENTS. 

The  Regents  report  that  under  the  act  of  March  20,  1837,  they 
had  selected  a  site  for  the  University  buildings,  and  obtained  a  satis 
factory  title  to  forty  acres  of  land.  At  their  first  meeting  they  re 
solved  to  establish  branches  as  soon  as  could  conveniently  be  done; 
one  in  the  first  Senatorial  district,  one  in  the  second,  two  in  the  third, 
one  in  the  fourth,  and  three  in  the  fifth,  making  eight  branches  in 
all;  and  $8,000  was  appropriated  to  aid  in  the  payment  of  teachers 
to  be  employed  in  them,  when  they  were  organized.  Five  of  these 
they  organized  and  put  in  operation;  one  at  Pontiac,  one  at  Monroe' 
one  atKalamazoo,  one  at  Detroit,  and  one  at  Niles;  for  all  of  which 
principal  instructors  were  appointed. 

The  number  of  pupils  in  all  of  the  several  branches,  was  reported 
to  be  161,  ten  of  whom  were  qualifying  themselves  as  teachers  for 
common  schools,  and  six  for  the  University.  It  was  estimated  that 
in  1840  thirty  students  would  be  ready  to  enter  the  Freshman,  or 
Sophomore  classes;  in  1841,  thirty-five;  in  1842,  forty;  and  that  the 
total  number  of  students,  whom  parents  designed  for  a  liberal  educa 
tion,  was  101.  The  Regents  anticipated  great  accessions  to  this 
number.  They  remark,  as  a  matter  of  congratulation  to  the  State  at 
large,  that  "  wherever  a  branch  has  been  established,  it  has  not  only 
received  the  decided  approbation  and  support  of  the  inhabitants,  in 
its  immediate  vicinity,  but  has  continued  regularly  to  increase  in  the 
number  of  students,  from  term  to  term."  A  uniform  system  of  stud 
ies  had  been  adopted,  subject  to  such  alterations  as  experience  might 
suggest.  The  Regents  further  remark,  "  that  the  system  of  branch 
es,  their  organization,  board  of  visitors,  support  of  instructors,  and, 
in  a  word,  every  thing  connected  therewith,  being  a  new  and  untried 
experiment  in  our  country,  they  feel  the  necessity  and  importance  of 
proceeding  with  caution  and  deliberation."  The  branches  establish 
ed  did  not  include  any  department  for  Female  education. 


49 

The  loan  authorized  under  the  act  of  April  6,  1836,  had  been  ne 
gotiated;  a  valuable  cabinet  of  minerals  from  European  and  other 
localities  of  the  old  world  had  been  purchased,  $'4,000  having  been 
appropriated  for  this  purpose,  $1,000  of  which  had  been  already- 
expended. 

The  first  professor  chosen  was  Dr.  Asa  Gray,  in  the  department 
of  Botany  and  Zoology.  As  Dr.  Gray  was  about  to  visit  Europe, 
the  sum  of  $5,000  was  placed  at  his  disposal,  for  the  purchase  of 
books,  as  the  commencement  of  a  University  Library.  Arrange 
ments  had  also  been  made  for  obtaining  such  information  as  was  de 
sirable,  in  procuring  the  most  modern  and  approved  apparatus  for 
the  departments  of  natural  science.  « 

With  the  approbation  of  the  Governor  and  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction,  in  pursuance  of  the  act  of  March  18,  1837,  the 
Regents  had  adopted  the  plan  of  the  University  buildings,  deter 
mined  upon  the  materials  to  be  used  in  their  construction,  and  taken 
such  other  measures  for  prosecuting  the  work  as  they  deemed  advis 
able. 

The  expenditures  on  Branches  dining  the  past  year,  amounted  to 
$7,800.  The  estimate  for  the  expenses  of  the  University  for  the 
current  year,  for  salaries  to  professors,  principals  and  tutors  of 
Branches,  was  $10,000;  for  buildings,  $35,000.  The  sum  of  $9,- 
171  42,  was  reported  by  the  Superintendent,  as  subject  to  be  drawn 
in  favor  of  the  board,  being  the  interest  of  the  University  fund. 

At  this  session,  Mr.  ADAM  reported  a  bill  to  create  a  fund  for  the 
branches  of  the  University,  which  did  not,  however,  become  a  law; 
and  also  a  joint  resolution,  which  was  approved  March  4th,  1839,  au 
thorizing  and  making  it  the  duty  of  the  Superintendent  to  make  out 
and  cause  to  be  published,  a  catalogue  of  school  books,  to  be  recom 
mended  by  him  to  be  used  in  the  several  classes  in  the  primary- 
schools  throughout  the  State,  and  a  list  of  books  to  be  recommended 
as  suitable  for  school  district  libraries;  and  making  it  also  his  duty 
to  report  what  provision,  in  his  opinion,  could  or  ought  to  be  made, 
by  law,  to  ensure  a  regular  and  sufficient  supply  of  such  books  to 
every  school  district,  on  the  most  economical  terms,  or  what  other 
provision,  if  any,  should  be  made  to  insure  uniformity,  as  near  as 
may  be,  in  the  books  to  be  used  in  the  primary  schools.  An  act  was 
7 


50 

also  approved  March  4th,  of  this  year,  requiring  the  president  of  the 
board  of  trustees  of  every  organized  academy,  or  literary  or  colle 
giate  institution  heretofore  incorporated,  or  hereafter  to  be  incorpora 
ted,  to  cause  to  be  made  out  and  forwarded  to  the  office  of  Superin 
tendent  of  Public  Instruction,  between  the  first  and  fifteenth  days  of 
December,  in  each  year,  a  report,  setting  forth  the  amount  and  esti 
mated  value  of  real  estate  owned  by  such  corporation,  the  amount 
of  other  funds  and  endowments,  the  yearly  income  from  all  sources, 
the  number  of  students  in  the  different  classes,  the  studies  pursued, 
and  the  books  used,  the  course  of  instruction,  terms  of  tuition,  and 
such  other  matters  as  may  be  requested  by  the  Superintendent,  or 
deemed  property  the  president  or  principal  of  such  academies  or 
institutes,  >o  enable  the  Superintendent  to  lay  before  the  Legislature 
a  full  and  fair  exhibit  of  the  affairs  and  condition  of  such  institu 
tions. 

Mr.  GIBBS  offered  a  resolution,  instructing  the  committee  on  edu 
cation  to  enquire  into  the  expediency  of  authorizing  an  appeal  in  all 
cases  from  decisions  of  school  inspectors  to  the  Superintendent. 

On  the  23d  day  of  March,  Mr.  ADAM  reported  a  bill  to  incorporate 
the  trustees  of  Marshall  College,  and  the  same  became  a  law,  and 
was  approved  April  J6,  1839.  The  principle  suggested  by  the  Su 
perintendent  was  carried  out,  in  relation  to  the  right  of  visitation, 
and  the  institution  was  made  subject  to  the  visitation  of  a  board  of 
three  persons,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Governor  and  Legislature. 
During  the  same  year,  an  act  was  passed,  incorporating  the  MAR 
SHALL  FEMALE  SEMINARY.  The  charter  to  Spring  Arbor  Seminary 
was  amended;  the  act  to  incorporate  ST.  PHILIP'S  COLLEGE  AT  DE 
TROIT,  was  passed;  and  also  an  act  to  amend  the  chapter  of  the  Re 
vised  Statutes  relative  to  primary  schools.  The  petition  of  John  K. 
Williams,  J.  McDonneL,  John  Biddle,  and  others,  was  presented  to 
the  Legislature,  to  constitute  the  colored  citizens  of  Detroit  into  a 
school  district  by  themsehes. 

Daring  the  year,  a  resolution  vras  introduced  to  effect  a  change  in 
the  constitutional  provisions,  relating  10  the  disposition  of  the  moneys 
arising  from  exemptions  from  military  duty.  It  was  proposed  that 
the  funds  thus  arising,  should  not  be  appropriated  to  libraries,  but 
the  proposition  did  not  meet  with  success. 


51 

in  183^  tile  iii'vSt  provisions  appear  for  a  rale  bill.  The  county 
commissioners,  {in  lieu  of  supervisors,)  were  required  to  add  to  the 
tax  roll  of  each  township,  such  sum  as  the  inhabitants  at  their  annual 
meeting,  directed  to  be  raised  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  a  site, 
and  building  a  school  house,  for  the  year.  A  meeting  of  the  inhab 
itants  was  to  be  called,  to  make  provisions  for  the  continuance  of  the 
school,  after  the  apportionment  of  the  school  moneys  was  exhausted.. 
The  expenses  of  the  school  thus  continued,  was  to  be  assessed  upon, 
and  paid  by  parents  or  guardiaas  of  the  scholars,  in  proportion  to  the 
rime  they  were  sent  to  school.  Tvo  tax  could  be  levied  without  the  con 
sent  of  two-thirds  of  the  voters,  at  a  regular  meeting,  and  no  school 
district  was  to  be  deprived  of  its  proper  proportion  of  any  school  or 
library  fund,  by  reason  of  its  not  having  collected  a  district  tax  with 
in  and  for  such  district,  nor  incur  any  penalty.  The  directors  were 
required,  tor  the  first  time,  to  report  the  number  of  scholars  attend 
ing  private  schools  in  the  district,  between  the  ages  of  five  and  seven 
teen  years  inclusive;  the  number  residing  therein,  and  the  number 
out  of  the  district,  as  near  as  it  could  be  ascertained.  Every  school 
district  was  entitled  to  demand  its  proper  proportion  of  library  and 
school  money,  notwithstanding  by  reason  of  accident,  negligence,  or 
any  other  caus-e,  the  proper  officers  may  not  have  exercised  their 
powers  fully  <md  regularly;  or  may  not  have  made  their  returns 
regulariy  i»i  time;  provided.  the»v  h;.»d  been  a  school  kept  in  the  dis 
trict,  at  least  three  months  in  the  year. 

1S4O. 

Gov.  WoouBiiioiiK  assumed  the  duties  of  his  office  on  the  tirst  of 
of  January  of  this  year.  The  Governor  in  his  message,  stated  the 
embarrassments  which  existed,  in  communicating  the  "condition of 
the  State."  the  reports  and  public  offices  not  having  been  accessible 
to  his  inspection  till  he  assumed  the  gubernatorial  chair.  For  this 
reason,  the  subjivi  of  education  and  its  condition,  was  not  presen 
ted. 

THE  REPORT  OF  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  again  presents  the  impor 
tance  of  a  full  and  thorough  course  in  the  UNIVERSITY.  The  Su 
perintendent  says,  -' nothing  short  of  this  can  satisfy  the  demands 
of  the  public,  and  the  general  expectation  of  its  numerous  friends. 


The  branches  should  fill  up  the  intermediate  apace  between  the  pa 
rent  institution  and  the  primary  schools.  In  no  circumstances  shouW 
the  appropriate  ground  of  these  schools  be  occupied  by  the  branch 
es.  The  primary  schools  are  the  all  important  institutions  of  oux 
country;  and  hence  in  carrying  out  the  system,  nothing  should  be 
tolerated  which  may  have  the  remotest  tendency  to  endanger  their 
usefulness." 

THE  REPORT  OF  THE  RfiGEMS  for  this  year,  announces  the  discontin 
uance  of  the  branch  established  atKalamazoo,  and  the  establishment  of 
one  at  White  Pigeon,  and  one  at  Tecumseh.  Six  teachers  were  now 
employed  as  principals  of  branches,  and  six  tutors,  two  of  whom  were 
females.  The  average  number  of  pupils  under  instruction  was  two 
hundred  and  twenty-two.  With  a  view  to  ensure  uniformity  in  the 
system  of  instruction,  in  the  discipline,  and  books  used,  the  principals 
of  the  branches  were  convened,  and  a  uniform  system  adopted.  One- 
tenth  of  the  funds  arising  from  tuition  was  pledged  for  the  establish 
ment  of  a  library  in  each  of  these  institutions.  The  Board  state  that 
from  communications  received  by  them,  they  learn  with  regret,  that 
many  young  men  who  have  sought  admission  into  the  branches  have 
been  turned  away  for  want  of  appropriate  places  of  study,  and  of 
boarding  houses  adapted  to  the  wants  and  and  pecuniary  abilities  cf 
the  applicants  for  admission. 

The  report  of  the  Regents  was  accompanied  by  the  code  of  laws 
adopted  for  the  government  of  branches,  which  may  be  found  at 
length  in  document  No.  I,  of  the  Senate,  or  No.  II,  of  the  House,  for 
this  year,  as  well  also  as  a  detailed  report  of  the  financial  affairs  of 
the  University.  Dr.  Houghton  had  been  also  appointed  Professor 
of  geology,  mineralogy,  &c.  Four  buildings  had  been  erected  and 
completed,  designed  ultimately  for  the  residence  of  the  Professors; 
but  for  the  time  being,  two  were  appropriated  for  recitation  rooms, 
for  specimens  in  zoology,  mineralogy,  botany,  c%c.  The  Regents 
remark  that  "  they  have  great  satisfaction  in  view  of  the  onward 
course  of  education,  as  well  in  our  common  schools  as  in  the  branches 
of  the  University."  They  report,  however,  that  they  were  much 
embarrassed  on  account  of  want  of  funds. 

During  this  session,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Turner,  a  select  committee 
was  appointed,   consisting  of  Messrs.  Turner,   Renwick,  Hammond; 


53 

Brown  and  Miller,  to  enquire  into  the  condition  of  the  University, 
a.nd  to  ascertain  what  steps  were  necessary,  if  any,  to  ensure  its  full 
and  permanent  success.  The  majority  of  this  committee  reported: 
first,  that  the  system  established,  contemplated  one  University:  se- 
eond,  that  having  but  one,  it  might  make  the  standard  of  education 
a,od  the  course  of  instruction,  the  best:  third,  that  the  plan  of  having 
BRANCHES,  conducted  on  a  uniform  system,  training  youth  expressly 
for  one  institution,  was  unlike,  and  better,  than  any  thing  else  in  the 
Union. 

The  committee  say: 

If  the  system  is  carried  out  as  commenced,  the  Regents  will 
command  the  services  of  the  ablest  men  in  the  country,  to  conduct 
these  branches.  In  other  States,  preparation  for  college  is  left  to 
voluntary,  independent  academies,  no  two  following  the  same  course 
of  instruction,  nor  preparing  students  for  any  institution  in  particu 
lar.  *  *  *  Michigan,  by  putting  the  BRANCHES  on  the  same 
footing  of  permanence  and  respectability  with  its  University,  and  by 
enforcing  uniformity  of  studies,  has  the  advantage  of  having  the  best 
things  taught,  and  from  first  to  last,  taught  in  the  best  manner.  The 
multiplication  of  colleges  beyond  what  is  needed,  multiplies  the  ex 
pense  of  education  to  the  State,  and  in  the  same  proportion,  dimin 
ishes  the  value  of  the  institution.  The  UNIVERSITY  of  OXFORD  had 
at  one  time,  ten  thousand  students,  if  these  had  been  distributed  in 
.separate  colleges,  containing  two  hundred  each,  with  its  separate  fac 
ulty,  libraries,  apparatus,  building,  &c.,  and  if  these  were  to  be  as 
perfect  in  all  its  parts,  the  expense  would  have  increased  beyond  cal 
culation;  but  no  one  of  them  could  be  as  perfect  as  the  University. 

The  working  of  the  system,  the  committee  maintained,  was  watch 
ed  with  interest  by  men  of  learning,  for  the  following  reasons: 
because 

1.  No  STATE  INSTITUTION  in  America  has  prospered  as  well  as 
Independent  Colleges,  with  equal,  and  often  with  less  means;  and 
the  reasons  why  they  have  not,  the  committee  ascribed  to  the  follow 
ing  causes,  viz:  that  they  had  not  been  guided  by  that  oneness  of 
purpose,  and  singleness  of  aim,  (essential  to  their  prosperity,)  that 
others,  whose  trustees  are  a  permanent  body — men  chosen  for  their 
supposed  fitness  for  that  very  office — and  who  having  become  ac 
quainted  with  their  duties — can  and  are  disposed  to  pursue,  viz:  a 
steady  course,  which  inspires  confidence  and  ensures  success. 

The  following  extract  is  from  their  report: 

STATE  INSTITUTIONS  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  several  Le 
gislatures—fluctuating  bodies,  chosen  with  reference  to  their  supposed 


54 

qualifications  for  other  duties  than  cherishing  literary  institutions. 
Where  Legislatures  have  legislated  directly  for  colleges,  their  meas 
ures  have  been  as  fluctuating  as  the  changing  materials  of  whiefe 
they  are  composed.  When  they  have  acted  through  a  board  of 
trustees,  under  the  show  of  giving  a  representation  to  all,  they  have 
appointed  men  of  such  discordant  and  dissimilar  views,  that  they 
BLver  could  act  in  concert;  so  that  whilst  supposed  to  act  for,  and 
represent  every  tody,  they,  in  fact,  have  not,  and  could  not  act  for 
any  body. 

Again,  legislatures  wishing  to  retain  the  power  of  th»>  State  in 
their  own  hands,  have  not  been  willing  to  appoint  trustees  for  a 
length  of  time,  sufficient  for  them  to  become  acquainted  with  their 
duties;  to  become  interested  in  the  cause,  which  they  were  appointed 
to  watch  over,  and  to  feel  the  deep  responsibility  of  the  trust.  A  new 
board  of  trustees  not  knowing  well  what  to  do,  generally  begins  by 
undoing  and  disorganizing  all  that  has  been  done  before.  At  first 
they  dig  up  the  seed  a  few  times,  to  see  that  it  is  going  to  come  up, 
and  after  it  appears  above  the  surface,  they  must  pull  it  up  to  see 
that  the  roots  are  sound,  and  they  pull  it  up  again  to  see  if  there  is 
sufficient  root  to  support  so  vigorous  branches,  then  lop  off  the 
branches  for  fear  they  will  exhaust  the  root,  and  then  pull  it  up 
again  to  see  why  it  looks  so  sickly  and  pining,  and  finally  to  see  if 
they  can  discover  what  made  it  die.  And  as  these  several  opera 
tions  are  performed  by  successive  hands,  no  one  can  be  charged  with 
the  guilt  of  destroying  the  tree.  *  *  *  Thus  has  State  after 
State,  in  this  American  Union,  endowed  universities,  and  then  by 
repeated  contradictory  and  over  legislation,  torn  them  to  pieces  with 
the  same  facility  as  they  do  the  statute  book,  and  for  the  same  rea 
son,  because  they  have  the  right 

Whilst  State  institutions  have  not  flourished  hitherto,  from  the  causes 
mentioned,  the  University  of  Michigan  has  one  point  of  exposure  pe 
culiar  to  itself;  its  greatest  danger  arises  from  its  greatest  excellence; 
its  system  of  BRANCHES  connected  with  the  University  and  training 
students  for  it.  These  are  destined  to  accomplish  more  good  than  the 
University  itself,  for  all  students  must  pass  through  them,  and  great 
numbers  will  be  educated  there  who  will  never  go  to  the  higher 
University,  as  thousands  will  be  educated  in  the  common  schools 
who  will  never  enter  the  branches.  They  form  a  dependent  and 
connected  series,  the  number  of  students  necessarily  diminishing  as 
they  rise  from  the  schools  to  the  br-mches,  and  from  the  branches  to 
the  Univ  rsity.  As  soon  as  these  branches  are  fully  appreciated, 
every  village'will  desire  and  feel  itself  entitled  to  one;  and  members 
will  come  to  the  Legislature  pledged  to  their  constituents  to  use  their 
effor  s  to  get  a  br  »nch  of  the  University  in  the  immediate  neighborhood 
of  all.  Such  universal  importunity  will  at  first  cause  perplexity  and 
embarrassment  to  the  Regents,  and  as  they  cannot  support  such 
bnnch«sa«  are  best,  and  locate  them  everywhere,  members  will  come 
pledged  to  ^et  a  branch,  or  depose  or  change  the  Regents,  or  break 
up  the  University.  Whilst  there  are  many  who  would  hope  to  profit 
by  despoiling  the  University  of  its  land,  and  its  funds  which  are  loan- 


ed,  it  would  not  be  difficult  to  get  up  a  cry  against  it.  As  these  dan 
gers  are  less,  »nd  can  be  more  easily  guarded  than  at  any  future 
diy,  they  should  be  met  immediately,  before  it  is  too  late  —  before 
the  ignorant  and  interested  shall  combine  against  it,  and  ensure  its 
destruction. 

The  University  is  a  trust  too  s'icred  to  be  made  the  foot,  ball  of 
party.  If  it  sinks  once,  life  will  be  extinct  before  it  will  rise  ;!g,nri. 
To  secure  to  the  University  and  thereby  to  the  State,  the  benefit  of  a 
Board  of  Regents  having  experience  and  enjoying  the  confidence  of 
the  entire  community,  and  having  time  and  opportunity  to  c«rry  out 
the  noble  plan  that  his  been  devised,  the  committee  herewith  submit 
a  bill.  It  proposes  to  exempt  this  subject  from  becoming  the  prey 
of  politics;  to  give  permanence  and  thereby  efficiency  to  the  Bmrd 
•barged  wuh  executing  the  great  work  of  rearing  a  University  with 
dependent  branches;  and  to  put  upon  this  permanent  board  of  well 
known  individuals  the  entire  responsibility  of  accomplishing  this  work 
and  that  to  secure  these  ends,  does  not  require  *ny  R<  gent  to  be 
displaced,  any  plan  to  be  changed,  or  any  deed  to  be  undone. 

Thi^  report  is  of  great  length,  and  discusses  many  subjects  of  im 
portance.  The  committee  suggest  that  if  any  change  had  been  con 
templated,  they  would  have  recommended  a  reduction  of  the  Bo  rd, 
but  this  they  did  not  deem  expedient;  that  if  they  could  undo,  they 
would  perhaps  substitute  less  expensive  buildings.  The  mendments 
which  they  proposed,  were  to  give  the  power  to  the  Regents  instead  of 
a  Governor,  to  appoint  members  of  their  own  Board,  that  the.  exist 
ing  Regents  be  continued,  and  to  provide  against  the  annihilation  of  the 
Board  from  the  action  of  legislatures.  It  was  proposed  that  the  Ch  »n- 
eellor  and  Judges  should  continue  members  of  the  Board;  that  the 
Lieutenant  Governor  should  not  be  a  member — that  f  fie  presiding  officer 
of  the  college  should  be  President  of  the  Board — that  as  tutors  were 
not  permanent  officers,  the  Chancellor  of  the  University  may  know 
what  particular  qualifications  are  desired;  that  the  several  faculties 
be  made  the  judges  of  the  qualification  of  candidates  for  degrees;  that 
the  Regents  should  be  cautious  in  the  appoinment  of  professors  and 
that  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  might  perplex  butnever 
benefit  the  Regents.  The  report  concludes  with  the  following  remarks: 

Wh  it  the  legislature  should  attempt  in  reference  to  the  University, 
is  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  to  put  the  whole  subject  into  the 
bands  of  competent  men,  leaving  it  with  undivided  responsibility  on 
their  shoulders,  and  then  the  legislature  not  meddle  wMi  it  agiin 
except  to  protect  as  guardians,  not  to  destroy  as  capricious  despots. 
Repeated  legislative  interference,  known  by  experience  to  be  the  ruin 
of  a  cause  like  this,  would  soon  dishearten  every  Liegent,  who  takes 


50 

an  interest  or  active  part  in  the  duties  of  his  office.     *  The  du 

ties  of  the  Regents  in  their  turn,  will  be  mostly  to  provide  the  means 
and  apparatus,  and  the  like,  and  fill  the  several  faculties  with  able 
men,  and  throw  the  undivided  responsibility  of  carrying  on  the  work  of 
education  on  them.  The  further  duties  of  the  Regents  are  only  to 
watch  and  defend,  and  not  to  interfere  with  the  growth  of  what  they 
have  planted.  A  Board  of  experienced  Regents  can  manage  the 
funds  and  machinery  of  a  University  better  than  any  Legislature: 
and  the  faculty  can  manage  the  business  of  education — the  interior 
of  a  college,  better  than  any  Regents. 

The  report  of  the  minority  of  the  committee,  [Joseph  Miller,  Jr.,] 
embraced  suggestions  in  opposition  to  the  views  of  the  majority, 
from  which  the  following  is  an  extract: 

1.  That  any  new  modeling  of  the  plan  is  not  called  for    by  ex 
perience. 

2.  The  new  plan  proposes  giving  the  direction  of  literature  to  the 
Regents.     Good — but  so  does  the  old.     It  also  proposes  to  give  the 
direction  of  the  funds  to  the  Regents.     Bad — as  chosen  for   their 
science  only,  they  are  usually  the  worst  men  to  manage  the  concerns 
of  practical  business. 

3.  The  new  plan  proposes  making  the  office  of  Regent  for  life,  ex 
cept  he  may  be  removed  for  cause.     Bad — for  the  term  is  too  long. 
The  course  of  education  would  fail  behind  the  improvements  of  the 
age.     Old  men  do  not  like  the  idea  of  change. 

4.  The  old  plan  is  that  the  Regents  be  appointed  by  the  Governor, 
by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  for  three  years, 
&c.     If  this  mode  is  not  wise,  (as  it  exposes  the    University   to  the 
conflicting  influences  of  State  and  national  politics,)  and  if  it  would 
be  better,  were  the  period  longer,  yet  a  plan  to  shut  out  change,  and 
to  provide  for  superannuated  control,  would  be  a  remedy  w-orse  than 
the    disease.     Again,   if  a  different  mode  of  appointment,  viz:  by 
Regents,  might  to  some  seem  to  be  expedient,  as  the  choice  would  be 
guided  by  literary  capacity  and  merit  of  candidates,  yet  more  might 
be  lost,  by  the  want  of  practical  wisdom  and  experience. 

5.  The  new  plan  excludes   irom  certain  professions  of  business 
life,  self-made  nwa,  on  the  ground  that  incompetency  must  be  found 
in  those  not  educated  in  Universities.     It  is  not  true  that  our  self- 
made  men  are  behind  their  compeers  because  they  have  not  seen  the 
inside  of  a  college;  nor  is  it  true,  that  our  collegians  are  inferior  be 
cause  they  have  been  so  educated.     But  it  is  true  that  where  indo 
lence  attaches,  inferiority  will  exist;  and   that  where  zeal,   industry 
and  perseverance  exist,  united  with  good  sense,  eminence  will  be  at 
tained. 

No  further  action  was  had  at  this  session  upon  this  subject,  except 
the  passage  of  a  joint  resolution,  approved  March  25,  1840,  which 
required  the  Regents  to  report  to  the  next  Legislature,  at  the  com 
mencement  of  their  session,  if  any  changes,  and  what,  are  necessary 


57 

to  be  made  in  the  organic  law   of  the  University,  in  order  to  secure 
more  effectually  the  objects  of  the  same. 

PKIMARV    SCHOOL*. 

The  idea,  of  abolishing  all  fees  to  inspectors  was  presented  by  res 
olution,  and  referred  to  committee  on  education.  A  petition  was 
also  presented,  in  relation  to  a  common  school,  established  by  the 
Irish  adopted  citizens  in  the  city  of  Detroit,  under  the  care  of  the 
Pastor  of  Trinity  church,  praying  the  "interposition  of  the  Legisla 
ture."  The  committee  of  the  Senate  to  whom  it  was  referred,  re 
ported  by  their  chairman,  D.  G.  Jones,  and  the  following  is  extract 
ed  from  the  report,  as  showing  the  substance  of  the  petition: 

The  petitioners  are  compelled,  under  the  general  law,  regulating 
common  schools  in  the  city,  to  pay  each  one  his  proportion  of  all  the 
expenses  of  uryuiiiziuy,  maintaining  and  supporting  the  common 
school  in  the  district  where  he  may  reside.  Does  he  derive  from 
that  school  I  tits  proportion,  of  the  benefits  and  privileges  arising  from 
its  existence  and  continuance,  foi  which  he  is  annually  subjected  to 
a  tax?  Tiie  petition  declares  that  he  does  not.  Bui  it  will  be  as 
serted  that  it  K-.  at  his  option — that  he  rejects  the  privileges  that  are 
offered  under  the  general  plan — that  his  children,  with  those  of  his 
neighbors,  are  amply  provided  for,  by  the  means  afforded,  and  that 
they  are  rejected  by  no  one,  except  by  the  dictate  of  his  own  pecu 
liar  prejudices. 

Your  committee  cannot  and  do  not  deem  this  an  answer  to  the 
proposition  stated.  They  know  and  feel  that  upon  the  subject  of  the 
education  of  our  children,  our  institutions,  our  liberal  sentiments,  our 
past  and  present  history  forbid  for  a  moment,  the  thought  of  dicta 
tion  and  control.  If  the  petitioners  desire  that  those  who  are  to 
come  after  them  should  have  the  benefit  of  pastoral  instruction  from 
persons  educated  with  the  same  views  and  feelings  of  themselves,  it 
is  their  riykt^  nay,  their  sacred  duty,  to  seek  such  instruction;  and  it  is 
our  privilege  to  see  that  the  taxes  paid  by  them  for  education  should 
be  appropriated  to  their  own  use,  and  subject  to  their  own  control, 
By  denying  them  these  privileges,  you  subject  them  to  a  double  tax, 
the  first  of  which  is  expended  upon  schools,  from  which,  either  from 
prejudices  or  religious  principles,  they  cannot  derive  any  benefit;  and 
the  last  is  produced  by  supporting  such  institutions  as  may  best  ac 
cord  with  their  early  education  and  be  under  the  direct  charge  of 
those  entertaining  the  same  religious  views  as  themselves. 

Your  committee  cannot  assent  to  such  a  course  inasmuch  as  they 
believe  it  to  be  duty  of  the  Legislature  to  further  by  every  means  in 
their  power  the  education  and  well  being  of  the  rising  generation, 
and  that  special  care  sh  >uld  be  taken  that  no  odious  distinctions  of  a 
sectarian  or  political  character  should  be  permitted  to  exist,  and  that 
the  sons  of  every  native  and  naturalized  citizen,  of  the  catholic  and 
protestant,  should  be  placed  in  every  respect  upon  an  equal  footing-, 
s 


So  far  from  discouraging,  they  feel  it  their  duty  to  encourage  here 
and  elsewhere,  the  organization  of  schools  among  our  adopted  fellow- 
eitizen*;  and  they  believe  that  the  stability  of  our  schools  can  in  no 
event  be  more  certainly  increased  than  by  diffusing  learning  and 
knowledge  over  the  whole  mass.  They  further  believe,  that  sound 
policy  demands  that  every  inducement  to  foreign  immigration  should 
be  held  out  to  the  oppressed  of  other  nations,  and  that  the  mass  of 
our  people  should  be  thoroughly  enlightened  and  qualified  for  the 
important  duties  of  Aroericnn  citizens  by  the  influence  of  education, 
and  that  no  barrier  to  the  diffusion  of  knowledge  should  ever  be 
erected. 

Believing  therefore  that  the  school  referred  to  in  the  petition 
should  be  encouraged  and  sustained;  that  the  taxes  the  petitioners 
p«y  for  the  support  of  schools  should  be  expended  for  the  benefit  of 
their  children,  under  their  own  control;  and  believing  also  that  the 
petitioners  are  prevented  Dy  the  most,  conscientious  and  pure  motives 
from  embracing  the  advantages  offered  in  the  schools  in  the  city,  they 
recommend  that  an  act  be  passed  providing  tlmt  from  the  common 
school  fund  distributed  in  the  city,  there  shall  be  paid  towards  the 
support  of  the  school  referred  to,  an  nnnual  sum  equal  to  the  amount 
th'it  the  petitioners  would  be  entitled  to  as  component  parts  of  the 
several  districts  in  which  they  reside. 

No  innovation  was  made,  however,  upon  the  system  as  established, 

and  no  further  action  had  upon  the  subject  before  the  Legislature. 

This  year  an  act  was  passed  to  amend  the  revised  statutes  relative 
lo  primary  schools. 

This  1  iw  provided  that  the  amount  of  tax  to  be  raised  in  any  one 
year  to  purchase  or  lease  a  site  and  build  a  school  house,  should  not 
exceed  the  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars,  unless  the  inspectors  cer 
tified  in  writing  that  a  larger  sum  was  needed,  and  no  larger  amount 
eoul.l  be  raised;  and  provided,  that  not  more  than  three  hundred  dol- 
)«rs  should  be  raised  in  any  one  year.  All  expense  for  fuel  was  to 
be  paid  by  a  tax  upon  those  who  sent  to  school.  It  was  the  duty  of 
the  assessor  to  obtain  a  transcript  of  the  last  assessment  roll  of  the 
township,  and  having  added  to  it  all  the  property  of  persons  who 
had  since  become  residents,  all  property  purchased  by  non-residents, 
ami  all  property  both  personal  and  real,  omitted  by  the  township 
assessor,  to  assess  and  collect  the  tax  upon  the  taxable  property  of  the 
district  in  proportion  to  its  valuation  on  the  township  assessment  roll. 

1841. 

EXTRACT  FROM  GOVERNOR  WOODBRIDGE's  MESSAGE. 

In  any  attempt  to  review  "the  condition  of  the  State,"  the  atten 
tion  of  the  observer  is  first  very  properly  directed  to  the  considers- 


tkm  of  the  moral  mid  intellectual  character,  actual  and  prospective, 
of  its  people.  Civil  commotions  and  w  >rs  have  an  en^;  the  evils  of 
misgovernment  are  temporary  in  their  nature,  and  may  be  corrected; 
the  chastisements  of  heaven  even,  through  the  merciful  Providence 
of  God,  are,  in  this  world,  of  short  duration.  But  who  can  measure 
the  extent,  or  see  the  end,  or  estimate  the  intensity,  of  the  evils 
which  flow  to  a  people,  from  ignorance  and  vice?  If  ;  ny  political 
axiom  he  better  established  th  m  another,  it  is  this,  thai  no  repub 
lic  can  long  exist,  unless  intelligence  and  virtue  predominate  among, 
and  characterize  the  great  body  of  its  people.  Gathered  princip  lly 
from  the  older  Scutes  of  this  happy  Union,  our  fellow  citizens  have, 
for  the  most  part,  participated,  more  or  less,  in  the  benefits  of  their 
excellent  and  long  established  institutions — their  common  schools, 
and  all  their  highly  improved  literary  and  religious  establishments. 
We  may,  therefore,  justly  cl.iim  for  them  the  present  possession  in 
equal  degree  with  our  fellow  citizens  of  the  older  and  more  favored 
States,  of  those  high  and  ennobling  attributes  of  human  n  iture,  in 
telligence  and  virtue.  But  in  so  far  as  we  may  justly  cb'.im  this  high 
distinction,  in  the  same  proportion  are  the  moiives  stronger  ,.nd  the 
obligation  more  imperative,  to  secure  to  those  who  shall  come  after 
as — to  our  own  children — at  least,  an  equally  elevated  rank  in  the 
sealc  of  intellectual  being.  But,  have  we  been  sufficiently  mindful 
of  this  gre  <t  duty?  Not  experiencing  in  our  own  person,  perhaps,  or 
but  in  a  slight  degree,  the  immeasurable  evils  likely  to  result  from  a 
deprivation,  in  early  life,  of  the  benefits  of  such  insti;ution<.  have 
we  not  accustomed  ourselves  to  think  but  seldom,  and  then  with  too 
much  indifference  upon  the  vital  importance  of  the  establishment, 
multiplication  and  perfection  of  similar  systems,  in  our  own  beautiful, 
but  recently  reel  -.timed  peninsula?  The  character  of  our  Stute,  the 
happiness  and  ihe  destinies  of  our  people,  are  fast  passing  into  the 
custody  of  those  who  shall  come  after  us;  and  shall  it  in  future  times 
be  said  of  them,  that  through  the  improvidence  of  their  fit  hers,  it 
was  their  unspeakable  misfortune,  to  be  deprived  of  those  advantages 
of  early  mental,  moral  and  religious  education,  th  it  we  ourselves  have 
possessed? 

The  importance  of  the  early  and  methodical  development  and 
eulture  of  the  intellectual  faculties  of  man;  the  influences  which  hab 
its  formed,  and  knowledge  attained  in  early  life,  (through  a  general 
and  judicious  system  of  education,)  cannot  fail  to  exert,  not  only  upon 
individual  happiness  but  upon  the  political  institutions  of  our  couniry, 
have  been  too  frequently  the  topics  of  discussion  among  the  learned, 
the  wise  and  the  eloquent  of  the  land,  to  render  it  necessary  or  prop 
er  for  me  to  delay  you  by  further  comments  upon  the  subject.  I 
recommend  a  careful  review  of  all  existing  statutory  enactments, 
relative  to  the  system  of  education  heretofore  adopted  in  (he  State, 
and  especially  relative  to  that  part  of  it,  which  concerns  the  broad 
basis  of  the  whole — the  common  schools. 

T  know  of  no  section  of  the  Union,  in  which  the  subject  of  educa 
tion,  (comprehending  a  system  of  common  schools.)  has  en-^ged 
more  the  attention  of  the  public  authorities,  or  for  a  longer  rime,  or 


60 

more    successfully,   than    in    Connecticut.     And   appreciating  very 
highly  the  benefits  to   be  derived  from   long-tried  experience,  I  res 
pectfully  lay    before  you  some  well  reasoned  reports,  made  to  the 
Legislature  of  that  State,  exhibiting  the  present  condition  and  the 
leading  features  of  their  system.     I  am  riot  in  favor  of  a  literal  and 
too  servile  adoption   of  the  legislation  of  other   States  ;  our  system 
should,  in  general,  be  our  own,  and  be  made  to  accord  with  whatso 
ever  may  be  peculiar  in  our  circumstances,  or  in  the  condition  of  so 
ciety  among  us.     But  considering  the  success  which   has  attended 
the  efforts  of  our  fellow  citizens  of  that  State,  in  the  great  cause  of 
education,  I  have  supposed  that  an  attentive  examination  of  their 
greatly  perfected  plans,  might  suggest  important  improvements  in  our 
own.     That  our  system  is  susceptible   of  amelioration  in  many  par 
ticulars,  1  have  little  doubt;  while  at  the  same  time,  it  is  proper  to 
remark,  that  in  this,  as  in  all  other  matters  of  legislation,  no  innova 
tion  should  be  made,  but  with  great  caution,  and   the  more  espe 
cially,  because  its  establishment  has   been   so   recent,  that  its  merits 
can  scarcely  yet  have,  in  all   things,  been  fully  tested.     For  reasons, 
however,  which  heretofore  I  have  had  the  honor  to  communicate  to 
your  immediate  predecessors,  and  which  I  propose   again  to  advert 
to,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  recommend,  that  a  more  equal  and  just  mode 
of  taxation  for  the  sustainment  of  common  schools,  be  substituted  in 
lieu  of  the  existing  provisions  of  the  law   in  that  respect.     And  also, 
that  the  fiscal  arrangements  and  pecuniary   affairs  of  the  system  be 
either  separated  entirely  from  the  other  more  intellectual  functions  of 
the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  or  els*;,  that  by  some  other 
appropriate  modification   of  the  law,  the  existing  powers  and  duties 
of  the  Superintendent,  relative  to  pecuniary    affairs,  may  be   made 
more  entirely  subject  to  the  direct  control  of*  the  head  of  the  financial 
department. 

The  revenues  necessary  for  the  erection  of  school  houses,  and  the 
sustainment  of  the  system  generally,  are  derivable,  first  and  princi 
pally,  from  a  course  of  taxation  provided  for  by  existing  laws.  The 
entire  plan  upon  which  this  course  of  taxation  is  founded,  seems  to 
me  obnoxious  to  the  most  serious  objections.  The  legislation  of  last 
year,  though  beneficial,  in  no  wise  removed  the  evil. 

Every  system  of  taxation,  to  be  just,  should  be  reasonable,  equal 
and  uniform.  It  is  a  proposition  as  notorious  as  it  is  lamentable,  that 
the  assessments  of  taxes  for  school  purposes  as  well  as  for  highways, 
are  neither  uniform  nor  equal,  and  in  some  instances  have  been  most 
highly  unreasonable.  The  Legislature  has  prescribed  no  uniform 
standard  by  which  assessments  are  made;  the  same  species  of  prop 
erty,  and  of  the  same  estimated  value,  may  be  taxed  a  hundred  fold 
more  in  one  district  than  in  another  bordering  upon  it;  and  every  lit 
tle  neighborhood  may  be  erected  into  a  separate  school  or  roacl  dis- 
-trict,  with  power  to  tax  almost  at  pleasure.  But  the  power  of  taxa 
tion  is  one  of  the  highest  attributes  of  sovereignty.  It  should  never 
be  exercised  but  with  much  caution — the  most  mature  consideration, 
and  the  most  scrupulous  regard  to  justice,  uniformity  and  equality. 
If  otherwise  exercised,  it  becomes  unjust  and  oppressive.  No  tax,  1 


61 

am  persuaded,  would  be  paid  by  the  people  of  Michigan,  with  more 
cheerfulness,  it'  it  be  just,  equal  and  uniform,  than  a  tax  for  the  hal 
lowed  purposes  of  education.  But  it  deeply  concerns  the  honor  and 
good  faith  of  the  State,  that  the  practical  injustice  of  our  present  sys 
tem  should  be  avoided,  and  the  evils  I  have  alluded  to,  promptly  cor 
rected. 

The  remaining-  source  of  revenue,  applicable  to  the  support  of  our 
common  schools,  consists  in  the  annual  interest  accruing  upon  the 
purchase  money;  for  which  sales  of  school  lands  may  have  been,  or 
may  be  effected;  and  the  rest  reserved  for  the  use  and  occupation  of 
such  as  may  be  leased. 

This  resource,  upon  which  so  much  expectation  was  founded,  seems 
too  likely,  for  present  purposes,  in  a  great  measure,  to  fail  us.  The 
overthrow  of  the  general  currency  of  the  nation,  which  has  produced 
so  much  distress,  and  the  continuing  process  by  which,  what  little 
remains  available,  seems  rapidly  passing  out  of  the  State,  have  al 
ready  prostrated  all  uniform  standard  of  value;  and  the  ruinous  dim 
inution  in  the  prices  of  agricultural  products,  have  rendered  all  real 
estate  of  little  present  worth.  School  lands,  therefore,  are  no  longer 
sought  after  by  purchasers;  and,  hitherto,  in^  times  of  so  great  pres 
sure  and  genera!  distress,  the  legislature  have  found  it,  difficult  to 
resist  applications  for  relief,  and  delay  of  payment  on  the  part  of 
those  who  have  heretofore  purchased  these  lands. 

PVom  this  source,  therefore,  little,  comparatively,  has  been  realized, 
and  the  sanguine  hopes  of  the  friends  of  education  have  been  thus 
far  disappointed.  The  same  general  cause,  very  materially  affects 
also  the  present  condition,  and,  fora  time,  the  future  capacities  of 
the  University. 

SUPERINTENDENT'S  REPORT. 

This  document  was  the  last  annual  report  of  the  first  Superintend 
ent,  to  whom  had  been  entrusted  the  high  responsibility  of  reporting 
a  system,  adapted  to  the  constitutional  provisions  and  the  wants  of 
the  State;  and  in  presenting  the  subject  of  education  to  the  Legisla 
ture,  he  urges  anew  the  importance  of  adapting  the  system  to  the 
entire  wants  of  the  great  mass  of  community.  He  says: 

We  must  multiply  our  school  houses,  educate  teachers,  procure 
libraries,  and  provide  indeed  all  the  necessary  means  of  instruction 
for  the  whole  population,  or  increase  greatly  the  number  of  our 
jails,  penitentiaries,  and  standing  armies.  *  *  We  must  EDU 

CATE,  or  forge  bars,  bolts  and  chains.  One  system  or  the  other  we 
must  adopt — there  is,  and  can  be  no  alternative.  Besides  the  expe 
rience  of  all  the  past — of  all  ages  and  nations,  demonstrates  that  is 
more  economical,  much  less  expensive  to  educate  the  young,  and 
form  them  to  high  moral  principle  and  honorable  conduct,  than  to 
support  paupers,  restrain,  imprison  and  punish  aged  criminals. 

If  the  people  of  Michigan,  instead  of  bequeathing  to  their  child 
ren,  the  noble  inheritance  derived  from  a  high  minded,  intelligent,. 


62 

moral  and  religious  ancestry,  wish  to  see  them  cast  down  from  that 
proud  elevation  on  which  they  have  stood,  and  become  ignorant,  de 
based  ,«nd  poverty-stricken,  the  dupes  of  a  seltish  priesthood,  or  the 
serfs  oi  an  avaricious  oligarchy,  or  the  (it  instruments  of  im  ambi 
tious  military  disposition,  they  have  only  to  dismiss  their  teachers, 
burn  up  their  books  and  school  houses,  and  abrogate  all  laws  for  the 
support  of  schools,  and  in  a  few  short  years,  the  work  is  done.  As 
a  State  we  are  but  of  yesterday;  and  on  the  day  of  our  coming  into 
being,  we  were  thrown  entirely  upon  our  own  resources.  We  inher 
ited  no  richly  endowed  establishments,  or  time  honored  institutions; 
all  was  to  be  formed — to  be  created  anew.  True,  Congress  reserved 
from  sale  and  granted  to  the  State  a  certain  amount  of  wild  land  for 
the  support  of  schools.  It  is  our  labor  and  our  capital,  expended  in. 
the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  in  the  general  improvement  of  the  coun 
try,  in  the  formation  of  republican  institutions,  and  the  support  of 
government,  which  has  given  to  that  hind  its  present  value.  The 
circumstances  of  the  times  have  been  exceedingly  'adverse.  We 
commenced  our  career  when  the  whole  country  was  in  the  midst  of 
the  wildest  scene  of  speculation,  and  have  seen  it  sunk  in  three  short 
years,  to  the  lowest  state  of  depression.  Howbeit  for  the  time,  much 
has  been  done  towards  promoting  the  great  cause  of  education  within 
our  borders — more  indeed  than  could  be  expected.  But  though 
much  has  been  achieved,  much  remains  to  be  accomplished;  and 
having  -put  our  hands  to  the  plov.\  we  cannot  go  back  if  we  would. 

In  a  pecuniary  point  of  view,  it  is  cheaper  to  educate  the  young 
than  to  support  multitudes  of  paupers  and  an  increased  number  of 
criminals.  Few  indeed  are  the  men  that  have  ever  become  paupers 
or  criminals,  who  in  early  life  were  brought  within  the  reach  and 
under  the  salutary  influence  of  schools,  books  and  teachers. 

It  follows  therefore  that  the  PA  PERTY  OF  THE  STATK  ought  to  be 
held  liable  for  the  education  of  all  within  its  borders,  and  on  this 
principle  every  school  system  should  be  based.  As  already  intimated 
much  has  been  done,  and  it  is  obvious  that  the  people  of  the  State 
are  determined  upon  the  education  of  their  children.  JSTo  sooner  is 
a  settlement  formed  than  a  district  is  organized  f;nd  a  school  com 
menced.  The  reports  of  the  past  year  show  that  large  sums  have 
been  voluntarily  raised  for  the  erection  of  SCHOOL  HOUSES.  True 
many  of  them  are  of  logs  and  mi^ht  be  taken  by  an  unreflecting  passer 
by,  as  evidence  that  little  or  no  interest  was  felt  in  the  subject  of 
schools;  but  these  buildings,  though  rude  they  may  be,  are  as  good 
as  the  circumstances  of  a  people  in  their  infancy,  will  allow — good 
indeed  as  their  own  dwellings.  *  *  *  They  entitle  the  newly 
formed  settlements  to  the  highest  commendation.  They  betoken  a 
zeal  worthy  of  all  praise.  *  *  *  The  present  population  are 
generally  well  educated — but  how  will  it  be  with  those  who  ^re  imme 
diately  to  take  our  plnces?  who  are  soon  to  succeed  us  in  nil  the 
departments  f,nd  responsibilities  of  life?  True,  a  good  beginning  has 
been  nude,  but  unexpected  difficulties  have  arisen.  These  must  be 
met  and  overcome,  or  we  are  thrown  back  in  our  course,  time  only 
oan  tell  hovr  long.  Should  there  be  any  relaxation  of  efforts,  or 


63 

suspension  in  the  course  of  instruction,  who  can  calculate  the  loss, 
or  assess  the  amount  of  damages  to  those  immediately  concerned? 
It  depends  solely  upon  us,  upon  our  action  at  the  present  time, 
whether  a  race  of  men  are  to  come  after  us  and  occupy  our  places, 
well  qualified  for  a  faithful  discharge  of  the  high  trusts  committed 
co  them,  or  be  ignorant,  debased  or  degraded, 

Five  years  of  the  system  have  now  elapsed,  and  it  is  in  the  tide  of 
successful  experiment.  The  work  of  organization  is  still  progress 
ing.  No  system  iu  the  Union,  with  the  exception  of  that  of  Massa 
chusetts,  is  now  more  complete  in  it-s  organization,  or  perfect  in  ite 
parts.  The  following  table  shows  the  increase  of  school  districts 
aad  the  number  of  children  reported  during  this  period,  between  the 
ages  of  five  and  seventeen: 

In  1*36,     39  townships,       55  districts,  2,337  scholars. 

"  1837,  109  382  "        15,441 

><  1838,  2-15  1,020  "       34,000 

"  1839,  :*02  1,325  45,892 

"  1640,  321  1,506  49,850 

DRANOIIES. 

The  Superintendent  in  this,  his  last  communication,  expressed  his 
deep  conviction  of  the  importance  of  this  part  of  our  system.  The 
parent  institution,  he  maintained,  as  heretofore,  could  not  succeed 
without  them.  lU;  main  dependence  from  year  to  year,  must  be  up 
on  the  branches;  and  it  was  deemed  to  be  equally  important  to  the 
primary  schools,  MS  a  source  for  educated,  well-qualified  and  compe 
tent  teachers,  it  wu.s  again  recommended  that  the  lands  granted  to 
the  State,  in  connection  with  salt  springy,  be  appropriated  for  the  sup 
port  of  these  institutions. 

KETORT  Oi"  KLGENTS. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  report  of  the  committee  of 
Regents  to  the  Superintendent,  consisting  of  Henry  II.  Schoolcraft, 
Dr.  Pitcher,  and  Rev.  George  Duffield. 

In  organizing  a  Board  of  Regents  to  carry  out  the  views  of  the 
Legislature,  in  the  establishment  of  a  University,  it  is  conceived  to 
kave  been  the  primary  object  of  this  body  to  extend  its  benefits  as 
widely,  and  at  as  early  a  period,  throughout  the  .--tate,  as  the  wants 
of  the  community,  and  the  means  at  their  disposal  would  permit. 
Their  attention  was  therefore  called,  at  an  early  day  as  possible,  to 
fee  location  and  establishment  of  branches  of  the  University,  at 
suitable  points,  where  the  branches  of  a  classical  and  English  educa 
tion,  preparatory  to  the  entrance  of  the  students  into  the  parent  insti 
tution,  should  be  taught.  This  object  has  been  steadily  pursued, 
aot  only  from  its  being  the  appointed  means  for  preparing  classes 


64 

for  the  final  collegiate  course,  but  from  the  additional  consideration 
that  in  a  new  and  hastily  settled  community  it  would  le  one  of  the 
lest  and  most  practical  means  of  arousing  attention  to  the  value 
and  importance  of  the  plan  of  education,  submitted  to  the  people  in 
the  organic  act,  and  of  thus  preparing  the  public  mind  to  appreciate 
and  foster  it  *  The  committee  on  branches,  charged  with  this 

duty,  have  encountered  an  arduous  task  in  the  management  of  the 
correspondence,  the  selection  of  principals,  and  the  pecuniary  ques 
tions  which  required  decision  and  adjustment;  and  the  Board  owe  to 
it  much  of  the  success  which  has  attended  that  effort  Of  the  seven 
branches  established,  five  are  under  the  direction  of  clergymen,  and 
two  of  laymen,  of  various  religious  denominations.  The  Board  can 
not,  they  believe,  be  mistaken  in  the  importance  they  attach  to  the 
connection  between  learning  and  morals,  science  and  religion,  and  at 
any  rate,  would  be  unjust  to  themselves,  not  to  express  the  belief 
that  success  cannot  permanently  crown  the  institution  committed  to 
their  management,  after  this  ligament  is  severed. 

Twenty  teachers  and  professors  of  all  grades  have  been  employed, 
who  have  instructed  an  average  number  of  two  hundred  and  thirty- 
six  scholars.  A  steady  increase  of  number  has  taken  place  in  the 
respective  terms  for  the  year.  At  four  of  the  branches,  namely,  at 
Monroe,  White  Pigeon,  Niles  and  Tecumseh,  there  have  been  female 
departments  under  appropriate  instructors,  where  only  English 
branches  have  been  taught.  The  effect  of  home  schools  in  this  de 
partment  has  been  propitious,  and  they  constitute  a  branch  of  higher 
instruction,  contemplated  by  the  act  which  has  been  appreciated  by 
the  inhabitants.  In  view  of  the  whole  amount  of  instruction  fur 
nished — its  character  and  distribution,  it  may  be  asserted  that  in  no 
previous  year  has  the  institution,  through  its  branches,  rendered 
equally  important  services  to  the  State. 

THE    UNIVERSITY. 

The  Regents  report  the  main  building  to  be  in  process  of  comple 
tion,  and  the  grounds  enclosed.  The  collections  in  natural  history 
were  about  to  be  arranged  by  Dr.  Houghton.  To  these  mineralogical 
collections,  purchased  of  Baron  Lederer,  of  Austria,  had  been  added 
the  extensive  and  valuable  collections  in  geology,  mineralogy,  botany 
and  zoology  made  within  the  geographical  area  of  Michigan,  by  the 
State  Geologist  and  his  exploratory  corps.  This  collection  was  due 
to  the  forecast  of  the  Legislature,  who  directed  their  attention  to  the 
subject  at  one  of  their  earliest  sessions  after  the  admission  of  the 
State  into  the  Union.  Dr.  Gray  had  expended  the  five  thousand 
dollars  placed  at  his  disposal,  and  three  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
seven  volumes  had  been  received,  a  catalogue  of  which  was  trans 
mitted  with  the  report  of  the  Regents,  and  will  be  found  in  House 


65 

document  9  oi  this   session,  or  in  tht-   »;uae  number  of  the  Senate 
document. 

In  relation  to  die  fiscal  affairs  of  the  University  and  the  policj 
pursued  by  the  Regents,  the  committee  say: 

That  they  would  not  fully  acquit  themselves  of  their  duty  to 
the  board  or  the  community,  in  closing  this  report,  without  adverting 
to  the  fact  that  the  receipts  for  lands  sold,  and  the  instalments  and 
interest,  accruing  thereon,  have  fallen  short  of  the  estimates.  Acting 
on  the  principle,  which  is  believed  to  be  true,  that  intellectual  labor, 
in  all  the  departments  of  instruction  should  be  well  paid  and  encour 
aged  in  carrying  it  out,  by  the  actual  condition  of  the  permanent 
funds  of  the  institution,  liberal  salaries  were  awarded  to  the  princi 
pals  of  the  branches  and  professors,  (so  far  as  appointed, )  and  have 
been  paid  without  delay  or  deduction  to  the  present  time.  And  they 
cannot  but  regard  this  course  of  policy  as  one  of  the  causes  of  the 
actual  efficiency  and  success  which  has  marked  the  course  of  in 
struction  generally  at  the  branches.  *  *  *  That  the  branches,  although 
affording  a  sound  and  reputable  description  of  instruction,  have  been 
maintained  at  a  comparatively  high  expense,  to  the  parent  institu 
tion  is  not  to  be  denied,  and  it  is  a  question,  in.  view  of  the  prospective 
and  diminishing  state  of  the  funds,  and  the  increasing  demands  of 
the  University  at  its  central  point,  whether  the  same  system  should 
be  indefinitely  continued,  or  a  connection  established  between  the 
amount  of  salary  paid  and  the  numbers  taught.  Disconnected  with 
the  principle  of  finance,  sound  principle  is  taught  to  forbid  any  res 
pect  to  this  relation.  A  teacher's  best  abilities  arc  as  fully  required 
to  teach  a  few  as  many. 

We  have  arrived  at  a  point  in  the  establishment  of  the  institution, 
when  the  organization  of  a  Faculty  and  the  opening  of  the  UNIVER 
SITY  proper  is  a  consideration  of  moment,  and  the  hope  is  entertained 
that  this  may  be  brought  about  before  the  close  of  another  year.  A 
limited  number  of  professors  would  temporarily  answer  all  the  par- 
poses  of  the  incipient  and  limited  classes,  and  the  duties  of  Chancel 
lor  could  be  performed  ex-officio.  *  *  *  To  accomplish  this, 
however,  with  our  present  funds  without  crippling  the  branches,  or 
devising  some  additional  means  for  their  support  from  the  surround 
ing  communities,  will  not  be  of  easy  attainment  While  the  per 
manent  funds  of  the  institution  are  of  undiminished  intrinsic  value, 
and  confidence  is  felt  in  the  final  ability  of  the  purchasers  of  Uni 
versity  lands,  there  need  be  no  well  grounded  apprehension  that  the 
present  annual  receipts  from  these  sources  will  be  eventually  dimin 
ished.  Whether  sources  thus  really  ample,  and  which  may  be  even- 
tiially  relied  on  without  fallacy,  constitute  grounds  in  the  present 
state  of  the  institution  to  justify  the  anticipation  of  their  proceeds  by 
a  further  loan,  in  order  to  consummate  an  object  so  closely  identified 
with  the  cause  of  education,  is  a  qu2?tion  that  has  suggested  itself 
to  the  Board. 


66 

The  total  expenditures  for  the  University  proper,  during  the  year 
past,  were  $41,852  43.  The  cost  of  sustaining  the  branches  for 
the  same  period,  Si 0,1 88  33. 

The  Regents,  in  obedience  to  the  joint  resolution  approved  March 
25,  1840,  reported  to  the  Legislature,  through  A..  Ten  Eyck,  Esq., 
their  Secretary,  that  having  duly  considered  the  subject,  their  views 
were  that  "the  first  change  in  the  organic  law  deemed  essential,  is  the 
proper  restriction  of  responsibility  to  the  Board  of  Regents.  At  pre 
sent  the  responsibility  is  divided,  and  the  Board  would  be  greatly 
facilitated  in  their  action,  were  such  amendments  made  as  would 
throw  entire  responsibility  on  them,  and  require  them  to  report  their 
annual  proceedings  to  the  Legislature. 

"The  second  change  relates  to  the  trust  and  management  of  the 
funds  of  the  University.  Under  the  existing  law  it  is  impossible  for 
the  Board  to  adopt  their  measures  to  their  means,  to  project  or  exe 
cute  such  plans  as  the  interests  of  education,  the  wants  of  the  State 
and  the  resources  of  the  University  demand.  The  duties  of  Super 
intendent  in  connection  with  the  University,  are  unnecessary  and  on 
erous." 

A  report  was  made  by  Mr.  ADAM,  as  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  the  Senate,  in  reply  to  certain  queries  regarding  the  branches. 
The  resolution  of  the  Senate  directed  the  committee  to  enquire  and 
report,  what  number  of  branches  of  the  University  had  been  es 
tablished,  and  at  what  places — how  many  scholars  had  attended  each 
during  the  past  year — what  limitations  as  to  age,  sex  and  acquire 
ments,  had  been  imposed  by  the  Regents,  regulating  the  admission 
of  students — what  amount  of  charges  for  tuition,  etc.,  had  been  re 
ceived  by  the  Regents,  at  the  several  branches — what  number  had 
been  taught  gratis — how  many  teachers  had  been  employed  in  each 
branch,  and  what  regulation  had  been  adopted  in  relation  to  com 
pensation  of  teachers. 

The  committee  reported  that  there  were  seven  branches  establish 
ed,  viz:  at   Detroit,   Monroe,   Tecumseh,  Pontiac.   White   Pigeon, 
Niles  and  Kalamazoo,  with  female  departments  at  Monroe,  Tecwm 
seh,  White  Pigeon  and  Niles. 

That  there  were  in  all  these  branches  during  the  the  first  term  of 
the  year,  222  scholars;  during  the  second,  233;  and  during  the 
third,  247. 


07 

That  in  the  code  of  Jaws  for  the  government  of  the  brandies,  the 
committee  found  no  limitation  as  to  the  age  of  the  students,  at  their 
admission,  and  that  in  regard  to  acquirements,  each  applicant  for  ad 
mission  had  to  undergo  an  examination  satisfactory  to  the  principal, 
n  reading,  writing,  spelling  and  arithmetic.  For  admission  to  the 
female  department,  there  was  required  a  satisfactory  examination  in 
"reading,  writing,  spelling,  and  the  rudiments  of  geography." 

That  the  tuition  fees,  as  established  in  the  code  of  laws,  were  in 
Detroit  and  Monroe  for  the  first  year,  $519  50;  second  year,  $18  00; 
third,  and  each  succeeding  year,  -Si 2  00.  One-tenth  of  tuition  fees 
was  to  be  applied  to  the  purchase  of  book:-  for  the  branch  library. 

That  the  committee  had  no  means  of  stating  positively,  the  num 
ber  taught  gratis,  at  any  of  the  branches;  but  that  it  might  not  be 
irrelevant  to  state,  that  one  of  the  laws  for  the  branches,  provided 
for  refunding  to  each  student,  one  year's  salary  for.  each  year  lie 
might  be  engaged  in  teaching  primary  schools,  until  the  whole  should 
be  refunded. 

That  it  appeared  there  had  been  employed  duriug  the  year,  at  the 
branches  at  Pontiae  and  Kalamazoo,  each  one  principal,  at  a  salary 
of  $>1,200;  at  Detroit,  Monroe.  Tecumseh  and  Niles,  each,  one  prin 
cipal  and  oiu-  assistant,  the  salary  of  the  principals  b^ing  as  follows: 
at  Detroit,  §1.500  a  year;  at  Monroe,  $1,300;  at  Tecumseh  and 
JNiles,  each  $1,200.  In  the  branch  at  White  Pigeon  there  appeared 
to  have  been  employed,  one  principal,  one  tutor,  and  one  assistant 
tutor;  the  principal  at  a  salary  of  $1,200.  The  assistants  and  tu 
tors  received  from  $300  to  $600  a  year.  In  the  female  department 
of  the  branch  at  Monroe,  two,  and  at  Tecumseh  and  Niles,  one 
each. 

The  total  salaries  for  the  year  amount  to  $10,300.  Receipts  of 
tuition  estimated  at  &2,460.  The  balance  of  estimated  tuition  fees 
amounted  to  &2,i>4S  33,  to  be  reimbursed  to  the  Board  of  Regents. 
The  committee  also  reported  that  at  the  first  establishment  and  or 
ganization  of  the  branches,  a  resolution  was  adopted  by  the  Board 
of  Regents,  appropriating  $1,000  for  every  branch  in  operation,  to 
be  divided  and  apportioned  as  follows:  $500  to  each  one  and  the 
remaining  $500  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  scholars.  This  rule 
dfd  not  however  appear  to  have  been  adhered  to.  The  committee 


not  having  been  so   instructed,  made  no  further  recoramenda^ems  or 
suggestions. 

In  the  House,  the  committee  to  whom  was  r«'ferrec  so  much  of 
the  Governor's  message  and  report,  of  Superintendent  as  relates  to 
education,  made  a  lengthy  report  through  their  chairman,  Mr.  Will 
iam  Spraguc.  They  remark,  "that  they  have  been  led  u  believe 
that  the  imposition  of  all  the  fiscal  duties  connected  with  the  eduea- 
tional  fund,  and  the  genera!  care  and  superintendence  of  edvtoatioc 
itself,  where  one  and  th«>  same  obtain,  is  one  of  those  defect  which 
were  connected  with  our  generally  excellent  laws  on  ibis  sub 
ject;  that  they  were  strengthened  in  this  belief  by  the  fact  that  bot£ 
the  former  Executive  officers  of  this  State  have  brought  the  subjec* 
before  the  Legislature  and  recommended  a  change;  and  the  commit 
tee  believe  such  a  change  necessary  because  the  duties  themselves 
i\re  incompatible  with  each  other  and  because  it  was  impossible  to 
find  the  requisite  qualifications  for  their  performance  united  in  one 
man;  that  let  whoever  may  be  called  upon  to  fill  the  station, 
while  the  law  remains  as  it  is,  it  would  be  found  that  while  the  du 
ties  for  which  his  habits  and  taste  best  fit  him,  may  be  well  per 
formed,  the  other  duties  imposed  on  him  would  be  immeasurably 
neglected,  and  that  it.  was  not  in  the  nature  of  thing*  to  be  other 
wise."  Complaint  is  made  in  this  report  of  th<:  wan:  of  statistical 
knowledge;  of  the  insufficiency  of  the  returns,  to  -show  the  state  Of 
education;  that  they  did  not  show  whether  the  teacher*  were  mak 
or  female,  good  or  poor,  well  or  illy  paid;  whether  the  course  of 
studies  was  wise  or  unwise;  whether  the  government  was  tyrannical 
or  parental;  whether  school  houses  were  conveniently  or  inconven 
iently  constructed;  whether  parents  wore  interested  in  the  education 
of  their  children  and  in  the  success  of  the  schools  or  not.  The  com 
mittee  believed  that  in  no  way  could  the  Superintendent  so  well  de 
vote  his  time  as  to  these  subjects  and  to  making  the  primary  schools 
the  object  of  his  chief  care.  They  also  were  in  favor  of  introducing 
into  the  bill  proposed  on  this  subject,  a  provision  that  so  far  as  con 
cerned  the  sale  of  University  lands — the  investment  of  the  proceeds — 
the  Treasurer  be  required  to  act  with  the  advice  and  conseu!  of  tilt 
Board  of  Regents. 

The  general  legislation  ou  this  «xibj«cl  remained  unchanged     A*t 


39 

sM  wax  pabbed  approved  April  13th,  reducing  the  price  of  University 
lands  and  establishing  it  at  fifteen  dollars  per  acre,  and  the  minimum 
price  at  aot  less  than  live  dollars.  An  act  was  passed  incorporating 
the  Wesleyan  Seminary,  and  also  an  act  providing  for  the  organiza- 
ciioB.  of  a  district  in  the  city  of  Detroit  for  colored  children.  An  act 
was  passed  to  amend  the  revised  statutes  relative  to  primary  schools. 
An  amendatory  act  to  the  law  of  1840,  was  passed  in  1841,  but 
without  any  other  alteration  of  the  system  of  taxation  except  that 
the  electors  of  any  township,  at  the  annual  meeting,  might  raise  such 
bum  of  money  for  the  support  of  common  schools  in  their  township 
as  they  shall  deem  expedient,  provided  that  such  sum  did  not  exceed 
one  dollar  for  each  child  in  the  township  between  the  ages  of  five 
and  seventeen  years.  A  provision  was  enacted  requiring  the  direc 
tors  to  ascertain  the  number  of  children  between  those  ages,  belong 
ing  to  families  habitually  using  the  French,  German  or  other  language 
than  the  Knglish,  and  the  children  attending  the  districts  schools  and 
the  number  of  such,  if  any,  attending  schools  where  the  schools 
books  in  any  other  than  the  English  language  are  used;  also  the 
number  of  adults,  above  the  age  of  seventeen,  who  can  read  the 
Preach,  German  or  other  language  and  cannot  read  the  English,  to 
gether  with  :such  other  facts  and  statistics  in  regard  to  schools  and  the 
subject  of  education  as  the  Superintendent  might  direct. 


JB&TKACI  l-'KOM  GOVERNOR  KAURIS  MESSAGE. 

The  universal  education  of  all  classes  of  our  citizens  is  so  ueces- 
,  and  its  propriety  so  generally  conceded,  that  I  need  hardly 
urge  upon  you  its  importance.  By  reference  to  history  we  learn, 
and  from  observation  we  know,  that,  Justin  proportion  as  the  masses 
have  been  enlightened,  in  the  same  proportion  have  their  rights  as 
men  be»iii  protected.  The  rights  of  personal  liberty  and  of  personal 
security,  were  never  conceded  by  lords  to  their  vassals,  until  the 
latter,  after  ages  of  galling  oppression  and  ignominious  servitude,  by 
degrees,  obtained  a  hold  on  the  fountain  of  knowledge. 

The  moral  and  political  condition  of  a  people  depends,  in  the  main, 
upon  the  degree  of  knowledge  and  amount  of  useful  information  dif 
fused  abroad  among  the  muss.  Within  our  own  recollection,  other 
republics  have  risen  and  fallen,  and  the  scenes  of  intestine  commo 
tion  which  they  have  constantly  exhibited,  and  which,  sooner  or 
later,  have  caused  their  overthrow,  resulted  from  a  want  of  general 
education,  and  the  consequent  destitution  of  virtue  in  their  iahaJbi- 


tants.  The  democracy  of  learning,  if  I  may  be  permitted  to  use  the 
expression,  is,  then,  essential  to  the  permanency  of  a  republican  gov 
ernment,  and  we  can  transmit  to  the  rising  generation  the  happy 
political  freedom  which  we  enjoy,  only  by  granting  them  the  benefits 
of  education.  They  are  committed  to  our  keeping,  and  without  our 
fostering  care,  will  grow  up  in  ignorance  and  vice. 

The  revenue  for  the  support  of  common  schools,  not  derived  from 
taxation,  consists,  mainly,  in  the  interest  arising  from  the  proceeds 
of  the  sale  of  school  lands,  and  the  rents  of  such  portions  of  them 
as  may  have  been  leased.  If  a  judicious  and  proper  use  be  made  of 
this  revenue,  it  is  probable  that,  at  a  period  not  very  remote,  if  not 
sufficient  to  educate  all  the  youth  of  the  State,  it  will  at  least  contri 
bute  much  towards  that  desirable  object. 

Above  all  others,  the  laws  on  the  subject  of  common  schools  should 
be  plain,  simple,  and  easy  to  be  understood.  They  should  be  as  in 
dependent  of  all  other  enactments,  as  the  nature  of  the  case  admits, 
and,  to  a  proper  understanding  of  them,  it  should  not  be  necessary 
to  refer  to  legislation  on  other  subjects.  Such,  however,  is  not  the 
present  condition  of  our  legislation  on  this  important  subject.  The 
enactments  are  various  and  are  scattered  through  many  volumes, 
and  it  is  with  difficulty  that  even  their  meaning  can,  in  all  ca^es,  be 
ascertained.  To  obviate  these  objections,  I  respectfully  recommend 
their  entire  revision.  All  the  various  enactments  on  the  subject, 
should  be  condensed  into  one,  and  published  in  such  convenient  form 
as  will  insure  a  circulation  in  every  neighborhood  and  district  in  the 
State.  The  lights  of  experience,  and  a  reference  to  common  school 
systems  of  other  States,  may  enable  you  to  make  such  improvements 
as,  by  giving  a  new  impulse  to  education,  will  result  in  general  and 
permanent  good.  I  am,  however,  induced  to  believe,  that  the  main 
provisions  of  the  system,  as  it  now  exists  upon  our  statute  books, 
should  be  retained,  as  far  as  you  think  the  best  interests  of  the  pub 
lic  will  permit.  Innovations  should  not  be  admitted,  but  with  abun 
dant  caution,  and  after  the  most  careful  examination.  Servile  adhe 
rence  to  ancient  precedents  and  long  established  customs,  should  not, 
however,  be  permitted  to  take  such  entire  possession  of  our  minds, 
as  thereby  to  induce  us  to  reject  the  benefits  resulting  from  an  adop 
tion  of  the  improvements  of  the  age.  Among  the  alterations  you 
may  deem  advisable  to  make,  perhaps  none  is  more  worthy  of  your 
consideration,  than  the  subject  of  taxation  necessary  for  the  support 
of  the  system.  The  right  to  impose  taxes,  is  one  of  the  highest  pre 
rogatives  of  sovereignty,  and  the  delegation  of  that  right  should  be 
made  with  the  greatest  caution.  Complaints  have  been  made,  per 
haps  in  some  degree  well  founded,  that,  in  the  assessment  and  col 
lection  of  taxes,  for  the  erection  and  repair  of  school  houses,  great 
injustice  has  been  done  from  the  unequal  manner  in  which  such  taxes 
have  been  levied.  If,  after  inquiring  into  the  causes  of  such  com 
plaints,  you  find  they  really  have  foundation  in  truth,  you  will  doubt 
less  correct  the  evil,  by  interposing  such  legislation  as  the  exigency 
of  the  case  may  require. 

The  office  of  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  is  established 


by  the  constitution  itself,  and  cannot  be  abolished  by  law  were  it  even 
deemed  advisable.  I  cannot,  however,  refrain  from  calling  your  at 
tention  to  the  fact  that  the  duties  of  a  fiscal  character,  by  Jaw  impo 
sed  upon  that  officer,  are  in  no  wise  consistent  with  the  duties  of  a 
literary  character,  which  it  is  more  particularly  his  province  to  per 
form,  and  to  which  end  the  office  itself  was  constituted. 

The  annual  report  of  the  Regents  of  the  University  of  Michigan, 
will,  doubtless,  be  transmitted  to  you  by  the  Superintendent  of  Pub- 
He  Instruction.  The  usefulness  of  that  institution  has,  hitherto,  been 
restricted  to  its  branches.  In  them  have  been  taught  the  elements 
of  knowledge  and  science  usually  taught  in  high  schools  and  acade 
mies  in  the  eastern  States  of  this  Union.  Next  to  common  schools, 
the  branches  of  the  University  are  destined  to  be  of  the  greatest  im 
portance  to  the  people  of  the  State.  In  the  year  1840,  the  number 
of  students  was  two  hundred  and  forty-seven.  During  that  year, 
seven  branches  were  in  operation,  and  the  sum  of  §10,188  37,  was 
expended  in  the  payment  of  salaries  of  teachers.  The  two  prece 
ding  years,  the  sum  of  Si 3, 150  09,  was  expended  for  that  purpose 
in  the  same  number  of  branches.  In  making  these  large  and  appa 
rently  enormous  expenditures,  the  motives  of  the  Regents  are  above 
suspicion.  They  were,  beyond  all  doubt,  actuated  by  no  other  than 
motives  of  public  good.  It  is,  however,  respectfully  submitted  to 
your  consideration,  whether  the  interests  of  education  would  not  be 
more  eminently  promoted  by  some  provision  of  law,  having  for  its 
object  the  increase  of  the  number  of  branches,  if  available  funds  far 
that  purpose  be  at  command,  and  the  limitation  of  the  amount  to  be 
appropriated  to  each.  It  is  believed  that  a  sum  of  from  three  to  five 
hundred  dollars,  appropriated  by  the  board,  together  with  such  sums 
as  should  be  received  for  tuition,  superadded  to  such  other  encourage 
ment  as  would,  of  course,  be  voluntarily  afforded  at  the  places  of  lo 
cation,  would  secure  the  services  of  persons  well  qualified  to  teach, 
and  every  way  competent  to  take  charge  of  the  branches.  If  such 
be  the  case,  of  which  there  can  be  little  doubt,  then,  with  a  much 
less  expenditure  in  the  aggregate,  the  number  of  branches  might  be 
greatly  increased  and  the  benefits  of  education  more  extensively  dif 
fused.  I  press  the  subject  upon  your  attention  with  great  earnest 
ness,  because  I  am  of  opinion,  that  the  usefulness  of  the  Univer^ty 
will  be  incalculably  greater  to  the  people  of  the  State  through  its 
branches,  than  through  the  mother  institution  itself.  By  means  of 
its  branches,  the  blessings  of  a  high  grade  of  education  will  be 
brought  within  the  reach  of  nearly  all  the  rising  generation,  while 
the  number  to  be  instructed  in  the  University  proper,  must  compara 
tively  speaking,  be  necessarily  few.  Keeping  always  in  view,  then, 
the  object  for  which  the  fund  was  granted,  and  in  no  degree  depart 
ing  from  the  intentions  of  the  grantors,  it  is  our  duty  to  give  such 
direction  to  the  control  of  this  important  institution,  as  will  result  in 
the  greatest  good  to  our  fellow  citizens  and  best  insure  the  extension 
of  the  cause  of  science. 

By  a  joint  resolution  relative  to  the  University  of  Michigan,  ap 
proved  March  25,  1«40,  it  is  made  the  duty  of  the  Board  of  Regents 


to  report  to  you  such  alteration  as  they  deem  necessary  to  bt  made 
in  the  laws  of  the  State  relative  to  the  University.  The  only  report, 
made  in  compliance  with  this  resolution,  may  be  found  in  the  joint 
documents  of  the  last  session,  and  to  which  I  respectfully  invite  your 
attention.  In  that  report,  the  Regents  recommend  such  alteration 
m  the  law  on  that  subject,  as  will  give  to  them  the  entire  trust  and 
management  of  the  funds,  and  in  all  other  respects,  the  absolute 
control  of  the  institution,  subject  and  responsible  only  to  the  Legisla 
ture,  to  which  body  they  wish  to  make  all  reports  of  their  proceed 
ings  I  respectfully  re-commend  this  proposition  to  your  serious  and 
attentive  consideration.  The  high  character  of  the  Regents,  and  their 
experience,  derived  from  long  exercise  of  the  functions  of  their  of 
fice,  give  additional  weight  to  their  recommendation,  and  will.  I  am 
certain  ensure  that  attention  from  you,  which  the  importance  of  the 
subject  demands. 

It  is  greatly  to  be  desired,  that  the  true  and  exact  condition  of  the 
University  fund  be  made  known  to  the  public,  in  order  that  its  ca 
pacity  for  usefulness  may  be  fully  understood.  The  public  have  an 
intense  anxiety  to  be  informed  of  its  ability  to  give  assistance  to  edu 
cation,  as  well  by  means  of  its  branches  already  in  operation,  as  by 
others  desired  in  various  portions  of  the  State.  Such  a  knowledge 
of  the  condition  of  the  fund,  is  also  indispensably  necessary  to  such 
ulterior  legislation  as,  in  your  wisdom,  may  be  deemed  expedient. 
I  therefore  respectfully  reccommend,  that  you  give  the  subject  in 
charge  to  some  appropriate  committee,  accompanied  with  the  instruc 
tion,  that,  after  having  made  the  inquiry  and  investigation,  they  re 
port  the  result  of  their  labors  for  the  use  of  the  public. 

B.EPOKT  OF  SUPERINTENDENT  OF  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION. 

The  term  of  the  Rev.  John  D.  Pierce  having  expired,  FKANKLIN 
SAWYER,  jr.,  was  appointed  at  the  last  previous  session  of  the  Legis 
lature,  to  succeed  him.  This  report  unfolds  in  an  interesting  and 
minute  manner,  the  condition  of  the  primary  schools  at  this  time,  and 
gives  in  fact,  the  first  full  and  detailed  account  of  the  operation  of 
the  laws  in  the  practical  working  of  the  -system.  The  documents  ac 
companying  it,  showed  the  whole  number  of  districts  integral  and 
fractional,  in  the  State  to  be  two  thousand,  three  hundred.  Of  them 
1,486  embraced  in  330  townships,  reported  47,066  scholars,  between 
the  ae^es  of  five  and  seventeen,  and  8,757  under  five  and  over  sev 
enteen,  making  an  aggregate  of  55,8*23.  The  whole  number  report 
ed  at  school,  51,254.  The  Superintendent  was  of  opinion  that  of 
this  number,  too  many  reported  as  attending  school,  passed  most  of 
their  hours  elsewhere  than  at  school,  and  suggested,  that  if  by  the 
law,  the  directors  were  required  *o  report  ns  carefully,  us  foh«  holier 


if>  10  note  the  time  of  attendance  ;>•  rarh  md  '-very  scholar,  the  re-d 
amount  would  be  known. 

The  average  number  of  months  schools  had  been  kept,  were  re 
ported  in  twenty-eight  counties,  at.  4  4-7;  most  of  them  being  kept- 
tip  only  for  the  constitutional  time  of  three  months.  The  amount 
apportioned  in  1839,  was  $18,360  86,  being  several  thousand  dollars 
".ess  than  the  year  previous.  The  Superintendent  admonishes  those 
who  rely  chifdy  on  the  fund  a.s  a  means  of  supporting  their  schools, 
not  to  be  too  sanguine — that  the  true  policy  was  to  rely  mainly  upon 
their  own  available  resources  to  advance  the  cause  of  popular  edu 
cation.  The  number  of  scholars  attending  private  schools  was  re 
ported  at  -,807,  which  was  thought  to  be  below  the  real  number. 
The  returns  are  complained  of,  a-s  being  doubtful  and  contradictory. 
It  was  suggested  that  directors  be  required  to  report  on  oath,  as  bc- 
ing  likely  to  ensure  greater  fidelity  in  matters  of  detail,  aad  pre 
venting  a  practice,  reprehensible  in  the  extreme,  and  unjust  towards 
other  districts,  of  reporting  more  scholars  of  legal  age,  than  were  to 
be  found  within  the  district,  for  the  purpose  of  augmenting  its  ap 
portionment  of  funds.  In  opposition  to  the  views  of  the  legislative' 
committee  of  the  Senate,  of  the  year  previous,  the  Superintendent 
says: 

Tt  is  the  undoubted  policy  of  every  State  in  the  Union,  so  to  frame 
its  system  of  public  instruction,  as  not  only  to  educate  its  own  native 
bora  children,  but  to  Americanize,  both  in  intellect  and  feeling,  every 
child  of  a  foreign  stock,  that  in  the  Providence  of  God,  is  brought 
to  our  shores,  to  become  a  part  of  its  society.  No  encouragement 
should  be  given  to  parents,  constituting  portions  of  our  Republic, 
under  btich  circumstances,  to  educate  their  offspring  through  any 
other  medium  than  the  common  language;  but  on  the  contrary,  all 
conceivable  inducements  should  be  held  out  for  them  to  keep  their 
children  :u  the  public  schools,  where  they  nriy  learn  to  think  in  that 
language,  and  by  a  frequent  intercourse  with  their  fellow  citizens, 
forget,  not  the  land  of  their  nativity,  but  the  necessity  of  the  mother 
tongue,  us  a  medium  of  communication  between  man  and  man,  in  a 
country  which  they'have  adopted  for  life,  and  whose  institutions  they 
wish  to  leave  safely  in  the  hands  of  their  posterity. 

It  was  mentioned  as  A  gratifying  fad,  that  only  eighty-eight,  out 
of  &wo  thousand  attending  schools,  were  reported  as  using  other 
books  than  the  English.  Under  the  act  of  1840,  giving  authority 
to  require  such  facts  and  statistics  as  the  superintendent  might  di 
rect,  Mr  SAWTRR  addressed  interrogatories  to  ?rorv  school  director, 
10 


74 

requiring  reports  in  relation  to  the  working  of  the  system — suggest 
ions  for  its  improvement — the  general  operation  of  the  laws — the 
difficulties  encountered  in  its  administration — the  frequency  of  visit 
ation  by  inspectors  and  others — the  general  character,  deportment  and 
qualifications  of  teachers — the  discipline  of  the  schools — the  system 
of  rewards  and  punishments — the  punctuality  of  the  scholars — the 
amount  paid  to  teachers — the  methods  of  teaching — the  uniformity 
of  books — the  religious  instruction,  and  branches  taught  in  the 
schools — the  kinds  of  school  houses,  and  their  situation  and  loca 
tion — the  common  diseases  prevalent — the  kind  of  books  in  the  li 
braries,  forfeitures  incurred,  and  the  amount  of  proceeds  from  fines 
or  military  exemptions,  <fcc.,  <fcc.  To  these  queries  the  Superintend 
ent  remarks,  some  paid  attention,  others,  none;  by  a  few,  they  were 
deemed  inquisitorial,  and  in  three  or  four  cases,  uncivil  answers  re 
turned.  Many  of  them,  however,  were  prepared  with  a  minuteness 
of  detail,  creditable  to  the  head  and  heart  of  the  officer,  the  facts 
sought  to  be  elicited,  furnished  with  promptitude  and  good  will,  sug 
gestions,  made  with  a  frankness  becoming  the  dispenser  and  recipi 
ent  of  common  school  education,  and  pledges  of  co-operation  so 
amply  given  as  to  compensate  for  any  amount  of  labor  bestowed  upon 
the  subject  by  the  department.  The  substance  of  all  the  facts  thus 
accumulated,  are  condensed  under  the  following  heads,  parents 
and  teachers,  duties  of  inspectors,  male  and  female  teachers,  govern 
ment  of  the  schools,  character  of  instruction,  uniformity  of  school 
books,  school  houses,  libraries,  and  the  working  of  the  system. 
The  Superintendent  recommends  however,  that  the  board  of  inspec 
tors  be  exempted  from  transmitting  to  the  county  clerks,  all  the  par 
ticulars  set  forth  in  their  reports.  His  conclusions  were,  from  all 
these  reports,  that  while  the  facts  showed  that  in  many  districts 
sufficient  interest  on  the  part  of  parents  was  manifested,  they  also 
demonstrated  the  general  indifference  felt  in  others — that  although 
the  law  requiring  visitation  by  the  inspectors  had  been  unfortunately 
repealed,  inspectors  in  many  instances,  had  continued  to  visit  the 
schools — that  an  improvement  might  be  made  in  our  system,  by  the 
appointment  for  each  county,  of  a  deputy  superintendent,  whose  du 
ties  of  supervision  should  be  co  extensive  with  the  schools  of  his 
circuit — that  to  his  care  might  be  committed  the  examination  of  teach- 


75 

ers,  the  visitation  of  schools,  the  collection  of  statistics,  the  execu 
tion  of  the  laws,  and  the  duty  of  ascertaining  their  defects,  and  sug 
gesting  plans  for  improvement — that  in  relation  to  teachers,  it  ap 
peared  that  while  the  ages  of  male  teachers  ranged  from  seventeen 
to  twenty,  those  of  femaies  ranged  from  fourteen  k>  eighteen — that 
few  of  the  males  made  teaching  a  business — that  one  obstacle  to 
good  teaching  was  the  want  of  adequate  compensation.  The  average 
pay  of  male  teachers  was  shown  to  be  $15  61  per  month,  and  that 
of  females,  $  1  '21  per  week — that  as  to  the  government  of  the  schools 
the  reports  evinced  that  the  old  fashioned  mode  of  '-beating  knowl 
edge  into  the  brain,"  was  yet  kept  up — that  the  usual  appliances 
were  pinching,  cuffing,  pulling  hair  and  noses,  throwing  books  and 
rulers  at  the  heads  of  unruly  urchins,  compelling  them  to  stand,  un 
til  fatigued  into  submission,  and  locking  up  in  dark  places  to  scare 
away  the  evil  genius  that  possessed  them  shaming,  and  other  vari 
eties  of  torture — that  the  character  of  instruction  in  some  districts, 
was  unexceptionable;  but  in  too  many  schools,  behind  the  improve 
ment  of  the  age — that  sectarianism  was  not  taught,  while  a  certain 
amount  of  religious  instruction  was  encouraged — that  in  relation  to 
uniformity  of  books,  it  was  the  great  burthen  of  complaint,  and  that 
the  variety  was  almost  endless — that  if  a  general  uniformity  could 
be  brought  about,  the  responsibility  should  not  be  imposed  upon  any 
one  individual — that  it  might  be  accomplished  under  a  system  of 
county  superintendents,  or  that  the  plan  adopted  in  some  other  State, 
of  leaving  the  work  to  the  township  committees,  might  perhaps  be 
found  useful — that  as  to  school  houses,  the  object  of  the  circular 
addressed  to  officers,  had  not  been  attained — that  the  replies  were 
not  full,  and  that  no  judgment  could  be  formed,  of  their  accommo 
dations,  yet  there  was  enough  to  show  that  many  of  the  houses 
were  good,  substantial,  comfortable  frame  buildings — that  the  dispo 
sition  was  to  make  the  improvements  of  the  school  house  keep  pace 
with  the  dwelling  house  and  barn — that  a  gratifying  indication  was 
shown  in  the  location  of  the  school  house  upon  elevated  ground, 
away  from  marshes,  and  the  salubrity  of  their  position  was  inferred 
from  the  general  health  of  the  scholars,  and  that  the  people  were 
attentive  to  the  subject — that  as  to  LIBRARIES,  only  $170  86  had  been 
raised  in  the  State — that  nothing  as  yet,  had  been  received,  either 


from  lines,  for  breaches  of  Che  penal  laws,  or  from  the  equivalents 
Srom  military  exemption— that  whether  any  lints  had  been  collected, 
was  a  matter  of  conjecture,  as  the  county  clerks  had  made  no  re 
ports  on  the  subject.  In  consequence  of  this,  it  wns  suggested  that 
they  should  be  required  by  law,  to  state  the  amount  of  tines  impo 
sed  by  the  courts,  the  amounts  collected,  and  the  clear  proceeds  of 
such  in  the  Treasury. 

ID.  relation  to  the  working  of  the  system,  thfc  Superintendent  be 
lieved  that  as  a  whole  it  was  giving  satisfaction — that  the  principle  em 
bodied  in  it — the  education  of  all — elicited  general  admiration,  while 
ite  practical  operation,  Been  and  felt  only  in  its  details,  developed 
faults  of  no  ordinary  magnitude.  The  frequent  change  of  the  law 
w&s  deprecated,  not  because  the  system  could  become  perfect  with 
out  many  modifications,  but  because  it  seemed  to  be  impossible  under 
the  existing  circumstances,  for  districts  and  township  officers  to  keep 
paxse  with  such  alterations. 

"A  law,"  s-jys  the  Superintendent,  "i;s  hardly  known  in  many  dis 
tricts  before  it  is  repealed  or  amended,  and  it  not  unfrequently  hap 
pens  that  while  the  original  law  governs  the  official  acts  of  one  portion 
of  a  township,  amendments  to  it,  or  even  amendments  to  the  amend 
ments,  regulate  the  conduct  of  another  portion  of  the  same  township 
or  county.  Strange  as  it  may  appear  to  those  not  familiar  with  the 
reasons,  some  of  the  reports  just  received  comply  only  with  the  rc- 
quisitiona  of  the  revised  statutes;  others  with  the  law  of  1840;  and 
others  with  the  law  of  lust  session.  The  school  laws  are  not  pro 
mulgated  seasonably  and  extensively  enough.  The  remedy  proposed 
is,  not  to  FJ tint  the  system,  in  its  proper  growth,  by  warring  against 
further  modifications,  amendments  or  repeals,  whenever  or  wherever 
necessary,  but  to  provide  that  a  printed  copy  of  every  new  school  act 
be  sent  to  each  district  os  soon  as  %>ossible  after  its  approved.  Then  may 
the  hand  of  legislation  be  applied  without,  hesitation  or  danger  to  our 
srchool  system;  uniformity  in  returns  and  fidelity  in  details  be  exacted 
to  the  letter,  and  districts  will  then  cease  to  be  agitated  by  dissen 
sions,  springing,  in  nine  cases  out,  of  ten,  from  imperfectly  understood 
school  laws," 

The  repealing  act  of  1340,  substituted  a  new  system  for  that  con 
tained  in  die  revised  statutes,  and  subsequent  amendments  made 
thereto.  The  Superintendent  says  that  the  most  striking  defect 
of  the  new  system,  as  contended  in  the  reports  made  to  him,  con 
sisted  in  ITS  INADEQUATE  PROVISION  FOR  THE  SUPPORT  OF  SCHOOIJ3. 

A  limited  tax:  for  a  school  house,  its  repairs  and  appendages,  and  for 
•i  library ,  r.ase  and  books,  itnigbf.be  imposed  by  the  qualified  voter* 


77 

and  assessed  upon,  tiu-  pro^rty  of  the  distric:,  but  not  a  dollar  for 
the  support  oi  the  teacher.  The  amendatory  act  of  1841,  provided 
that  the  organized  township-;  might,  if  they  deemed  expedient*,  raise 
a  sum  not  to  exceed  a  dollar  a  scholar,  tor  each  child,  for  the  support 
of  the  school,  but;  made  no  adequate  provision  to  .secure  its  vote. 

There  was  a  general  complaint  on.  account  of  the  ambiguity  of 
the  law,  the  inconsistency  of*  o;;e  provision  with  another,  rind  some 
times  apparent  contradictions.  The  difficulties  and  their  remedies, 
which  were  presented  in  the  correspondence  of  the  office,  were  vari 
ous,  and  too  lengthy  for  enumeration.  Recommendations  were  made 
to  amend  the  laws,  most  of  which  were  subsequently  adopted,  and 
one  of  them  was  the  exemption  of  indigent  p-ireni*  from  all  charges 
for  tuition  of  their  children. 

The  Superintendent  also  referred  tx>  the  necessity  of  some  publi 
cation  as  an  organ  of  communication  between  the  numerous  districts 
and  his  office.  Such  necessity  was  daily  felt,  and  ii  was  recom 
mended  that  a  definite  amount  of  the  school  moneys  should  be  ap 
propriated  to  .secure  its  establishment  and  existence.  Reference  wag 
made  to  the  establishment  of  such  an  org-in  in  oilier  States.  Among 
the  uses  of  such  a  publication,  the  following  w«-re  enumerated: 

To  urge  the  .supremacy  of  common  schools  over  all  others,  as  xipuc. 
them  depend  the  very  existence  of  higher  seminaries,  college  and 
universities. 

To  keep  the  people  of  the  State  familiar  with  me  condition  and 
prospects  of  primary  school  education  everywhere,  and  follow  up 
the  improvements  in  school  houses,  books,  apparatus,  mode  of  teach 
ing,  <kc. 

To  publish  and  explain  the  school  laws,  ;mswer  tike  numerous 
questions  growing  out  of  them,  and  enable  the  officers  under  them , 
more  readily  to  perform  their  many  important  duties:. 

To  record  the  vast  variety  of  valuable  statistical  matter,  accumu 
lating  from  time  to  time,  in  the  several  townships,  and  condense  and 
arrange  it  systematically  tor  common  use,  and  especially  to  have  tin? 
best  portions  of  1  he  school  report"  that  come  in  at  the  end  of  the 
year. 

During  the  administration  of  Mr.  Sawyer,  he  delivered  addresses 
upon  the  subject  cf  education  in  various  counties,  and  thoogh  crowd- 


78 

ed  houses  did  not  greet  him,  in  all  cases,  he  says  that  "  at  these 
popular  gatherings  were  found  individuals  of  all  political  parties 
and  representatives  of  most  religious  sects,  and  their  zeal  for  com 
mon  schools,  and  pledges  of  ce-operation  to  advance  them  beyond 
their  present  standard,  are  ample  guarantees  that  hereafter  the  great 
work  of  educational  reform  will  not  rest  exclusively  upon  one  indi 
vidual.  Incipient  measures  were  taken  at  these  meetings  to  estab 
lish  county  associations,  for  frequent  and  unreserved  interchange  of 
sentiment,  touching  the  various  branches  of  common  school  educa 
tion."  One  thing,  he  remarks  as  attracting  his  painful  attention,  and 
that  was  to  see  how  neglectful,  with  few  qualifying  exceptions,  the 
populous,  and  in  every  other  respect,  thriving  villages,  had  been  of 
their  common  schools;  but  as  exhibiting  the  relative  condition  of 
children  in  the  villages,  he  alludes  to  the  statistics  furnished  by  the 
praise-worthy  efforts  of  the  Common  Council  of  the  cily  of  Detroit, 
to  provide  the  means  of  full  and  general  instruction  in  that  city. 

Mr.  Sawyer  says:  "the  Common  Council  of  Detroit,  impressed  with 
the  necessity  of  moving  to  the  rescue  of  its  character  from  imputa 
tions  of  neglect  in  matters  of  public  education,  appointed  a  commit 
tee  with  the  Mayor  as  chairman,  to  examine  into  the  operation  of  the 
common  school  system  of  that  city.  The  committee  went  to  their 
work,  gathered  up  all  the  materials  within  its  reach,  and  finally  re 
ported  an  array  of  facts  that  might  well  startle  from  their  slumbers 
the  most  apathetic.  The  following  extract  from  the  report  speaks 
trumpet -tongued  to  the  citizens  of  our  large  villages,  and  in  favor  of 
taxation  to  support  public  schools: 

"From  the  examination  of  returns  so  far  as  they  have  been  made, 
and  from  careful  estimates  where  the  returns  are  defective  or  want 
ing,  the  committee  had  confidence  in  the  opinion  that  there  are 
in  the  city  of  Detroit,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty  children  who 
ought  to  be  at  school  at  least  one  half  of  the  year.  Your  committee 
have  also  from  personal  enquiry  ascertained  that  there  are  within 
the  corporate  limits  of  the  city  twenty-seven  schools  in  operation, 
in  which  are  taught  seven  hundred  and  fourteen  children  and  youth, 
at  an  aggregate  sum  of  twelve  thousand  six  hundred  dollars  per 
annum,  averaging  nearly  eighteen  dollars  a  piece.  Yet  more  than 
half  of  our  youth  are  coming  up  in  ignorance,  the  offspring  of  which 


79 

are  vice  and  wretchedness,  notwithstanding  this  enormous  tax  vol- 
u.ntarily  levied  and  paid  by  our  fellow  citizens  " 

The  recommendation  of  the  committee,  based  upon  such  facts,  was 
that  the  Common  Council,  with  the  assent  of  the  freemen,  ask  for  a 
grant  of  power  to  raise  a  school  fund  03-  direct  taxation.  This  was 
in  1841,  and  subsequent  and  successive  legislation  was  had,  com 
mensurate  with  the  importance  of  the  subject.  A  sketch  of  the  es 
tablishment,  rise,  and  progress  of  the  schools  of  the  city,  prepared 
by  D.  BETHUNE  DUITIKLD,  Esq.,  a  gentleman  whose  interest  in  the 
subject  of  education  has  been  devoted  and  unceasing,  will  be  found 
hi  a  subsequent  part  of  this  document.  It  will  be  read  with  interest, 
not  only  as  a  faithful  and  eloquent  exposition  of  the  facts  connected 
with  the  schools,  and  for  its  high  moral  tone  and  sentiment,  but  as  a 
tribute  justly  due  to  the  public  spirit  and  philanthropic  feeling  of 
chose  whose  early  and  continued  efforts  laid  the  foundation  of  the 
present  system  of  free  schools  in  that  city. 

The  report  of  the  Superintendent  further  presents  the  necessity  of 
a  system  of  free  education,  based  upon  taxation  of  the  property  of 
the  State.  From  this  portion  of  the  report,  as  evincing  the  estimation 
in  which  this  policy  was  held,  the  following  extract  is  taken: 

Education  is  a  common  right — the  exclusive  property  of  no  man, 
of  no  set  of  men.  The  great  fountain  which  supplies  one  portion  of 
society,  should  be  accessible  to  all — not  monopolized  by  the  few  or 
an  engine  of  power — even  the  many.  Our  Pilgrim  Fathers  under 
stood  the  value  of  this  right.  Here,  though  faulty  in  other  respects, 
the  puritan  character  developed  its  true  greatness.  In  the  eloquent 
language  of  Bancroft,  "every  child,  as  it  was  born  into  the  world, 
was  lifted  from  the  earth  by  the  genius  of  the  country,  and  in  the 
statutes  of  the  land,  received  as  its  birth  right,  a  pledge  of  public 
care  for  its  morals  and  its  mind."  The  principle  of  popular  educa 
tion  was  adopted  as  fundamental.  It  was  imbedded  in  their  public 
acts,  and  sacredly  cherished  through  all  the  trying  vicis.  itudes  of 
their  moral  and  eventful  career.  In  their  code,  as  it  ought  ever  to 
be  in  ours,  it  was  the  principle  without  which  liberty  could  not  exist, 
and  with  which  no  people  could  be  slaves.'  Next  to  the  erection  of 
altars  for  the  worship  of  God,  they  took  care  that  school  houses 
should  be  built.  The  Qpminon  schools  should  be  as  accessible  as 
the  mountain  spring  that  gurgles  joyously  forth  to  meet  and  bless 
all  who  approach  it. 

THE    UNIVERSITY'. 

The  Superintendent  reports  that   notwithstanding  the  embarrass 
ments  under  which  this  institution  is  destined  to   struggle  for  some 


W) 

,  every  citizen  of  Michigan  must  rejoice  that  the  main 
is  now  1  airly  in  operation,  and  endorses  the  views  of  his  predecessor, 
in  relation  to  the  importance  of  sustaining  the  branches,  a?  the  soie 
means  of  A  full  supply  of  competent  teachers.  He  says: 

This  is  conceived  to  be  one  of  th?  most  cogent  reasons  that  can 
be  adduced,  in  favor  of  the  branch  system.  Merely  as  preparatory 
seminaries  for  an  admission  to  the  main  University,  branches  could 
hardly  claim  an  expensive  support  out  of  the  public  fund ;  but  as 
the  means  of  giving  to  the  State  qualified  teachers  for  the  common 
schools,  every  consideration  unites  to  have  them  sustained.  Are 
the  branches  made  to  subserve  this  double  purpose?  The  art  of 
teaching  is  not  adequately  taught.  Until  a  regular  school  for 
teachers  shall  be  established  in  the  State,  it  is  right  that  one  or  more 
of  the  branches  make  teaching  a  part  of  its  instruction.  Having 
capable  teachers,  our  schools  will  begin  to  flourish.  When  the  schools 
flourish  the  University  will  flourish.  The  organic  law  requires  in 
each  branch  "a  department  especially  appropriated  to  the  education 
of  teachers  of  the  primary  schools."  A  MODEL  SCHOOL  connected 
with  this  department,  would  afford  all  the  aid  that  a  young  man  o:r 
woman  could  want  to  perfect  him  or  her,  in  the  practice,  as  well  as 
theory  of  teaching. 

Me  also  says: 

A  department  of  agriculture  in  at  least  on«i  of  the  branches,  is  re 
quired  by  the  organic  law,  with  competent  instructor?;  in  the  theory 
of  agriculture,  including  vegetable  physiology,  agricultural  chemis 
try  and  experimental  farming,  and  practical  farming  and  agriculture. 
If,  as  the  late  Judge  Buel  assures  us,  in  his  admirable  work  on  Amer 
ican  Husbandry,  "  the  great  objects  of  the  farmer  should  be  to  ob 
tain  the  greatest  returns  for  his  labor  without  deteriorating  the  fertil 
ity  of  the  soil,  and  to  restore  fertility  in  the  most  economical  way, 
where  it  has  been  impaired  or  destroyed  by  bad  husbandry,"  how 
indispensable  to  success  is  a  knowledge  of  the  principles  upon  whicli 
these  practical  results  depend! 

The  Superintendent  also  remarks  in  relation  to  the  report  of  the 
Regents,  that  their  views  in  reference  to  sectarian  influences  com 
mend  themselves  to  the  feeling,  and  enlightened  judgment  of  all  true 
Christians;  and  that  it  was  a  matter  of  no  ordinary  gratification,  that 
sentiments  so  in  unison  with  the  liberal  spirit  of  the  age,  should  exist 
with  such  perfect  unanimity,  throughout  all  our  departments  of 
Pubtie  Instruction — that  the  precincts  of  the  University,  as  well  as 
the  school  room  of  the  districts,  should  be  effectually  barred  through 
the  operation  of  a  wholesome  public  opinion,  from  all  intrusions  of 
a  sectarian  or  partisan  nature. 

To  the  attention  of  the  Legislature  wae  oonaraended  the  appeal  of 


81 

the  Board  of  Regents  for  such  legislation  as  would  render  them  the 
responsible  guardians  of  the  University,  and  more  practically  mas 
ters  of  their  own  movements;  but  whether  the  power  asked  for  could 
be  consistently  granted,  was  considered  to  be  a  question  which 
should  not  be  hastily  decided.  The  separation  of  the  fiscal  from  the 
more  legitimate  duties  of  the  Superintendent  was  also  recommended. 

The  relation  between  the  progress  of  the  schools  and  University, 
and  the  condition  of  their  respective  funds,  at  this  time,  is  shown  by 
the  following  statement,  the  value  of  the  lands  being  fixed,  at  their 
minimum  price,  as  established  by  law : 
University  lands— 45,440  acres  at  $15, $63 1,600  00 

Amount  sold  by  trustees  of  old  University, 5,000  00 

Primary  school  lands— 1,148,160  acres,  at  $5, 5,740,800  00 

80,427,400  00 


The  total  number  of  acres  sold,  up  to  this  time,  was  75,463.87— 
of  University  lands,  12,585.03— of  school  lands,  f/2,878.84.  The 
aggregate  amount  of  sales,  $824,609  09.  The  amount  distributed 
to  the  districts,  $13,239  32, 

A  reduction  of  the  price  of  these  lauds  was  recommended. 

REPORT  OF  THE  REGENTS. 

In  the  fourth  annual  report  the  Regents  announce  that  as  their 
attention  had  been  previously  directed  to  the  branches,  and  through 
them  to  the  means  of  much  higher  instruction  than  could  be  had  in 
primary  schools  and  private  academies,  they  had  seduously  be 
stowed  their  attention  also  on  the  necessary  means  and  preparation 
for  the  organization  of  a  Faculty  and  the  opening  of  the  institution. 
During  the  past  year  the  main  edifice  had  been  completed;  the  cabi 
net  of  natural  history  and  the  library  transferred  to  the  main  build 
ing  and  put  under  care  of  a  librarian,  where  they  were  to  be  ar 
ranged  by  Dr.  Houghton,  who  had  not  yet  commenced  a  course  of 
lectures,  and  who  had  generously  tendered  his  services  to  the  insti 
tution  free  of  charge.  Valuable  additions  had  been  made  to  the 
library,  the  mineralogical  cabinet  increased  by  a  donation  of  Baron 
Lederer^  and  by  specimens  collected  by  the  gentlemen  engaged  in 
the  geological  survey.  The  collection  purchased  of  Baron  L.  con 
tained  almost  every  known  mineral,  with  the  greater  portion  of  tbe 
11 


82 

varieties,  and  was  estimated  to  equal,  if  not  to  excel  any  collection 
of  foreign  minerals  in  the  United  States.  In  addition  to  this,  the 
entire  cabinet  of  minerals  of  the  University  now  comprehended  a 
very  extensive  collection  of  rock  specimens,  fossils,  American  min 
erals,  together  with  a  zoological  collection  of  great  value,  altogether 
forming  greater  facilities  and  inducements  for  study  in  natural  his 
tory  than  could  be  found  in  any  institution  in  this  country. 

The  necessary  expenses  incurred  in  the  erection  of  buildings,  iu 
the  procuring  of  a  library  and  cabinet,  and  the  support  of  seven 
branches  were  so  great,  that  the  sum  of  $100,000,  obtained  on  loan, 
was  reported  to  be  so  far  expended  as  to  embarrass  the  further  op 
erations  of  the  Board,  unless  there  should  be  a  greater  amount 
of  interest  and  instalments  paid  in  by  purchasers  than  it  was  feared 
would  be  realized.  The  reduction  of  the  price  of  the  lands  b}T  the 
Legislature  of  1840-41,  il  was  believed  by  the  Board,  would  have  a 
contrary  effect  to  that  intended,  and  cause  much  less  money  to  be 
received  during  the  coming  year,  instead  of  replenishing  the  means 
of  the  Board.  It  was  therefore  stated  to  be  foreseen  by  the  Board, 
that  to  continue  the  branches  on  the  system  originally  established  would 
be  impracticable  without  further  resources,  and  that  those  at  com 
mand  of  the  Board  would  not  be  sufficient  to  continue  them  for  more 
than  a  year  or  eighteen  months  at  furthest.  The  value  of  the  branches 
was  felt  to  be  great,  and  the  importance  of  opening  the  main  institu 
tion  still  greater,  inasmuch  as  the  interests  of  education  called  for 
it,  and  all  the  necessary  buildings  and  preparations  had  been  com 
pleted. 

The  idea  was  conceived,  that  possibly  now,  since  the  branches 
had  been  established  and  were  in  successful  operation,  a  change  might 
be  made  in  the  system,  which  would  subject  the  Board  to  less  expense, 
continue  to  foster  the  branches,  and  afford  means  to  justify  the  open 
ing  of  the  University.  A  change  therefore  was  resolved  upon,  and 
instead  of  the  Board  undertaking  to  support  the  branches  by  paying 
the  principals'  and  teachers'  salaries,  and  receiving  the  avails  of  tu 
ition,  it  was  determined  that  from  and  after  the  19th  of  August, 
there  should  be  the  sum  of  $500  only  appropriated  to  each  branch, 
the  principal  to  be  allowed  to  appropriate  the  proceeds  of  tuition  to 
his  own  use,  and  to  be  at  the  expense  of  employing  and  paying  ne- 


83 

cessary  assistants,  as  well  as  of  meeting  all  expenses  for  repairing 
buildings.  The  effect  of  this  change  was  the  cessation  of  the 
branches  at  Pontiac,  Monroe  and  Niles.  The  remainder  continued 
to  flourish  and  extend  their  advantages  to  the  places  where  they  were 
situated.  The  change,  however,  enabled  the  Board  to  organize  a 
Faculty,  and  open  the  main  institution.  It  was  not  deemed  prudent 
to  appoint  a  full  Faculty,  and  it  was  not  thought  to  be  necessary.  A 
professor  of  languages  and  a  professor  of  mathematics  it  was  thought, 
would  perform  all  the  duties  required  for  the  present,  and  thus  save 
the  Board  the  expense  of  the  salaries  of  a  chancellor,  and  other  pro 
fessors.  The  expense  for  the  support  of  a  full  Faculty,  was  repre 
sented  to  be  so  disproportionate  to  the  limited  number  of  students 
at  this  time,  and  the  expenditure  so  great,  that  jealousies  might  arise 
and  destroy  confidence  in  the  Regents.  The  Regents  also  doubted 
whether,  with  so  much  uncertainty  as  to  the  future  means  of  the 
Board,  under  the  existing  state  of  things,  and  with  no  power  what 
ever,  possessed  by  the  Board,  to  collect  and  manage  the  revenue  of  ffie 
University,  or  to  urge  the  fiscal  officers  to  expedite  or  coerce  the  col 
lection  of  taxes,  it  would  be  possible  to  induce  any  gentleman,  fully 
qualified  for  the  office  of  chancellor,  or  persons  selected  for  their  at 
tainments  and  worth  for  the  different  professorships,  to  accept  of  ap 
pointments,  should  they  be  tendered  to  them.  The  Board  remark 
that, 

The  disastrous  history  of  universities  and  colleges  in  different 
States,  where  the  appropriations  for  their  support  were  dependent  on 
legislative  bodies,  changing  with  every  year,  and  no  permanent  body 
of  trustees  or  Regents  held  responsible,  and  furnished  with  compe 
tent  power  for  the  collection  and  management  of  the  revenue,  we 
fear  would  have  been  appealed  to,  in  opposition  to  all  our  most  san 
guine  hopes,  that  such  would  not  be  the  history  of  the  University. 
These,  and  such  like  considerations,  induced  the  Board  to  adopt  the 
most  cautious  and  prudent  plan,  and  one  which  would  jnot  be  so  likely 
to  end  in  disappointment,  and  in  the  rejection  of  their  invitations. 

Mr.  George  P.  Williams,  and  Rev.  Joseph  Whiting,  both  having 
been  principals  of  branches,  were  appointed  to  the  professorships, 
the  former  of  mathematics,  and  the  latter  of  Latin  and  Greek  lan 
guages;  and  the  20th  of  September,  of  this  year,  was  ordained  for 
the  opening  of  the  collegiate  department  of  the  University.  A  pre 
paratory  school  was  also  opened,  for  the  reception  of  such  as  might 
wish  to  qualify  themselves  to  enter  the  University.  The  sum  of 


84 

$500  was  voted  to  each  of  the  professors,  and  th<j  use  by  eaeh  of 
one  of  the  houses  built  as  residences  for  the  professors,  and  they 
were  allowed  to  appropriate  to  their  own  use  the  moneys  received 
for  tuition  in  the  preparatory  school. 

The  committee  of  the  Board  remark,  ihat  the  affairs  of  the  Uni 
versity  had  reached  a  crisis,  and  one  which  had  been  looked  forward 
to  by  the  Board  with  much  anxiety — that  it  was  hoped  by  them  the 
Legislature  of  1840  would  have  made  such  changes  in  the  organic 
law  of  the  University  as  would  have  rendered  the  collection  of  the 
funds  of  the  institution  more  efficient,  and  given  the  Board,  who  had 
to  bear  all  the  responsibility  for  the  well  and  faithful  management  of 
the  trust,  the  powers  absolutely  necessary  for  the  prompt  and  punctual 
discharge  of  their  duties — that  a  communication  on  this  subject,  be 
ing  the  unanimous  expression  of  the  views  of  thy  Board,  was  sub 
mitted  at  that  time  to  the  appropriate  officers  of  government — that 
they  were  disappointed  in  not  having  action  then  taken,  and  that 
when  the  Legislature  of  1841  required  from  the  Board  a  prompt 
report,  it  was  again  hoped  that  the  subject  would  not  be  losr  sight  of, 
but  that  the  Board  would  have  the  powers  conferred  on  them,  which 
they  deemed  so  indispensable  to  the  welfare  and  permanent  prosper 
ity  of  the  University.  In  this  too,  they  were  disappointed;  and  be 
ing  utterly  destitute  of  all  power  to  look  after  moneys  clue  to  the 
University,  and  having  but  little  put  into  their  hands  for  the  last  two 
years,  by  the  payment  of  interest,  the  Board  had  no  other  means 
than  the  proceeds  of  the  loan,  negotiated  by  authority  of  the  Legisla 
ture  of  1838.  It  is  due  to  the  Board  that  their  views  should  be  here 
given  in  their  own  language.  They  remark  that 

The  public  expected,  and  the  state  of  things  called  for,  the  open 
ing  of  the  University  at  the  earliest  possible  period.  This  could  not 
be  done  without  appropriate  and  necessary  buildings.  The  board 
lost  no  time,  therefore,  in  constructing  what,  in  the  commencing  of 
the  University,  might  be  necessary.  These  have  been  finished,  in 
a  style  which  does  credit  to  the  State,  and  at  a  very  reasonable  cost, 
compared  with  the  excellence,  durability  and  classic  taste  of  the 
workmanship,  and  the  value  of  the  materials.  Moreover,  it  was  re 
quired  that  branches  should  be  organized  and  supported,  and  the 
wants  and  demands  of  several  interesting  sections  of  the  State  called 
for  it.  The  board  endeavored,  in  both  respects,  to  meet  the  wishes 
of  the  Legislature  and  the  expectations  of  the  public.  They  did  not 
anticipate  any  embarrassment  from  the  want  of  means  necessary  for 


85 

ihe  carrying  on  of  the  University,  until  it  was  ascertained  that  the 
interest  due  on  the  sales  of  land,  would  not  be  paid,  and  the  action 
of  the  Legislature,  reducing  the  minimum  price  of  lands  and  delay 
ing  the  payment  of  the  interest,  excited  the  fears  of  the  Board,  that 
there  would  not  be  money  enough  collected  to  meet  the  current  ex 
penses,  to  pay  the  interest  on  the  loan,  and  to  liquidate  it  when  it 
became  due.  The  Board  are  confident,  that  had  the  changes  in  the 
organic  law,  which  were  asked  for  in  1840  and  again  in  Iw41,  be^n 
authorized,  the  affairs  of  the  University  would  have  been,  not  only  at 
this  time  but  prospectively,  as  prosperous  as  could  be  desired.  There 
is  much  to  encourage  the  Board,  and  to  give  the  prospect  of  perma 
nent  success,  could  they  but  realize  the  moneys  due  to  the  Univer 
sity,  and  receive  the  interest  regularly  accruing  from  the  sales  of 
lands.  Should  their  plans  be  defeated,  to  this  source  only  may  that 
defeat  be  traced.  It  appears  from  the  statement  of  the  committee 
of  finance,  that  the  resources  of  the  Board  for  moneys  due  and  re 
ceivable  during  1842,  without  reference  to  the  interest  due  on  Uni 
versity  lands  sold  during  the  year  1841,  amount  to  $58/210.62.  This 
sum  would  be  more  than  adequate  to  meet  all  the  necessary  expen 
ses  of  the  University  and  branches,  to  increase  the  Faculty,  if  the 
number  of  students  should  require  it  to  pay  the  interest  due  on  the 
State  bonds  for  the  loan  of  $100,000,  to  purchase  a  philosophical 
apparatus,  to  commence  the  botanical  garden,  to  erect  a  laboratory,  to 
contribute  to  a  sinking  fund,  as  well  as  to  meet  such  unforeseen  and 
contingent  expenses  as  are  incident  to  the  commencement  of  such  an 
institution.  The  Board  feel  a  deep  solicitude  on  this  subject;  for 
judging  from  the  experience  of  the  two  past  years,  there  is  but  little 
reason  to  believe  that  even  the  amount  necessary  to  prevent  the  ac 
tual  suspension  of  all  appropriations  to  branches,  and  the  dismission 
of  the  Faculty,  will  be  collected  during  the  coming  year.  Nor  can 
the  Board,  according  to  the  existing  laws,  move  in  the  matter,  or 
employ  any  means,  or  influence,  or  agency  whatever,  for  the  collec 
tion  of  the  funds  of  the  University.  It  is  judged  but  reasonable, 
that  they  who  are  held  responsible  to  the  public,  and  will  be  looked 
to  by  the  Legislature  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  trust,  would 
be  able  to  know  what  are  their  means  and  resources,  and  what  they 
may  reasonably  expect  and  calculate  upon  from  year  to  year.  It  is 
impossible  to  give  any  thing  like  consistency  and  permanency  to  their 
plans  without  this.  Already  have  they  been  necessitated  to  derange 
their  plans,  and  to  adopt  measures  which  have  involved  them  in  un 
pleasant  difficulties  with  some  in  their  employ,  and  which  have  given 
occasion  to  others,  unacquainted  with  the  facts,  to  reproach  the  in 
tegrity  and  rectitude  of  the  Board. 

It  is  understood  that  payments  of  money  due  to  the  University, 
are,  and  will  be  made  in  State  scrip,  a  depreciated  currency,  which, 
in  their  judgment,  is  in  violation  of  the  sacred  trust  reposed  in  the 
guardians  of  education  in  this  State,  by  ihe  splendid  gift  of  the  do 
nors,  and  which  if  not  arrested  and  prevented,  cannot  fail  to  subject 
She  Board  to  the  most  ruinous  embarrassments. 


86 

The  committee  of  finance  have  made  some  suggestions  on  the  sub 
ject  of  relieving  the  debtors  of  the  University  from  a  portion  of  the 
burthen,  resulting  from  the  extravagance  of  former  years,  as  an  expe 
dient  tor  increasing  the  annual  receipts.  But  the  Board  think  that 
the  experiments  already  made  on  this  subject,  afford  no  ground  for 
such  a  hope,  and  that  the  trust  reposed  in  them  and  in  this  State,  by 
the  government  of  the  United  States,  as  well  as  their  obligations  to 
the  community  at  large,  the  interests  of  science,  the  welfare  of  our 
entire  population,  and  the  character  of  Michigan  hereafter,  and  of 
unborn  generations,  require  a  sacred  adherence  to  existing  engage 
ments,  which  may  be  done  without  diminishing  the  resources  of  the 
University,  or  perpetrating  injustice  or  oppression  toward  any  of  its 
debtors.  The  Board  deprecate  Legislative  action  in  this  matter,  and 
feel  persuaded,  that  a  judicious  investigation  of  the  entire  relations 
and  responsibilities  of  the  Regents,  of  the  claims  of  the  community 
for  the  best  disposal  of  the  munificent  grant  of  the  United  States  for 
the  purposes  intended,  and  of  the  immense  importance  and  necessity 
for  such  a  trust  to  be  totally  disconnected  from  and  unembarrassed 
by  any  party  political  action  whatever,  will  convince  every  unpre 
judiced  mind,  that  these  funds  should  be  deemed  sacred;  and  while 
the  Board  should  be  held,  at  all  times,  fully  responsible  for  the  right 
and  best  management  of  them,  in  carrying  out  the  design  of  the  do 
nor,  they  should  be  furnished  with  the  powers  essential  to  the  dis 
charge  of  such  duties  and  responsibilities.  The  history  of  all  colle 
giate  institutions,  in  this  country,  dependent  immediately  on  the  State, 
has  shown,  that  they  have  never  prospered,  as  long  as  they  have 
been  subjected  to  the  influence  of  desultory  legislation,  of  the  un 
certainty  from  year  to  year,  whether  any  system  adopted  by  one  Le 
gislature  might  not  be  changed  by  the  next,  and  of  the  want  of  an 
efficient  board  of  trustees  or  Regents,  of  sufficient  permanence,  and 
possessed  of  adequate  powers,  for  the  responsible  care  and  manage 
ment  of  their  interests,  both  literary  and  pecuniary.  The  establish 
ment  of  a  collegiate  institution  in  a  free  State,  and  the  conducting  of 
its  interests,  should  ever  be  upon  liberal  principles,  and  irrespective 
of  all  sectarian  predilections  and  prejudices.  Whatever  varieties  of 
sect  exist  in  these  United  States,  the  great  mass  of  the  population 
profess  an  attachment  to  CHRISTIANITY,  and,  as  a  people,  avow  them 
selves  to  be  CHRISTIAN.  There  is  common  ground  occupied  by 
them  all,  sufficient  for  co-operation  in  an  institution  of  learning,  and 
for  the  presence  of  a  religious  influence,  devoid  of  any  sectarian  forms 
and  peculiarities,  so  essential,  not  only  as  the  most  efficient  police, 
but  also  for  the  development  and  formation  of  the  most  valuable  traits 
of  youthful  character,  and  of  qualifications  for  future  usefulness. 
Experiments,  made  in  other  States,  by  catering  to  the  morbid  preju 
dices  of  sectarians,  have  only  embarrassed  the  institutions  of  the 
State,  and  matured  the  growth  of  numerous  and  rival  colleges,  avow 
edly  sectarian.  Attempts  made  to  exclude  -all  religious  influence 
•whatever  from  the  college,  have  only  rendered  them  the  sectarian 
engines  of  an  atheistical  or  infidel  party  or  faction,  and  so  offended 
and  disgusted  the  majority  of  the  population,  agreeing  in  their  re- 


87 

spect  for  a  common  Christianity,  that  they  have  withdrawn  their  sup 
port,  confidence  and  patronage,  and  left  them  to  drag  a  miserable 
existence,  till  they  invoked  the  presence  and  influence  of  the  chris- 
tian  religion  in  them.  The  only  security  that  can  be  had  for  the 
avoidance  of  sectarianism,  and  the  necessary  and  desirable  influence 
of  Christianity,  in  the  conduct  of  a  collegiate  institution,  intended  to 
be  the  common  property  of  the  State,  is  to  be  sought  in  the  charac 
ter  and  principles  of  the  men  who  are  placed  over  it,  and  held  re 
sponsible  for  its  administration.  There  are  men  to  be  found  in  all 
the  different  Christian  sects,  of  sufficiently  expanded  views  and  libe 
ral  spirit,  and  enlightened  minds,  devoid  of  the  spirit  of  bigotry,  and 
narrow  prejudices  of  sect  and  of  party,  that  can  be  selected  and  de- 
puled  to  such  a  work,  whose  public  spirit  and  philanthropy,  and 
whose  love  of  country,  and  attachments  to  the  interests  of  their  State 
and  its  entire  population,  will  always  furnish  the  best  and  only  true 
guaranty  against  the  evils  of  sectarianism.  The  Board  are  happy  to 
state  the  fact,  without  meaning  in  the  least  to  commend  themselves, 
that  while  they  consist  of  gentlemen  from  almost,  if  not  all,  the  prin 
cipal  Christian  sects  in  our  State,  there  has  nothing  occurred,  in  their 
individual  intercourse,  their  deliberations  or  debates,  or  any  of  their 
official  acts,  which  has  ever  elicited  occasion  for  the  expression,  or 
even  the  existence  of  jealousy  and  suspicions,  growing  out  of  sectarian 
prejudices  or  attachments. 

As  to  the  local  policy  and  administration  of  the  University,  it  was 
judged  best  by  the  Regents  to  avail  themselves  of  the  advantage  of 
experience,  and  not  to  draft  any  very  extensive  code  of  laws,  such 
as  the  University  might  need,  when  its  course  became  more  extend 
ed.  A  few  general  laws,  capable  of  application  by  the  Faculty  to  all 
the  exigencies  of  the  government  of  the  institution,  in  its  incipient 
condition,  were  thought  to  be  preferable  in  every  respect,  to  more 
detailed  and  minute  legislation,  prospectively  to  meet  contingencies 
which  might  not  be  realized,  and  which  experience,  ere  they  would 
arise,  would  require  to  be  modified.  "  Much,"  say  the  commit 
tee,  "  in  the  early  age  of  the  institution  will  depend  on  the  wisdom 
and  fidelity,  the  prudence  and  zeal,  the  vigilance  and  energy,  the  in 
dustry  and  discernment  of  the  Faculty."  The  schedule  of  studies 
adopted,  may  be  found  on  page  388,  of  Joint  Documents  of  1852. 
The  report  of  the  Faculty  shows  that  there  had  been,  during  the 
current  term,  thirty-one  students,  pursuing  studies  preparatory  to  the 
University  course.  The  amount  of  previous  attainment  required  as 
much  as  was  required  by  the  best  colleges  in  the  United  States.  In 
relation  to  this  subject,  the  Faculty  makes  the  following  remirks: 


88 

Assuming  that  the  object  of  the  Board  of  Eugenia  is  to  furnish 
fco  the  youth  of  our  State  an  opportunity  of  acquiring  a  superior  ed 
ucation,  we  have  considered  mental  discipline  and  mental  furniture 
as  the  two  great  points  to  be  kept  in  view  in  the  arrangement  of 
studies,  the  selection  of  text  books  and  the  method  of  instruction. 
Although  the  latter  of  these  two  points  may  never  be  lost  sight  of, 
yet  the  former  seems  to  require  special  attention  in  the  early  part  of 
the  academic  course.  In  this  part,  therefore,  those  branches  of  study 
are  prescribed,  and  those  methods  of  instruction  pursued,  which 
seem  best  adapted  to  form  in  the  student  habits  of  fixing  the  atten 
tion,  directing  the  train  of  thought,  analyzing  with  nice  discrimina 
tion,  balancing  carefully  evidence  presented  to  the  judgment,  and  ar 
ranging  and  systematizing  the  knowledge  acquired  by  the  memory. 
The  study  of  ancient  languages  and  of  pure  mathematics,  therefore, 
occupy  the  greater  part  of  the  first  two  years  of  the  course.  The 
recitations  and  exercises  in  these  branches  are  conducted  in  a  man 
ner  that  is  designed  to  throw  the  student  as  much  as  possible  upon 
the  resources  of  his  own  mind — to  rouse  his  individual  energy,  and 
to  give  those  habits  of  mental  activity  without  which  the  best  appa 
ratus  of  libraries  and  scientific  collections  can  do  little  more  than 
afford  the  means  of  idle  amusement. 

We  are  of  opinion  that  the  text  books  named  in  our  schedule  of 
studies  for  the  first  two  years,  should,  so  far  as  the  department  of 
languages  is  concerned,  be  regarded  as  indicating  rather  the  amount 
of  such  languages  to  be  read  in  the  proposed  time,  than  the  author* 
whose  works  are  to  be  read.  For,  while  there  are  certain  authors 
of  such  acknowledged  excellence  in  both  the  Latin  and  Greek  lan 
guages,  that  no  man  of  liberal  education  should  be  unacquainted 
with  their  writings,  there  are  others  among  those  ordinarily  read  in 
colleges  in  this  country,  whose  claim  to  preference  is  by  no  means 
such  as  to  warrant  their  exclusive  use.  Nor  do  we  see  any  sufficient 
reason  for  requiring  each  class  to  read  precisely  the  same  authors, 
whilst  some  variety  in  this  respect  might  promote  the  taste  for  clas 
sical  learning.  We,  therefore,  respectfully  suggest  to  the  committee 
that  this  matter  be  left  subject  to  such  arrangements,  from  year  to 
year,  as  the  progressive  standard  of  liberal  education  in  the  country 
shall  require. 

Natural  history  has  been  inserted  in  the  list  of  studies  of  the  first 
two  years,  under  the  impression  that,  with  the  means  provided  for 
this  purpose,  the  subject  might  be  commenced  early  in  the  course, 
with  advantage.  Besides  the  knowledge  that  would  be  acquired,  it 
would  serve  to  vary  the  objects  of  attention  for  the  student,  and  could 
be  made  valuable  as  a  means  of  forming  habits  of  classification  and 
arrangement.  We  arc  aware,  however,  that  a  knowledge  of  the 
principles  of  chemistry  must  precede  any  attempt  to  give  thorough 
instruction  in  natural  science. 

The  University  lands  remaining  unsold  at  this  date  amounted  to 

36,000  acres. 

The  COMMITTEE  ON  EDUCATION  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 
through  Mr.  CBARY,  reported  during  the  session  of  the  Legislature 


39 

of  this  year,  in  relation  to  that  part  of  the  Governor's  message  and 
report  of  the  Regents  under  the  joint  resolution  of  the  Legislature 
of  1840,  which  related  to  changes  in  the  organic  law  establishing 
the  University.  In  relation  to  the  care  and  disposition  of  the  lands 
granted  to  the  State  for  the  support  of  the  University  and  of  moneys 
accruing  from  their  sale,  the  committee  reported  that  by  present  laws 
they  were  to  be  deposited  in  the  treasury  and  then  loaned  by  the 
Superintendent;  that  the  accruing  interest  was  paid  into  the  treasury 
and  passed  to  the  credit  of  the  University  fund;  that  the  Regents 
from  year  to  year  had  had  the  avails  of  the  interest  arid  the  rents  of 
the  land,  and  that  if  these  were  not  sufficient  to  furnish  the  necessary 
means  for  putting  the  University  into  operation,  it  was  better  that 
present  embarrassments  should  be  submitted  to  rather  than  any 
change  be  made  in  the  law;  that  the  change  proposed  would  give 
the  Regents  power  to  expend  not  only  the  interest  and  rents,  but  also 
the  principal  of  the  fund. 

The  second  change  proposed  by  the  Regents  related  to  the  JSuper- 
intendent  of  Public  Instruction,  and  proposed  to  strike  out  those  sec 
tions  of  the  law  which  connects  his  duties  with  those  of  the  Regents, 
viz:  that  of  appointing  a  committee  of  visitors  to  make  an  examina 
tion  into  the  condition  and  state  of  the  University,  and  reporting  to 
Mm,  suggesting  such  improvements  as  they  might  deem  proper,  &c.: 
and  also  proposed  that  instead  of  making  their  annual  report  to  the  Su 
perintendent,  exhibiting  the  affairs  of  the  University,  it  should  be 
made  directly  to  the  Legislature.  The  committee  upon  this  subject 
remark: 

That  they  see  no  good  reason  for  the  change.  The  law  places  the 
Superintendent  at  the  head  of  Public  Instruction.  He  is  as  much 
the  Superintendent  of  the  University  and  its  branches,  as  of  the  pri 
mary  schools.  This  was  the  design  of  the  constitution,  and  if  car 
ried  out  by  legislation,  will  make  our  system  of  Public  Instruction 
one  of  harmony  in  all  its  parts.  With  these  views,  the  committee 
do  not  deem  it  advisable  to  concur  in  the  recommendation  of  the  Re 
gents, 

The  report  was  adopted  and  the  committee  discharged  from  thy 
further  consideration  of  the  subject. 

Mr.  FESSENDEN,  from  the  educational  committee  of  the  House, 
made  a  report  upon  the  subject  of  the  primary  schools,  announcing 
that  the  committee  had  given  the  subject  full  consideration,  and  were 
12 


90 

unanimously  of  the  opinion  that  an  entire  revision  and  condensation  of 
the  enactments  relating  to  primary  schools  was  imperiously  demanded 
by  the  wants,  if  not  the  wishes,  of  the  people.  Of  the  report  of  the 
Superintendent  they  say  that  "it  contains  many  valuable  hints  and 
suggestions,  while  it  abounds  with  statements  showing  how  obnoxious 
the  whole  system,  as  it  now  stands,  is  to  the  censure  and  complaint 
of  all  interested  in  the  success  of  schools." 

The  committee  were  anxious  to  revise  the  law,  and  to  incorporate 
in  it  the  system  of  taxation,  but  despairing  of  success  in  perfecting 
it  at  this  session,  they  concluded  to  propose  but  few  changes  in  ex 
isting  enactments,  indulging  the  hope  that  a  succeeding  Legislature 
would  carry  out  their  views,  and  mature  a  system,  the  leading  fea 
tures  of  which  should  be  THE  TAXATION  OF  PRORERTY  for  their  sup 
port. 

An  act  was  passed  this  year  making  the  schools  of  the  city  of  De 
troit  public  and  free.  It  provided  for  a  consolidation  of  the  city,  into 
one  district,  and  placed  all  the  schools  under  the  direction  and  regu 
lations  of  a  Board  of  Education.  The  school  inspectors,  twelve  in 
number,  elected  under  it,  together  with  the  mayor  and  recorder, 
were  created  a  body  corporate,  under  the  name  of  the  Board  of  Ed 
ucation  of  the  city  of  Detroit.  It  had  power  and  authority  to  pur 
chase  school  houses,  apply  for  all  moneys  appropriated  for  school 
and  library  purposes,  to  make  by-laws  and  regulations  relative  to  all 
subjects  connected  with  the  schools,  or  to  any  thing  whatever  which 
might  relate  to  the  interest  of  education  in  the  city.  It  had  authority 
to  levy  a  tax  not  exceeding  $200,  to  be  collected  like  other  city  taxes, 
for  the  purposes  of  a  library.  The  Board  was  authorized  also  to 
levy  a  tax  on  the  real  and  personal  property  of  the  city,  not  to  ex 
ceed  a  dollar  a  scholar,  for  every  child  in  the  city  between  the  ages  of 
five  and  seventeen  years. 


1843- 

EXTRACT  FROM  GOV.  BARRY'S  SECOND  MESSAGE. 

The  promotion  of  science  and  literature  deserves  your  fostering 
support.  The  happiness  of  all  political  communities,  in  an  eminent 
degree,  depends  upon  the  intelligence  of  their  inhabitants.  Where 
ignorance  prevails,  vice  and  misery  predominate.  In  a  free  govern- 


91 

ment,  if  rulers  be  abandoned  and  profligate,  it  is  because  vice  reigns 
among  the  people.  Universal  education  is  the  only  sure  basis  on 
which  republican  institutions  can  permanently  exist.  If  we  recur  to 
history,  whether  of  ancient  or  modern  times,  the  examples  we  there 
find  confirm  this  important  truth.  An  ignorant,  a  degraded  and  an 
immoral  people  would  be  neither  prosperous  nor  happy  under  a  free 
constitution.  Their  ignorance  would  prevent  them  from  understand 
ing  and  appreciating  their  rights,  and  their  degradation  and  immor 
ality  would  make  them  fit  tools  for  demagogues  more  wicked  than 
themselves.  *  *  Education  should  not  be  restricted  to  a  few, 

or  to  a  favored  class — the  mass  of  the  people  produce  the  wealth 
and  constitute  the  strength  of  the  body  politic,  and  to  them  should 
instruction  in  all  useful  branches  of  knowledge  be  extended.  *  *  * 

Among  the  subjects  that  are  likely  to  engage  your  attention  during 
the  coming  session,  that  of  COMMON  SCHOOLS  is,  perhaps,  second  in 
importance  to  no  other.  These  primary  institutions  constitute  the 
only  sure  medium  by  which  the  education  of  all  can  be  secured. 
The  enactments  on  this  subject,  abf.ve  all  other  subjects,  should  be 
certain,  definite,  and  easy  to  be  understood.  Such,  however,  is  not 
their  condition,  and  an  entire  revision  is  required.  *  *  Without 
assuming  to  dictate  in  regard  to  the  details  necessary  to  give  effi 
ciency  to  the  system  you  may  adopt,  I  may  be  permitted  to  suggest 
thai  provision  should  be  made  for  the  establishment  of  SCHOOL  LIBRA 
RIES,  as  numerous  and  extensive  as  the  means  devoted  to  that  pur 
pose  will  permit. 

The  |  University]  fund  is  embarrassed  by  anticipation  of  its  reve 
nue.  A  loan  oi  $100,000  has  been  made  on  its  account,  for  the 
payment  of  which  and  accruing  interest,  the  fund  is  pledged;  ;md 
this  is  calculated  greatly  to  impair  the  present  usefulness  of  the  in 
stitution.  The  money  has  been  expended,  «nd  except  the  buildings 
at  Ann  Arbor,  and  the  library  and  apparatus  they  contain,  little  or 
nothing  remains  to  show  the  usefulness  or  beneficial  results  of  its 
expenditure. 

The  facilities  and  inducements  for  study  at  the  University  are  not 
excelled  by  those  of  any  other  similar  institution  of  so  recent  estab- 
ILhment,  and  in  some  of  the  sciences,  particularly  that  of  natural 
history,  greater  advantages  are  affordetl  than  elsewhere  can  be  had 
in  the  United  States. 

The  office  of  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  is  created  by 
the  constitution,  and  if  the  obvious  meaning  of  that  instrument  be 
carried  into  effect,  its  incumbent  should  be  required  exclusively  to 
devote  his  attention  to  the  superintendence  of  public  education,  while 
duties,  wholly  fiscal  in  their  character,  should  be  assigned  to  other 
officers,  to  be  designated  by  law. 

REPORT  OF  SUPERINTENDENT. 

The  report  of  this  officer,  [Franklin  Sawyer,  Jr.,J  embraces  the 
foVowing  account  of  the  condition  of  the  school  and  University- 
funds: 


From  the  time  of  the  iirst  sales,  July  5,  1887,  to  the  first  of  De 
cember,  1842,  five  years  and  five  months,  78, 436. 76  acres  of 
school  land  have  been  sold,  at  an  average  price  of  nine  dollars  and 
a  few  cents  per  acre,  for  $711,404  85;  and  13,013.53  acres  of 
University  lands,  at  an  average  of  $16  94  and  a  fraction,  for  $220,- 
496  05.  * 

Of  school  lands,  19,328.09  acres,  which  sold  originally  for  $240,- 
004  35,  or  $12  43  and  a  fraction  per  acre,  have  been  forfeited  for 
non-fulfillment  of  contract;  also  3,422.10  acres  of  University  lands, 
which  sold  originally  for  $77,293  92,  or  an  average  of  $22  29  and 
a  fraction. 

Of  the  perfected  school  lands,  10,202.57  acres  have  been  re 
sold,  at  an  average  price  of  $7  52  and  a  fraction,  for  $76,769  54; 
and  of  the  forfeited  University  lands,  969,38  acres  have  been  re 
sold,  at  an  average  of  $14  35  and  a  fraction,  for  $13,914  95. 

By  virtue  of  the  appraisement,  or  reduction  act  of  1842,  26,117.- 
38  acres  of  school  lands,  which  originally  sold  for  $287,930  87,  or 
an  average  per  acre  of  $'11  02;  and  3,936.91  acres  of  University 
lands,  which  originally  sold  for  $87,504  59,  or  $22  22  and  a  frac 
tion  per  acre,  have  been  reduced  in  price.  Purchasers  of  the  for 
mer  have  already  been  credited  $101, 770  47,  and  of  the  latter  $34,- 
651  17.  The  reduction  in  school  lands  has  averaged  about  thirty- 
six  per  cent.,  and  on  University  lands,  very  nearly  fifty  per  cent,  of 
the  price  contracted  to  be  paid. 

At  the  present  minimum,  the  unsold  school  lands  are  worth  f»5,- 
000,000,  and  the  unsold  University  lands,  §418,550  28.  Added 
to  present  amounts,  the  result  stands  as  follows: 

School  lands  sold, $474,632  73 

"  ';     unsold, .  _ 5,000,000  00 

University  lands  sold, 137,167  74 

"     unsold,..  .   418,550  28 


Total, 


School  fund,  _  _  .  .  .  $5,474,632  73 

Interest  at  7  per  cent.,  .  ...........  .  .  .       383,224  29 

University  fund,  ................  .555,7  18  02 

Interest  at  7  per  cent.,,  ________  38,900  26 


The  Superintendent  remarks,  in  relation  to  the  above,  that  these 
are  results  on  paper — that  it  was  not  expected  the  school  fund  will  re 
alize  what  it  thus  exhibits,  and  yet  that  it  was  a  singular  fact,  con 
nected  with  these  chance  locations,  that  a  very  large  proportion,  as 
examination  had  proved,  belonged  to  the  choice  lands  of  the  State. 
As  the  University  lands  were  selected,  they  were  not  expected  to  fall 
much  below  the  estimate. 


93 

The  aggregate  amount  originally  contracted  to  be  paid  for  school 
lands,  had  been  reduced  by  forfeitures  and  relief-legislation,  from 
#711,000  to  ¥471,000;  and  for  University  hinds  from  8220,000  to 
$137,000.  The  interest  on  the  former,  which  upon  the  certificates 
issued  would  have  amounted  to  nearly  $50,000  annually,  was  sunk 
to  $33,000,  and  on  the  latter,  from  $15,000  to  $9,000.  The  78,000 
acres  of  school  lands,  once  sold  at  an  average  pi-ice  of  $U  an  acre, 
and  the  13,000  acres  of  University  lands  once  sold  for  nearly  $17, 
had  thus  dwindled  down  to  $69,000  and  $10,500,  at  average  prices 
of  less  than  $7  and  $12  50.  The  too  high  prices  of  other  years, 
sad  reverses  of  fortune,  and  the  consequent  failure  to  fulfil  contracts, 
encouraged  by  hopes  of  annual  relief,  were  the  causes  which,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  Superintendent,  had  placed  our  educational  funds  in 
their  present  condition. 

The  attention  of  the  Legislature  was  called  to  the  report  of  the 
Regents,  and  to  the  first  report  of  the  BOARD  OF  VISITORS  appointed 
by  the  Superintendent.  The  policy  of  their  views  touching  the 
finances,  and  the  power  asked  for  by  them  of  controlling  the  fiscal 
operations  of  the  University,  met  with  his  unqualified  confirmation. 
In  his  opinion  the  Regents  were  not  merely  the  immediate  guardians 
of  the  University,  but  in  the  enlightened  estimation  of  many,  virtually 
the  trustees  of  its  funds.  It  was  argued  that  they  were  a  corporation, 
and  as  such  subject  to  responsibilities  that  ought  by  no  means  to  ex 
ceed  the  resources  within  their  own  control;  that  if  more  immediately 
connected  with  the  finances  of  the  University,  they  could  act  more 
nnderstandingly,  more  economically,  and  consequently  with  greater 
satisfaction  to  themselves  and  the  public. 

The  first  BOARD  OF  VISITORS  appointed,  consisted  of  the  following 
gentlemen:  Hon.  Samuel  W.  Dexter,  Samuel  Denton,  M.  D.,  Rev. 
F.  H.  Gumming,  Hon.  Henry  Chipman,  and  John  L.  Talbot,  Esq. 
The  recommendation  by  this  board  of  the  immediate  appointment 
of  a  chancellor,  accorded  with  the  views  of  the  Superintendent,  and 
of  this  he  observes,  that  "if  for  the  contemplated  appointment  of  a 
new  professor,  that  of  chancellor  were  to  be  substituted,  the  peculiar 
qualifications  required  for  that  station  would  enable  him  to  take 
charge,  for  some  time  afleast,  of  the  department  of  belles-letters  and 
moral  science.  This  course  would  fully  organize  the  institution,  give 


94 


it  the  appearance  and  dignity  of  a  University,  contribute  to  its  stand 
ing  abroad,  concentrate  its  means  of  usefulness,  and  obviate  the  ne 
cessity  and  expense  of  a  new  professorship  at  this  time." 

THE  PRIMARY   SCHOOLS. 

Reports  were  received  from  twenty-nine  counties,  embodying  re 
ports  from  355  townships.  The  township  reports  returned  2,312 
districts;  and  of  this  number,  1,656  reported,  leaving-  656  from 
which  the  school  inspectors  received  no  reports.  The  whole  num 
ber  of  children  between  the  ages  of  five  and  seventeen,  was  reported 
to  be  54,790;  under  five  and  over  seventeen,  10,081;  attending  dis 
trict  school,  56,173;  private  schools,  3,196.  The  number  between 
five  and  seventeen,  belonging  to  families,  using  habitually  any  other 
than  the  English,  was  1,019;  and  the  number  of  all  ages  belonging 
to  such  families  reported  at  the  district  schools,  was  given  at  7,- 
665.  The  number  attending  school,  where  books  not  in  the  English 
language  were  used,  was  160.  The  French  and  German  adults  who 
could  read  their  own,  but  not  the  English  language,  were  reported  to 
number  260.  The  amount  of  money  actually  raised  in  the  districts 
was  $38,259  61— received  from  the  school  inspectors,  $13,396  26; 
for  libraries,  $101  96. 

A  table,  showing  the  returns  of  the  previous  year  with  those  of 
the  present,  was  prepared  by  the  Superintendent,  the  importance  of 
which  will  be  appreciated  upon  examination,  as  furnishing  material 
and  valuable  data  to  the  Legislatures,  to  the  office  of  Superintendent 
especially,  and  to  the  public  generally.  The  preparation  of  this  table 
was  the  means  of  discovering  serious  defects  in  the  system,  among 
which  was  the  partial  and  unequal  distribution  of  the  income  of  the 
school  fund.  The  table  itself,  and  the  conclusions  of  the  Superin 
tendent,  are  therefore  given  at  length,  as  follows. 


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1841. 
1842. 

28 
29 

20942-2 
210345 

330 
355 

2300,1486 
2312il656 

47066'  42497 
54790!  46092 

8757 
10081 

2807  1     4569  1762 
3196)     8G98  5502 

Difference 

l 

923    25!     121  170 

7724 

3595J     1324J       389!     41293740 

95 

The  foregoing  table  presents  many  important  facts,  from  which  infer 
ences  no  less  important  may  be  deduced.  But  the  first  thing  worthy 
of  notice  is  an  apparent  disproportion  between  the  population  as  given 
by  the  national  census  and  that  in  the  table  between  5  and  17  years. 
This  may  accord  with  fact;  but  as  returns  are  not  under  oath,  and 
powerful  inducements  exist  to  swell  the  number  between  those  ages 
which  determine  the  amount  of  public  money  going  to  a  district,  it 
may  do  no  harm  to  inquire  into  its  probability  in  all  cases.  The 
population  in  X, 300  districts  is,  in  round  numbers,  210,000.  The 
children  between  5  and  17  in  1,650  districts  is  reported  at  54,400. 
In  the  650  districts  not  reporting,  being  more  than  one-third  of  the 
number  reporting,  must  number,  even  after  making  proper  allowances 
for  sparse  population,  at  least  one-fourth  as  many,  or  13,500.  But 
put  it  at  one-fifth,  or  10,800,  and  we  have,  in  the  2,300  districts, 
64,800  children  between  5  and  17,  or  nearly  one-third  of  the  entire 
population,  youthful  and  adult.  Can  this  be  so?  A  table  has  been 
carefully  compiled  from  the  national  census  returns  for  the  purpose 
of  showing,  at  least,  good  reasons  for  doubt.  The  29  counties  re 
porting  were  taken.  And,  supposing  the  2,300  districts  to  include 
all  in  those  counties,  they  contain  54,400  persons  between  the  ages 
of  5  and  15,  and  21,600  between  15  and  20.  If  we  take  two-fifths 
of  these  last,  or  8,600  as  the  probable  number  between  15  and  17, 
we  shall  arrive  at  something  like  the  following  result: 
Children  between  5  and  17  in  1,650  districts, 

as  reported, 54,700 

Children  between  5  and  17  in  650  districts,  as 

estimated,   10,800 

65,509 

Children  between  5  and  17  by  the  (J.  S.  census,       54,400 

"  "     15  and  17,  as  estimated, 8,600 

63,000 

Difference, 2,500 

Now,  this  result  will  not  appear  very  strange,  when  it  is  stated,  as 
a  fact  susceptible  of  proof,  that  the  entire  number  of  children  be 
tween  five  and  seventeen,  residing  in  a  fractional  district  composed 
of  parts  of  adjoining  townships,  have,  in  more  than  one  instance, 
been  returned  to  the  inspectors  of  each  township,  thus  doubling, 
trebling,  or  quadrupling  the  aggregates  in  that  district,  and  in  this 
way  laying  the  foundation  of  a  most  unequal  and  unjust  apportion 
ment  in  the  particular  district  or  township.  An  alteration  of  the  law, 
requiring  every  director  to  return  his  census  under  oath,  to  the  dist 
rict  board,  long  enough,  say  five  days  before  the  annual  meeting,  to 
have  it  read  and  corrected  at  such  meeting,  and  the  annexation  of 
every  fractional  district,  for  all  school  purposes,  to  the  township  hav 
ing  the  school  house,  or  in  which  a  majority  of  the  district  board 
reside,  will  preclude  all  possibility  of  the  glaring  injustice  alluded 
to. 

The  above  table  also  presents  facts  to  cheer  the  hearts,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  to  mortify  the  pride,  but,  in  each  case,  to  stimulate 


96 

the  zeal  of  all  who  seek  to  exalt  the  character  of  the  State  by  means 
of  its  eommoii  schools.  It  is  cheering  to  know  that  even  one  county 
has  come  up  to  the  work  since  last  year:  still  more  cheering  to  find 
twenty-live  additional  towns  in  the  field;  and  most  cheering  to  hail 
an  accession,  in  a  single  twelve  month,  of  170  districts,  organized 
for  vigorous  and  permanent  action.  All  this  is  cheering;  for  every 
new  influence,  however  silent  in  its  approach,  or  imperceptible  in  its 
operation,  becomes,  like  unseen  particles  of  heat  falling  upon  the  cold 
earth,  appreciable  in  the  power  of  its  great  results.  It  is  gratifying, 
moreover,  to  be  able  to  say,  as  the  above  table  authorizes  us  to  say, 
that,  in  addition  to  the  number  reported  last  year,  more  than  3,000 
children  of  legal  age,  and  one  thousand  and  three  hundred  under 
and  over  that  age,  have  found  their  way  to  school.  But  there  is  also 
something  in  that  table  to  mortify  State  pride — something  to  chill  the 
public  heart  for  a  moment  at  least.  Notwithstanding  this  proud  ar 
ray  of  counties,  towns  and  districts,  standing  at  the  outposts  of  our 
school  system,  like  sentinels  on  duty,  we  have  only  to  pass  watchword, 
and  cross  the  lines,  to  find  mutiny  glorying  in  its  partial  success. 
For  what  but  mutiny  among  the  people  shall  we  call  that  state  of 
things,  which  prevents  5,000  children  or  more  from  ever  looking  into 
a  school  house?  Yet  that  table  exhibits  such  a  state  of  things. 
Last  year,  in  the  districts  reporting,  only  4,500  children  were  kept 
from  the  district  schools,  and  only  1,700  from  any  school;  but  this 
year,  with  an  increase  of  170  districts,  while  8,600  have  not  entered 
a  district  school,  5,500  have  been  permitted  to  run  wild  in  the  street, 
or  to  vegetate,  like  so  many  noxious  weeds,  at  home.  This  is  the 
dark  side  of  the  picture;  and  is  held  up  to  view,  that  in  admiring  the 
brighter  side,  on  which  are  painted  the  happy  and  almost  speaking 
countenances  of  59,000  children  at  school,  other  thousands,  with  des 
tinies  as  immortal  as  their  prospects  are  forbidding,  may  not  be  for 
gotten. 

Another  subject  to  which  the  Superintendent  bestowed  his  atten 
tion  was  the  irregularity  of  attendance  of  scholars  at  the  schools. 
In  his  opinion,  correctly  formed,  next  to  the  establishment  of  schools 
and  employment  of  teachers,  was  the  great  object  of  securing  the 
greatest  amount  of  attendance,  compatible  with  the  means  attained. 
Occasional  attendance  can  never  meet  the  intentions  of  any  sys 
tem.  Local  statistics  were  not  at  hand,  to  furnish  correct  informa 
tion  on  this  point,  but  the  Superintendent  inferred  a  necessary  state 
of  things  in  our  own  State,  from  data  furnished  by  other  States,  that 
made  daily  registers  as  indispensable  in  their  schools,  as  books,  black 
boards  or  other  things  of  utility. 

The  annual  report  of  the  Secretary  of  State  of  OHIO,  represented 
this  year  187,870  children  as  enrolled  in  the  public  schools.  Of 
these,  only  51,514,  or  less  than  two-fifths,  on  an  average,  attended 
school  daily,  for  the  term  of  three  and  a  half  months. 


97 

CONNECTICUT,  in  1840,  had  85,000  children  between  the  ages  of 
four  and  sixteen.  Of  these,  only  65,000  attended  the  common 
schools.  To  these  were  added  about  6,000  under  and  over  the  le 
gal  age,  making  71,000  in  attendance.  On  careful  examination  of 
the  register,  it  was  found  that  of  this  number,  only  about  44,505,  a 
little  over  three-fifths,  attended  regularly  during  an  average  term  of 
eight  months. 

MASSACHUSETTS,  acknowledged  on  all  hands  to  have  a  better  sys 
tem  of  Public  Instruction,  and  more  good  schools  than  any  other 
State,  in  1842  reported  171,000  children  of  the  legal  age.  And  even 
in  that  State,  the  average  attendance  in  summer  schools  was  only 
89,000,  and  in  winter  schools  only  107,000 — being  an  average  du 
ring  eight  months  of  08,000,  or  a  little  more  than  one  half. 

NEW  YORK,  whose  school  children  alone  doubled  our  entire  popu 
lation,  cannot  be  cited,  because  the  reports  from  that  State  do  not 
embrace  the  requisite  statistics.  The  city  of  New  York,  in  1841, 
reported  40,000  children,  and  an  average  quarterly  attendance  of 
25,000,  and  16,000  during  the  year. 

In  view  of  these  facts,  the  Superintendent  asks,  if  it  is  a  concession 
on  the  altar  of  State  pride,  after  making  allowances  of  any  and  every 
sort,  to  say  that  not  more  than  one  half  of  our  school- attending  chil 
dren  are  in  the  habit  of  attending  regularly,  summer  and  winter? 

Another  subject  of  importance  to  the  progress  of  education,  and 
the  present  and  future  wants  of  the  school  system,  was  presented  in 
relation  to  the  distribution  of  the  income  of  the  fund.  The  Superin 
tendent  says: 

It  certainly  was  an  object  of  the  constitution,  in  emphatically  en 
joining  upon  the  Legislature  the  establishment  of  three  months' 
school  in  every  district,  and  in  appropriating  funds  for  that  purpose, 
to  secure  to  every  child  in  the  State,  the  best  common  school  educa 
tion  attainable  in  that  time,  and  with  that  money.  It  never  ivas  de 
signed  that  such  money  should  be  scattered  broadcast,  over  the  State, 
and  left  to  fall  indiscriminately  upon  the  deserving  and  the  undeserv 
ing.  Nor  is  it  just  that  those  who  neglect  to  provide  schools,  or  hav 
ing  provided  them,  to  secure  the  greatest  amount  of  attendance,  should 
have  an  equal  share  of  the  fund  with  those  who  do  their  whole  duty 
in  the  matter.  Take  two  adjoining  districts,  for  instance:  In  one 
the  children  attend  school  punctually  and  regularly — in  the  other 
the  reverse.  Each  exhibits  a  census  of  fifty  children,  between  the 
legal  ages,  and  each  keeps  a  school  open  three  months.  The  teach 
er  registers  the  daily  attendance,  strikes  the  weekly  average,  and  at 
the  close,  that  for  the  term.  In  one  district  the  average  is  fifty — in 
the  other  twenty-five;  yet  by  the  present  ratio  of  distribution,  every 
child  reported  in  each  district,  gets  fifty  cents.  In  one  case,  $25  has 
gone  to  educate  fifty  children — in  the  other,  only  twemy-five  child 
ren.  Those  who,  by  an  effort  worthy  of  all  praise,  have  done  what 

13 


98 

the  constitution  exacted  of  them,  draw  only  the  amount  awarded  to 
the  neglectful  district.  Suppose  the  district  sending  scholars  only 
one-half  the  time,  had  drawn  but  $12  50?  The  other  $12  50 
wrongfully  withheld  from  the  faithful  district,  would  have  enabled  it, 
by  continued  fidelity,  to  prolong  its  school  six  weeks.  Apply  the 
principal  generally.  The  8,000  children  who  never  go  near  a  school 
house,  draw  into  their  respective  districts  just  as  much  of  the  $33,- 
000  in  proportion  to  their  numbers,  as  the  46,000  who  attend;  and 
of  these,  the  23,000  irregular  scholars  draw  just  as  much  as  the 
23,000  regular  ones. 

Such  is  the  picture  drawn  of  the  injustice  that  any  considerable 
degree  of  non-attendance,  or  irregular  attendance,  works  to  the  de 
serving  districts,  to  say  nothing  of  the  injustice  of  a  higher  and  more 
intellectual  character.  Of  course,  allowance  must  be  made  for  the 
embarrassments  of  a  new  State — but  this  necessity  is  of  itself  a 
monitor  of  our  increased  responsibilities.  Notwithstanding  this, 
there  was  a  brighter  side.  This  year  had  a  decided  advantage  over 
those  that  preceded  it.  Twenty-two  districts  had  kept  up  schools 
over  ten  months,  and  forty-eight  about  nine  months;  in  addition  to 
the  public  moneys  they  had  raised  upwards  of  $5,000.  Of  3,629 
children  living  in  the  districts  between  the  ages  of  five  and  seven 
teen,  3,437  had  attended  public  schools,  and  the  rest  private  schools. 
From  a  second  table  prepared  this  year  by  the  Superintendent,  it  ap 
pears  that  out  of  958  districts,  5S3  had  supported  schools  only  three 
months,  fifteen  less  than  three  months,  and  ninety-seven  had  had  no 
schools. 

Up  to  this  year,  the  condition  of  our  primary  schools  had  only 
been  ascertained  by  the  legal  returns.  Entertaining  the  idea  that 
barren  statistics  but  partially  facilitated  investigation,  the  Superin- 
.tendent  issued  a  circular  to  the  school  inspectors,  similar  to  that  sent 
to  districts  the  previous  year,  asking  for  detailed  information.  The 
object  was  to  obtain,  by  a  more  familiar  process,  as  exact  a  picture  of 
the  operation  of  the  system  and  the  condition  and  prospect  of  the 
schools  as  could  be  drawn  by  officers  executing  the  one,  and  more  or 
less  in  contact  with  the  others.  The  object  was  accomplished  but 
partially.  Many  inspectors  neglected  to  furnish  the  information 
sought,  probably  deeming  the  labor  extra  official,  or  the  solicitations 
too  unimportant.  The  replies  which  were  received  were  full  of  de 
tail  and  to  the  point.  Many  inspectors  not  satisfied  with  mere  cate- 


99 

gorical  replies,  enlarged  upon  the  subject,  with  good  feeling,  clear 
ness  and  force.  The  materials  thus  furnished  develope  the  conflict 
ing  no  less  than  the  coincident  views  of  the  people.  The  topics  dis 
cussed  were,  generally,  teachers'  wages,  school  houses,  black  board 
exercises,  the  comparative  economy  of  public  and  private  instruction, 
moral  training  and  religious  culture,  uniformity  of  books,  the  opera 
tion  of  the  system,  and  the  policy  of  taxation  to  support  schools. 
Tke  highest  monthly  wages  paid  to  male  teachers  in  44  townships 
was  $14  28;  the  lowest  $11  53;  the  highest  monthly  wages  paid  to 
female  teachers,  $5  72;  the  lowest,  $4  29.  "It  may  be  asked  em 
phatically,"  says  the  Superintendent,  "what  man  will  think  of  quali 
fying  himself  to  become  permanently  a  school  teacher  with  such 
prospects  ahead,  or  what  female,  with  visions  of  usefulness  and  hap 
piness  painted  upon  her  imagination,  can  be  induced  to  study  teach 
ing  as  an  art?  Is  it  true  that  in  Michigan,  liberal  wages  make  good 
schools?" 

To  test  the  question,  the  Superintendent  referred  to  the  statistical 
information  derived  from  answers  to  his  circular.  It  was  ascertained 
that  the  highest  amount  paid  for  teachers  was  $19  per  month.  Of 
this  district,  the  school  inspectors  said: 

The  condition  of  our  schools  is  probably  better  than  most  of  the 
other  towns  in  this  county,  having  had  for  the  most  part,  teachers 
very  well  qualified — instruction  and  discipline  good. 

The  next  highest  amount  paid  was  $18  per  month  and  board,  to 
males,  and  $6  to  $7  to  females.  This  district  was  in  a  new  county, 
(county  of  Shiawassee,)  sparsely  settled,  but  in  spite  of  the  embar 
rassments  incident  to  their  position,  the  school  inspectors  said: 

Notwithstanding  all  the  obstacles,  we  have  some  good  schools,  and 
many  are  beginning  to  see  the  difference  between  a  good  and  a  poor 
school.  The  children  attend  regularly  and  punctually. 

Another  township,  in  a  more  densely  settled  county,  paid  its  teach 
ers  from  $10  to  $16,  and  from  $4  to  $6  to  females.  The  inspectors 
said: 

There  is  not  much  improvement,  either  in  the  qualification  of 
teachers,  kind  of  instruction,  discipline,  nor  in  any  other  respect. 

Another  township,  nearly  at  the  foot  of  the  table,  paid  to  male 
teachers  $9  per  month.  The  inspectors  said: 

The  failure  has  been  in  a  want  of  ability,  either  to  govern  or  in 
struct.  Services  of  teachers  are  not  sufficiently  estimated. 


Tile  inspectors  ot'  another  district,  paying  Sit  per  month,  said: 

The  remark  will  hardly  admit  of  an  exception,  that  all,  who  are  in 
fact  most  interested  in  schools,  are  governed  by  mistaken  and  short 
sighted  views  of  economy — cheapness  or  low  wages,  too  frequently 
constituting  the  principal  qualification  of  teachers  employed.  *  * 
Persons  employed  as  teachers,  with  hardly  an  exception,  are  persons 
who  engnge  in  teaching  as  a  present  expedient,  not  as  a  permanent 
business.  They  are,  as  a  consequence,  but  little  interested  in  anything 
but  the  receipt  of  their  wages. 

These  are  solitary  extracts  from  a'  large  amount  of  information, 
verifying  the  aphorism,  that  ''as  is  the  teacher,  so  is  the  school — and 
as  is  the  pay,  so  is  the  teacher/'  "  It  is  enough,"  says  the  Super 
intendent,  in  concluding  this  subject,  "  to  say,  that  however  gratify 
ing  may  be  the  fact  of  an  average  increase  in  the  number  of  schools, 
and  of  the  length  of  time  they  have  been  kept,  the  average  reduc 
tion  of  teachers'  wagett.  indicates  a  gain  of  amount,  not  of  the  quality 
given." 

PKIV-VTK    SCHOOLS. 

Five  thousand  nine  hundred  and  sixty-seven  children  were  re 
ported  at  this  time  as  attending  private  schools.  Of  these  the  Su 
perintendent  observes: 

It  is  altogether  fair  to  presume  that,  if  the  public  schools  could  be 
forced  up  to  the  standard  of  the  private  ones,  the  latter  would,  as  a 
general  thing,  cease.  Such  an  event  has  actually  happened  in  some 
towns  of  this  Union,  and  there  is  no  very  cogent  reason  why,  under 
like  circumstances,  it  might  not  in  Michigan.  So  long  as  the  people 
neglect  their  own  schools,  they  have  no  right  to  complain,  if  those, 
who  now  sustain  private  schools,  continue  to  contribute  largely  to 
that  purpose.  In  this  country,  notwithstanding  schools  may  be  and 
are  supported  by  the  government,  there  can  be  no  law  compelling 
parents  to  educate  their  children  in  them.  Such  a  law  would  violate 
individual  rights.  At  the  same  time,  it  cannot  be  doubted  that  the 
distinction  between  public  and  private  schools  generates  other  and 
more  odious  distinctions;  and,  where  that  distinction  becomes  marked 
and  permanent,  that  it  occasions  those  grades  in  society  which  result 
in  so  many  evils,  both  of  feeling  and  conduct.  No  engine  of  despo 
tism  is  so  potent  as  that  of  knowledge  over  ignorance;  and,  on  the 
other  hand,  there  exists  no  surer  indication  of  freedom  among  the 
people,  than  the  universality  of  education,  vigorously  sustained.  The 
kingdom  of  Prussia,  so  much  exalted  at  the  present  day,  for  its  en 
lightened  population,  is  no  exception  to  this  remark.  The  monarch 
now  upon  the  throne,  is  as  enlightened  as  he  would  make  his  people; 
but  it  is  well  known,  that  the  character  of  the  instruction  given  to 
them,  is,  in  its  details,  nicely  adapted  to  their  condition  as  the  sub 
jects  of  a  despot.  Even  if  it  were  true,  as  many  suppose,  that  his 


1*1 

thousands  of  teachers  are  free  to  educate  freemen,  yet  continued  ac 
quiescence  in  the  existing  form  of  government,  proves  only  their  at 
tachment  to  the  despot,  not  to  his  despotism,  and  that  any  attempt  by 
future  kings  to  exercise  powers,  now  merely  on  parchment,  will  de- 
velope  in  the  people  an  energy  and  concentration  of  resistance  that 
universal  education  alone  can  prepare  them  for.  No  people  on  the 
face  of  the  earth  can  be  so  free  as  those  among  whom  education, 
rightly  conducted  and  rightly  valued,  is  most  equally  and  generally 
diffused.  It  becomes,  then,  a  question  of  intense  moment,  how  far 
the  people  of  Michigan,  in  withholding  the  proper  stimulus  from 
their  own  schools,  and  thus  giving  it  to  their  more  successful  rivals, 
are  sapping  the  foundation  of  that  very  liberty  and  equality  in  which 
they  glory. 

Another  consideration,  in  this  connection,  is  the  comparative  econ 
omy  of  public  and  private  instruction.  On  this  point,  one  or  two 
facts  must  be  conclusive.  Last  year,  it  was  ascertained  that  at  least 
1,850  children  resided  within  the  corporation  limits  of  Detroit;  and 
27  private  schools  were  then  in  operation.  These  schools  educated 
714  children  only,  at  an  average  price  of  $18  each,  and  an  aggregate 
of  $12,600  a  year!  Between  four  and  five  hundred  children  at 
tended  no  school.  Then,  no  pitUic  school  in  fact  existed.  Last 
winter,  an  act  was  passed,  giving  the  Common  Council  power  to 
raise  an  annual  tax  of  one  dollar  for  every  child,  between  5  and  17. 
The  amount  realized  under  that  act,  says  the  Secretary  of  the  board 
of  Education,  is  $1,800.  This  liberal  sum,  paid  by  a  people  whose 
taxes  otherwise  amount  to  one-half  of  one  per  cent  upon  their  as 
sessments,  with  $530  apportioned  to  the  city  out  of  the  school  fund, 
educates,  at  least  six  months  in  the  year,  more  than  1,000  children, 
who,  before  the  establishment  of  free  schools,  were  dependent  upon 
high  priced  private  schools,  generally  beyond  their  reach,  or  upon 
the  precarious  means  afforded  by  the  poorest  kind  of  district  schools, 
open  but  a  small  portion  of  the  year  in  some  wards,  and  in  others 
not  open  at  all.  The  six  summer  schools,  under  the  new  system, 
taught  by  females,  registered  nearly  700  children,  and  the  winter 
schools  at  the  time  the  board  made  the  report,  had  registerd  about 
400,  with  a  prospect  of  600.  Better  still,  nearly  that  number  was 
in  regular  attendance.  Last  year,  as  appears  from  the  returns  in 
this  office,  only  418  children  of  the  legal  ages  attended  the  district 
schools!  Here,  then,  is  the  astonishing  fact,  that,  in  the  city  of  De 
troit,  while  only  418  children  between  5  and  17  years,  or  only  687 
of  all  ages,  attended  the  district  schools  under  the  present  State  sys 
tem,  not  less  than  1,100,  certainly,  and  1,300,  probably,  have  been 
educated  \i\free  schools.  But,  more  astounding  still,  while  it  costs 
nearly  $13,000  to  educate  700  children  In  private  schools,  it  has  only 
cost  $2,300  for  six  months,  or  $4,600  for  a  year,  to  educate  at  least 
1,000  in  the  public  schools  !  Now,  every  child  in  the  city  can  be  ed 
ucated;  then,  only  700!  and  it  costs  $8,000  less  to  educate  the  whole 
than  it  did  to  educate  one-third! 

Taking  the  5,867  resident  children  of  the  State  who  had  attended 
private  schools,  the  average  tuition  out  of  Detroit  and  Ann  Arbor 


102 

was  estimated  at  about  $6,000.  This  sum  would  have  supported,  at 
$13  each,  about  FOUR  HUNDRED  AND  SIXTY  primary  school  teachers 
for  one  month,  or  one  hundred  and  fifty-three  for  three  months. 
And  taking  as  many  districts,  with  an  average  of  fifty  scholars  each, 
it  would  have  educated  nearly  EIGHT  THOUSAND  CHILDREN  in  them, 
three  months.  It  was  the  opinion  of  the  Superintendent,  supported 
by  facts,  that  the  entire  population  could  be  educated  in  common  at 
far  less  expense  than  any  portion  of  them  could  be  in  select  schools, 
and  that  it  was  time  that  public  opinion  should  set  itself  in  that  di 
rection,  which  could  alone  exalt  the  people's  schools  to  the  position 
usurped  and  held  by  intelligent  and  hence  more  dangerous  rivals. 

A  draft  of  the  revision  of  the  school  laws,  embodying  what  was 
believed  to  be  the  necessary  provisions,  was  submitted  to  the  Legis 
lature.  It  provided  that  common  schools  should  be  supported  by 
the  income  of  the  school  fund,  a  State  tax  of  one  mill  on  the  dollar, 
and  such  other  sums  as  might  be  voted  in  the  district  meetings;  it 
prescribed  the  branches  that  should  be  taught,  the  books  that  should 
be  exeluded,  defined  the  mode  of  distributing  the  public  money; 
provided  for  county  Superintendents;  devolved  the  duty  of  exam 
ining  teachers  upon  the  inspectors,  and  regulated  the  reports  from 
fractional  districts  by  directing  their  annual  reports  to  the  township 
where  the  school  house  was  situated.  Sites  were  proposed  to  be  se 
lected  by  the  inspectors;  their  financial  duties  thrown  upon  the  town 
ship  treasurer;  and  made  it  the  duty  of  the  inspectors,  in  conjunction 
with  county  superintendent,  to  select  and  purchase  books  for  the 
libraries.  The  possible  dissolution  of  a  district  was  carefully  guarded 
against,  the  qualifications  of  voters  prescribed,  and  also  penalties  for 
neglect  of  duty  on  the  part  of  officers.  The  school  laws  of  different 
States  had  been  consulted  in  making  the  draft  and  such  provisions 
adopted  as  seemed  to  be  adapted  to  our*circumstances. 

The  Superintendent  concludes  his  remarks  by  suggesting  that 
school  laws  to  be  popular  and  permanent  should  be  sent  in  pamphlet, 
and  with  every  requisite  form  in  blank,  to  the  officers  of  districts, 
and  that  all  amendments  from  time  to  time,  indispensable  to  meet 
unforeseen  difficulties,  should  be  made  known  in  the  district  as  soon 
as  may  be  after  their  adoption,  laws  becoming  in  this  way  intelligible 
and  easy  of  execution  and  a  vast  amount  of  litigation  and  expense 
avoided. 


103 

In  reviewing  the  labors  of  the  first  two  Superintendents,  to  whom 
had  been  confided  not  only  the  duties  which  pertained  to  the  system 
of  Public  Instruction,  but  the  management  of  the  educational  funds, 
it  is  apparent  that  the  complete  accomplishment  of  all  the  labor  de 
volving  upon  them,  was  accompanied  with  unceasing  diligence  and 
devotion  on  their  part,  and  their  literary  labors  distracted  by  duties 
inconsistent  with  their  performance.  It  devolved  upon  the  first  of 
these  to  devise  and  prepare  a  system  of  Public  Instruction  and  put 
it  into  operation.  This  was  a  great  and  responsible  task,  to  the  per 
formance  of  which,  it  may  be  seen  by  a  review  of  his  labors,  he  de 
voted  himself  with  assiduity,  care  and  judgment.  That  it  was,  or  could 
be  perfect,  no  one — not  even  he — ventured  to  expect.  His  successor 
[FRANKLIN  SAWYER,  JR.,  a  summary  of  whose  last  annual  report  is 
now  just  concluded,]  entered  upon  his  duties,  comprehending  the 
vastness  of  the  educational  scheme  laid  out  by  the  framers  of  the 
constitution — the  wide  and  varied  scope  of  the  system  devised  by 
his  predecessor  and  adopted  by  the  Legislature;  conceiving  the  im 
mense  importance  of  a  thorough  acquaintance  with  the  nature  of 
that  system,  its  adaptation  to  our  wants  and  its  power  to  produce 
the  greatest  amount  of  good  results,  and  bestow  most  widely  the 
greatest  amount  of  benefits;  appreciating  the  necessity  of  a  super 
vision  embracing  the  whole  system,  in  its  general  and  widest  sense, 
and  in  the  minute  details  of  its  practical  operations  through  all  its 
various  agencies,  and  in  all  its  different  channels.  The  work  of  his 
hands  was  all  important  in  its  bearings  upon  the  future  educational 
career  of  Michigan,  and  conceiving  it  to  be  so,  it  occupies  no  small 
space  in  the  present  compilation  of  the  origin,  progress  and  condition 
of  our  system  of  Public  Instruction.  He  has  been  the  first  among 
those  who  have  been  successively  placed  at  the  head  of  that  system, 
who  has  been  called  by  Providence  from  the  scene  of  his  earthly 
labors:  He  is  beyond  the  reach  of  worldly  praise  or  blame;  but  it 
is  conceived  to  be  due  to  his  memory,  that  his  untiring  industry  and 
unchanging  fidelity  to  the  interests  of  education  in  our  own  State, 
should  be  made  the  subject  of  faithful  record — a  source  of  gratifica 
tion  to  those  who  cherish  the  recollection  of  his  services  in  life,  and 
a  memorial  as  well  as  an  example  to  those  who  have  been  and  who 
will  continue  to  be  recipients  of  the  benefit  derived  from  the  faithful 
performance  of  his  PUBLIC~DUTIES. 


104 

HKPOKT  OF  THE  KEOEXTS. 

The  condition  of  the  University  at  this  time  was  the  subject  of 
deep  and  painful  interest.  In  their  last  report,  the  Regents  had  an 
nounced  the  organization  of  a  Faculty,  and  the  commencement  of  a 
collegiate  department,  with  the  prospect  of  as  large  a  share  of  suc 
cess  as  could  rightfully  have  been  anticipated  during  the  first  year 
of  a  new  institution.  That  prospect,  the  Regents  remark,  has  been 
fully  realized;  but  they  also  say, 

That  for  several  months  after  the  commencement  of  the  year  just 
expiring,  there  seemed  to  settle  around  the  affairs  of  the  University 
a  deep  and  thickening  gloom.  The  circumstances  of  the  Board  were 
made  known  to  the  gentlemen  appointed  professors,  and  also  to  the 
principals  of  the  branches;  and  they  have  cheerfully  and  promptly 
expressed  a  willingness  to  endure  privations  and  hardships,  as  long 
as  there  might  be  hopes  of  ultimate  success,  in  getting  the  Univer 
sity  under  way;  yet  the  moneyed  concerns  of  the  Board  became 
much  more  embarrassing  and  perplexed  than  they  anticipated,  inso 
much,  that  for  a  season  it  seemed  as  if  the  entire  and  absolute  cessa 
tion  of  all  instruction  in  the  University  proper,  and  in  its  several 
branches,  must  speedily  take  place,  and  the  gentlemen  employed  by 
the  Board,  be  advised  of  the  necessity  of  seeking  some  other  sphere 
for^  their  useful  labors. 

The'circumstances  which  had  brought  about  this  result,  it  is  due 
to  the  Regents  and  the  people,  should  be  detailed  at  length,  and  they 
are  given  in  the  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Board: 

The  amount  of  available  funds  in  the  treasury,  at  the  time  of  the 
last  report,  was  but  $1,721  91  in  State  scrip,  nominally  equal  to 
the  amount  of  outstanding  warrants,  and  proved  by  subsequent  set 
tlement  to  be  less  by  one-half  The  moneys  due  for  interest  on  lands 
sold  previous  to  1841,  amounted  to  $58,210  62,  a  sum  far  more  than 
adequate  to  meet  all  the  necessary  and  contingent  expenses  of  the 
University  and  of  its  branches,  to  pay  the  interest  on  the  loan  of 
$100,000,  to  purchase  philosophical  and  other  apparatus,  to  com 
mence  a  botanical  garden,  to  erect  a  laboratory,  and  additional  build 
ings,  now  imperiously  needed,  and  to  contribute  to  a  sinking  fund. 
The  fear  was  expressed  that,  judging  from  the  experience  of  the  two 
preceding  years,  there  would  scarcely  be  received  an  oniount  suf 
ficient  to  prevent  the  suspension  of  the  branches,  and  the  dismission 
of  the  Faculty.  Still.it  was  hoped,  if  we  could  struggle  through  a 
few  months,  the  treasury  would  be  so  far  replenished  as  to  prevent 
such  a  result. 

The  legislature  designed  to  administer  relief  to  the  purchasers  and 
settlers  of  the  University  lands,  postponed  the  period  for  the  pay 
ment  of  interest  due  till  March,  1842,  before  which,  it  was  intimated, 
the  Superintendent  would  not  collect,  and  would  be  unable  to  pay. 


105 

any  thing  to  the  relief  of  the  board.  It  was  also  thought  doubtful, 
whether,  even  after  that  date,  there  would  be  sufficient  collected  and 
paid  over  to  the  board,  to  meet  the  interest  on  the  loan,  viz:  $3  000, 
falling  due  in  January  last,  and  the  farther  sum  of  $3.000,  falling- 
due  in  July  last,  besides  the  necessary  current  expenses. 

Under  the  influence  of  such  prospects  and  fears,  the  board  ear 
nestly  desired  that  the  attention  of  the  Legislature  should  be  given 
to  the  subject,  and  that  such  changes  might  be  made  in  the  organic 
law  as  would  secure  more  efficiency,  and  are  indispensable  to  the 
permanently  successful  discharge  of  the  duties  devolving  on  them, 
and  to  the  management  of  the  interests  of  education  entrusted  to 
them,  especially  as  the  subject  had  been  brought  before  the  Legisla 
ture,  both  of  1840  and  1841,  with  hope  of  more  definite  action.  The 
board  are  tinder  the  necessity  of  again  calling  the  attention  of  the 
Legislature  to  the  subject,  and  of  urging  such  further  legislation  as 
may  be  necessary  to  give  the  requisite  powers  and  efficiency  to  the 
Regents  that  they  may  meet  the  expectations  which  the  public  enter 
tain  from  them.  It  is  owing  to  the  zeal  and  measurable  success  of 
the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  beyond  what  was  anticipa 
ted,  that  the  institution  has  been  enabled  to  continue,  during  the  past 
year.  Of  the  $58/210  62,  due  and  receivable,  during  the  past 
year,  there  have  been  but  89,946  45,  received  by  the  Treasurer  of 
the  State,  leaving  a  balance  from  the  last  year  yet  due,  of  $48,264 
17,  which,  in  addition  to  the  amount  of  -$14,000  00  more,  falling 
due  in  1843.  will  make  the  total  sum  due  to  the  University  for  in 
terest  $64,264  17. 

Of  the  sum  of  $10,146  45,  received  during  the  past  year  by  the 
treasurer  of  the  board,  there  have  been  paid  six  thousand  one  hun 
dred  and  fifty  dollars,  for  interest  and  expenses  of  transmission,  due 
on  the  loan  of  $100,000.  Three  thousand  nine  hundred  and  nine 
ty-two  dollars  and  ninety-six  cents  for  the  necessary  and  contingent 
expenses  of  the*University  and  its  branches. 

The  expenses  of  the  board  for  the  ensuing  year  will  be,  interest 
on  loan  and  expenses  of  transmission,  $6,150  00.  Expenses  of  Uni 
versity  including  Professors'  salaries,  preparatory  department  at 
Ann  Arbor,  and  estimated  contingencies  of  the  University,  and  of 
its  branches,  $2,550  00;  total,  $8,700  00.  The  expenses  of  the 
University  proper,  at  present,  for  the  support  of  Professors,  amount 
to  $1,260  per  annum. 

The  services  of  Doct.  Abraham  Sager  were  secured,  in  place  of 
Doct.  Grey,  who  had  resigned  the  professorship  of  botany  and  zool 
ogy,  and  who,  while  rendering  Doct.  Hough  ton  important  aid  in 
opening  and  arranging  the  mineralogical  and  zoological  cabinet,  did 
not  expect  to  receive  any  salary  until  his  services  were  wanted  in 
the  actual  instruction  in  the  classes.  A  small  chemical  and  philo 
sophical  apparatus,  sufficient  for  immediate  demands,  had  been  pro 
cured.  The  report  of  the  Faculty  showed  ten  students  in  the  soph- 
14 


106 

omore,  and  thirteen  in  the  freshman  class.  The  annual  necessary 
expenses  of  the  students  ranged  from  $80  to  8100.  The  Faculty 
reported,  in  regard  to  the  local  government  of  the  institution,  that 
they  had  "kept  it  in  mind,  that  most  of  the  students  were  of  an 
age  which  rendered  absolutely  necessary  some  substitute  for  pater 
nal  superintendence — that  no  college  in  this  country  could  secure 
public  confidence  without  carefully  watching  over  the  morals  of  its 
students,  and  making  strict  propriety  of  conduct,  as  well  as  diligent 
application  to  study,  a  condition  of  membership — that  considering 
the  government  of  the  students  as  a  substitute  for  the  regulations  of 
home,  they  had  endeavored  to  bring  it  as  near  to  the  character  of 
paternal  control  as  the  nature  of  the  case  would  admit,  and  to  attain 
the  end  not  wholly,  nor  chiefly,  by  restraint  and  dread  of  penalty, 
but  by  the  influence  of  persuasion  and  kindness." 

The  Board  conclude  their  report  by  the  following  appeal  to  the 
Legislature,  which,  as  it  embraces  valuable  information  for  reference, 
is  here  inserted  in  full: 

It  is  sincerely  hoped  that  the  attention  and  wisdom  of  the  Legis 
lature  will  be  given  to  the  subject  of  the  resources  of  the  board,  and 
the  powers  necessary  to  the  permanent  and  successful  prosecution 
of  the  interests  of  education.  Of  so  large  a  sum  as  $64.246  17, 
now  due,  it  is  impossible  to  conjecture  what  amount  will  be  paid  du 
ring  the  ensuing  year.  Uncertainty  attendant  on  the  collection  of 
the  revenue,  postponement  of  the  times  for  the  payment  of  interest, 
liquidation  of  claims,  and  any  other  measures  which  might  excite  a 
hope  of  successful  delay  of  payment  on  the  part  of  debtors,  it  is  ob 
vious  cannot  fail  to  prove  disastrous  to  an  institution  on  its  annual 
income.  The  Board  of  Regents  do  not  impeach  the  wisdom  or  mo 
tives  which  have  influenced  the  legislation  for  several  years,  rela 
tive  to  the  sale  of  University  lands  and  the  collection  of  the  proceeds 
thence  arising.  Having  the  immediate  responsibility  for  the  welfare 
and  success  of  the  University,  however,  devolved  on  them,  they-feel 
it  due  to  themselves,  to  the  Legislature,  and  to  the  community  at 
large,  whose  interests  are  to  be  subserved  by  the  faithful  discharge 
of  their  duties,  when  making  their  annual  report,  once  more,  under 
circumstances  embarrassing  and  perplexing,  and  while  soliciting  such 
Legislation  as  may  be  necessary  to  give  efficiency  to  the  Board,  to 
present  the  following  brief  historical  statement  of  the  Legislative  en 
actments  on  the  subject: 

1.  An  act  to  provide  for  the  organization  and  government  of  the 
University  of  Michigan,  approved  March  18,  1837. 

2.  An  act  to  locate  the  University  of  Michigan,  approved  March 
20,  1837. 


3.  An  act  to  provide  for  the  disposition  of  the  University  and  pri 
mary  school  lands,  approved  March  21,  1837. 

4.  An  act  to  amend  an  act  entitled  an  act  to  provide  for  the  organ 
ization  and  government  of  the  University   of  Michigan,   approved 
June  21,  1837. 

5.  An  act  to  amend  an  act  entitled  an  net  to  provide  for  the  dispo 
sition  of  the  University  and   school  lands,  approved  June  22,  1837. 

6.  An  act  releasing  to  the  United  States  fourteen  sections  on  the 
Niles,  and  sections  twenty-five   and  twenty-six  on  the  Nottawasepie 
reserves,  upon  certain  conditions,  approved  March  20,  1838, 

7.  An   act   to  extend  the  time  of  payment  of  the  University  and 
school  moneys,  approved  April  6,  1838. 

8.  An  act  to  authorize  a   loan  of  a  certain  sum  of  money  to  the 
University  of  Michigan,  approved  April  6,  1838. 

9.  An  act  to  provide  for  the  payment  of  the  expenses  of  the  Re 
gents  of  the   University   in   certain  cases,  approved  February   14r 
1839. 

10.  An  act  to  extend  the  time  of  payment  of  the  University  and 
school  moneys,  approved  March  4,  1839. 

11.  An   act  to  provide  for  the  sale  of  certain  lands  to  settlers 
thereon,  approved  March  25,  1840. 

12.  An  act  to  amend  an  act  to  extend  the  time  of  payment  for  the 
University  and  school  lands,  approved  March  30,  1840. 

13.  An  act  to  reduce  the  price  of  the  Univeisity  and  school  lands, 
and  for  other  purposes,  approved  April  13,  1841. 

14.  An  act  to  reduce  the  price  of  University  and  school  lands,  ap 
proved  April  15,  1842. 

15.  An  act  to  provide  for  the  sale  of  certain  lands  to  the  persons 
therein  named,  approved  February  9,  1842. 

Besides  these  acts,  two  joint  resolutions  have  been  adopted  by  the 
Legislature  relative  to  the  University;  one  relating  to  public  docu 
ments,  and  the  other  requires  the  Board  of  Regents  to  report  to  the 
Legislature  convened  in  1841,  "what  changes  were  necessary  to  be 
made  in  the  organic  law  relative  to  said  University,  in  order  to  se 
cure  more  effectually  the  objects  of  the  same." 

By  the  act  of  March  21,  1837,  the  Superintendent  of  Public  In 
struction  was  authorized  to  sell  at  public  auction,  so  much  of  the 
University  lands  as  shall  amount  to  the  sum  of  $500,000,  at  the  min 
imum  price  of  twenty  dollars  per  acre;  one-fourth  of  the  purchase 
money  to  be  paid  down,  the  remainder  in  annual  instalments  of  five 
per  cent.,  to  be  paid  annually.  In  June  of  that  year,  this  act  was 
so  amended  as  to  require  only  one-tenth  of  the  purchase  money  to 
be  paid  at  the  time  of  sale,  and  one-tenth  annually  thereafter,  with 
interest  on  the  amount  unpaid,  and  when,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Su 
perintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  one-tenth  of  the  purchase  money 
did  not  sufficiently  secure  the  interest  of  the  State,  he  was  autho 
rized  to  require  additional  security  of  the  purchaser. 

The  act  of  March  20,  1838,  was  never  carried  into  effect,  the  per 
son  named  therein  as  the  executor  of  the  law  declining,  for  obvious 
reasons,  to  perform  the  duties  required  of  him. 


108 

From  the  report  of  the  Kcv.  J.  D.  Fierce,  Superintendent  of  Pub 
lic  Instruction,  it  appears  that  there  were  University  lands  sold  in 

1837,  amounting  to  $150,447  90,  at  the  average  price  of  $22  85 J 
per   acre;  subsequently,    sales   were  reported  to  have   been  made, 
amounting,  in  all,  to  upwards  of  8200,000.     In  April  (the  sixth)  of 

1838,  the  time  of  payment  of  the  University  and  school  moneys  was 
extended  to  December  next  ensuing,  upon  conditions  to  be,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  Superintendent,  not  prejudicial  to  the  said  funds  re 
spectively. 

By  the  act  of  March  4,  1839,  all  delinquencies  were  cured  which 
took  place  in  December,  1838,  if  the  delinquent  made  payment  by 
the  first  day  of  May,  1839.  All  further  payments  were  extended  to 
the  first  day  of  December,  1839,  "at  which  time,  on  the  payment 
of  all  interest  then  due,  and  enough  of  the  principal  to  make  twenty 
per  cent,  with  what  shall  have  been  overpaid  heretofore,  the  said 
Superintendent  may  suspend  the  further  payments  one  year  from 
that  time,  at  which  he  may  receive  the  interest,  and  five  per  cent  of 
thtf  principal,  to  be  paid  bv  the  first  day  of  December,  1840." 

Up  to  this  period  in  the  history  of  the  University,  its  resources  had 
not  been  diminished.  Embarrassments  had  been  experienced,  grow 
ing  out  of  the  delay  in  the  payment  of  the  interest  due  on  the  Uni 
versity  fund,  upon  the  regular  receipt  of  which,  obviously,  the  suc 
cess  of  the  University  essentially  depends.  Under  the  act  of  March 
25,  1840,  which  provides  for  the  sale  of  certain  lands  to  the  settlers 
thereon,  4,743.12  acres  of  appraised  University  lands  were  sold,  at 
the  average  price  of  six  dollars  and  twenty-one  cents  an  acre.  In 
the  year  1841,  367.60  acres  of  University  lands  were  sold  at  an  aver 
age  price  of  seventeen  dollars  per  acre.  During  the  same  year,  as 
appears  from  the  report  of  F.  Sawyer,  Jr.,  Esq.,  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction,  there  were  sold  160  acres  of  appraised  University 
lands  at  eight  dollars  per  acre,  and  of  the  forfeited  lands,  resold,  168.- 
32  acres,  at  an  average  price  of  $1  52  per  acre. 

The  agent  appointed  by  the  Legislature  to  re-locate  sixteen  sections 
of  University  lands,  in  lieu  of  those  proposed  to  be  relinquished  to 
the  United  States  by  the  act  of  March  '20,  1838,  found  the  faithful 
execution  of  his  trust  to  be  impracticable,  because  there  were  no 
lands  unlocated  as  valuable  as  those  already  selected.  The  average 
price  of  lands  sold  in  1840,  was  seventeen  dollars;  that  of  appraised 
lands,  sold  the  same  year,  was  six  dollars  and  twenty-one  cents,  and 
in  1841,  eight  dollars  per  acre.  Forfeited  lands  were  re-sold  in  1841, 
at  $19  52  per  acre. 

In  March,  1840,  the  time  of  payment  for  University  and  school 
lands  was  extended,  in  1841,  the  minimum  price  of  University 
lands  was  reduced  to  fifteen  dollars  per  acre,  and  in  1842,  to  twelve 
dollars  per  acre. 

In  review,  therefore,  the  Board  of  Regents,  on  whom  the  actual 
and  ostensible  responsibility  for  the  successful  establishment  of  the 
University,  and  for  the  distribution  of  its  branches,  rests,  respectfully 
submit  to  the  consideration  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruc 
tion,  to  thf3  Legislature,  and  to  their  fellow  citizens,  the  embarrass- 


100 

ments  attendant  on  their  efforts,  which  must  shortly  prove  disastrous 
and  ruinous  to  the  interests  of  education  in  the  State,  unless  some 
permanent  and  stable  measures  can  be  adopted  for  the  management 
and  collection  of  the  revenue  of  the  University.  The  Board  do  not 
wish  to  shrink  from  responsibility.  They  are  ardently  devoted  to 
the  trust  which  has  been  devolved  upon  them,  and  ambitious  to  pro 
secute  and  discharge  it  in  such  a  way  as  to  render  the  munificent 
appropriation  of  the  United  States,  for  the  purpose  of  an  University, 
most  efficient  and  diffusive,  and  so  as  to  accomplish  the  intent  of  the 
donors,  do  credit  to  their  munificence,  and  to  render  it  a  blessing  to 
the  State,  and  the  State  conspicuous  for  its  advantages  and  facilities 
for  education.  All  they  desire  is  the  necessary  powers  to  accomplish 
their  trust,  and  measures  to  render  the  revenue  of  the  University 
regularly  and  permanently  available. 

THE    1WANCHES. 

The  committee  reported  branches  in  continuance  at  Detroit,  Kala- 
mazoo,  White  Pigeon,  Tecumseh  and  Ann  Arbor,  with  a  total  num 
ber  of  scholars  of  174.  Pecuniary  considerations  had  induced  the 
Board  to  reduce  the  appropriations  for  sustaining  them,  to  $'200  to 
each  branch,  exclusive  of  tuition  fees.  The  principals  at  Tecumseh 
and  White  Pigeon  resigned,  and  two  others  were  appointed. 

REPORT  OF   VISITORS. 

The  provision  of  law  establishing  this  board,  was  founded  upon  the 
principle  that  the  selection  of  such  a  number  of  gentlemen  from 
among  the  body  of  the  people,  to  examine  into  the  state  of  the  Uni 
versity  in  all  its  departments,  and  to  suggest  such  improvements  as 
they  might  deem  important  would  be  likely  to  secure  the  views  and 
opinions  of  competent  and  able  men,  (disconnected  otherwise  with 
the  system,)  as  to  its  wants  and  requirements,  and  its  adaptation  to 
the  circumstances  of  the  public.  The  Superintendent,  the  Regents 
and  the  Faculty,  are  the  active  agents  in  the  system,  in  carrying  out 
the  laws,  and  government  of  the  institution — the  visitor?,  sentinels  of 
the  people,  who  not  being  in  anyway  connected  with  the  administra 
tion  of  affairs,  are  to  be  presumed  to  be  unbiased  and  unprejudiced 
witnesses  of  the  actual  state  of  things,  and  better  able  to  judge  of 
their  operation  and  effects.  The  board,  after  examination  of  the 
plan  and  buildings,  pronounced  them  worthy  of  the  great  objects  for 
which  they  were  designed,  and  believed  that  the  exigencies  of  the 
institution  would,  before  the  lapse  of  many  years,  demand  the  com 
pletion  of  the  buildings,  and  more  than  had  been  contemplated. 
They  were  satisfied  with  the  examination  of  the  students,  mode  of 


no 

instruction,  and  competency  of  the  professors,  who  consisted  at  this 
time,  of  Rev.  Joseph  Whiting,  George  I.  Williams,  Douglas  Hough- 
ton,  and  Abram  Sager.  They  were  of  opinion  that  the  opening  of 
the  University  had  given  a  new  impetus  to  the  cause  of  education 
in  the  State,  and  that  the  number  of  students  would  soon  create  a 
necessity  for  multiplying  the  professorships,  and  for  an  extension  of 
the  building  accommodations,  to  a  degree  equal  to,  if  not  exceeding 
the  means  which  the  best  and  most  rigid  administration  of  the  funds 
would  permit — that  while  they  appreciated  the  reasons  assigned  by 
the  Board  of  Regents,  they  could  not  withhold  the  opinion  that  the 
interests  of  the  institution  would  be  greatly  promoted  by  the  ap 
pointment  of  a  chancellor,  and  that  it  ought  not  to  be  delayed — tha 
the  duties  of  the  two  acting  professors  would  soon  become  too  labo 
rious,  and  render  necessary  the  appointment  of  a  tutor  or  additional 
professor — that  a  spacious  and  appropriate  place  for  specimens  in 
geology,  botany  and  natural  history,  should  be  provided.  These 
specimens  were  reported  to  be  as  follows: 
Zoological  specimens,  including  mammalia,  birds,  fishes 

and  shells, 5,500 

Specimens   of  plants,  about 15,000 

"     minerals, 8,000 

u  "'geological, 10,000 

Total, 38,500 

Five  thousand  five  hundred  and  fifty  of  these  were  classed  and 
arranged,  and  occupied  the  entire  space  of  a  room  25  feet  by  44. 
The  visitors  expressed  the  belief  that  no  institution  in  the  United 
States  could  boast  of  a  similar  collection,  of  greater  number,  value 
and  variety.  The  scientific  arrangement  of  them  was  due  to  Dr. 
Houghton,  and  the  board  expressed  their  acknowledgement  of  the 
great  value  of  his  gratuitous  and  invaluable  services.  His  labors 
were  conducted  under  the  eyes  and  with  the  assistance  of  the  stu 
dents,  the  effect  of  which  had  infused  into  them  a  spirit  of  enquiry, 
and  awakened  a  lively  interest  in  the  study  of  natural  science.  The 
library,  which  consisted  of  nearly  4,000  volumes  of  well  selected 
standard  works,  formed  the  basis  for  further  enlargement,  and  the 
board  recommended  an  addition  of  all  the  classical  writers  in  the  orig 
inal,  and  a  larger  portion  of  American  and  modern  works. 


Ill 

They  represent  that  the  Superintendent  and  Regents  had  seemed 
to  have  appreciated  the  importance  of  establishing  branches,  as  the 
means  of  a  more  general  diffusion  of  the  benefits  of  education,  and 
of  preparing  students  for  the  University,  and  regretted  that  it  should 
have  been  necessary  from  the  want  of  means,  to  have  made  a  retro 
grade  movement  in  regard  to  them,  by  discontinuing  those  at  Monroe, 
Pontiac  and  Niles,  though  they  concurred  in  the  prudential  reasons 
which  induced  the  step.  They  recommended  as  early  a  resuscitation 
and  extension  of  the  system,  as  an  improvement  in  the  financial  con 
dition  of  the  University  would  admit. 

They  represent  the  resources  of  the  University,  if  they  could  be 
realized,  as  abundantly  sufficient  to  meet  the  expenditures  further 
needed,  after  paying  the  interest  on  the  loan,  and  defraying  all  the 
current  expenses  of  the  institution  and  its  branches,  the  balance  due 
the  fund,  after  deducting  estimated  current  expenses,  being  $48,980 
63.  But  they  express  regret  in  learning,  that  out  of  such  abundant 
means,  barely  sufficient  had  been  collected  for  the  current  yearly  ex 
penses,  and  even  that,  only  by  the  great  energy  and  exertion  of  the 
Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  without  which  aid,  the  Universi 
ty  and  its  branches  must  have  been  suspended. 

The  board  were  of  opinion  that  so  long  as  the  Legislature  per 
mitted  those  indebted  to  the  fund  to  look  to  them,  as  virtually  invest 
ed  with  the  character  of  creditor,  and  with  the  power  of  relief,  the 
legislative  halls  would  be  crowded  with  applications  to  the  prejudice 
of  the  fund,  and  they  sustain  the  views  of  the  Regents  in  their  ap 
plication  for  the  management  of  the  fund,  the  duties  of  the  Superin 
tendent  being  substituted  in  this  respect,  by  the  Regents,  without  oth 
er  change  in  the  laws. 

LEGISLATION. 

A  report  was  made  to  the  Senate  by  Hon.  E.  A.  Warner,  chairman 
of  committee  of  Public  Instruction,  in  which  it  is  stated  that  the 
committee  believed  the  great  defect  of  the  law  to  be  in  not  providing 
for  the  education  of  every  child  in  the  State,  of  proper  age.  The 
objection  to  taxation  for  this  purpose  was  the  great  pecuniary  em 
barrassment  of  the  State  and  people.  The  means  of  education, 
however,  it  was  asserted,  must  be  furnished  <o  children  of  indigent 
parents.  The  committee  adopted  the  township  library  system,  and 


H'2 

proposed  a  change  in  the  mode  of  assessing  school  district  taxes  by 
requiring  the  supervisor  of  the  township  to  place  them  upon  the 
township  roll,  and  reported  a  bill  to  amend  the  laws. 

The  committee  on  education  in  the  House,  also  reported  that  they 
had  carefully  examined  into  the  system  of  primary  schools,  and  com 
pared  it  with  that  of  other  States;  that  they  find  much  wanting;  that 
direct  taxation  to  a  limited  extent  would  have  to  be  resorted  to,  and 
also  reported  a  bill.  The  committee  believing  that  the  House  bill 
was  more  systematic  and  shorter,  decided  to  incorporate  into  their 
bill  such  portions  of  the  Senate  bill  as  was  deemed  advisable. 

The  ALLEGAN  ACADEMY  was  incorporated  this  year.  A  joint  re 
solution  was  passed  requiring  the  Secretary  of  State  to  furnish  an 
nually  one  hundred  copies  of  the  printed  annual  report  of  the  Super 
intendent,  for  the  purpose  of  being  by  him  distributed  into  the  sev 
eral  States. 

On  the  6th  day  of  March,  the  act  was  passed  to  organize  the 
LAND  OFFICE — the  Commissioner  of  which  was  hereafter  to  have 
charge  and  supervision  of  all  lands  belonging  to  or  which  might  be 
come  the  property  of  the  State,  or  held  in  trust  by  the  State  for  any 
purpose.  All  the  books  and  papers  connected  with  the  subject,  in 
the  office  of  the  Superintendent,  were  to  be  transferred  to  the  Land 
Office.  Thus  the  separation  of  the  fiscal  duties  of  the  office  of  Su 
perintendent  was  accomplished,  and  the  office  restored  to  the  proper 
sphere  contemplated  in  its  creation  by  the  framers  of  the  constitu 
tion. 

Dr.  0.  C.  COMSTOCK  was  nominated  and  confirmed  as  Superinten 
dent  of  Public  Instruction;  and  the  following  abstract  embraces  the 
substance  of  the  school  law  which  was  the  result  of  this  year's  le 
gislation. 

The  act  of  1840,  the  act  of  1841,  the  act  amendatory  thereto,  and 
all  acts  and  parts  of  acts  contravening  the  law  of  1843,  were  re 
pealed.  A  new  law  was  passed,  providing  for  the  formation  of  dis 
tricts,  and  the  holding  of  district  meetings,  with  power  to  locate  site, 
purchase,  build  or  lease  school  house,  and  to  impose  a  tax  not  to  ex 
ceed,  in  any  one  year,  two  hundred  dollars,  unless  the  inspectors  cer 
tified  as  in  the  previous  law;  in  which  case  a  sum  not  to  exceed  the 
amount  so  certified,  and  in  no  case  more  than  $300  for  one  yea:t 


113 

could  be  raised.  A  tax  could  be  voted  in  addition,  to  keep  the  school 
house  in  repair,  and  for  necessary  appendages;  to  determine  the 
length  of  time  a  school  should  be  kept,  when  the  moneys  should  be 
applied,  and  various  other  provisions  similar  in  many  respects  to  the 
general  provisions  of  the  other  laws.  A  rate  bill  was  to  be  made 
out,  containing  the  names  of  every  person  liable  for  tuition  and  fuel, 
for  attendance  of  children.  The  inhabitants  of  the  district  were 
empowered  to  make  such  provision  as  they  deemed  proper  to  raise 
the  school  money,  necessary  for  the  town,  in  addition  to  the  moneys 
apportioned,  and  any  money  received  from  other  sources  appropria 
ted  to  maintain  the  school.  The  amount  so  received  was  to  be  as 
sessed  upon  and  paid  by  the  parents  or  guardians  of  scholars,  not 
exempted  from  payment  for  tuition  and  fuel,  in  proportion  to  the  num 
ber  of  such  scholars,  and  the  length  of  time  for  which  the  pa 
rents  or  guardians  have  sent  to  school.  The  district  board  made 
out  and  delivered  to  the  supervisor  a  report  of  all  taxes  voted 
by  the  district  during  the  year  preceding  the  second  Monday  in  Oc 
tober,  to  be  raised  on  the  taxable  property  of  the  district,  and  of  all 
taxes  which  the  board  were  authorized  to  impose  on  such  property. 
It  was  made  the  duty  of  the  supervisor  to  assess  the  taxes  so  voted, 
and  all  other  taxes  provided  for  in  the  act  on  the  taxable  property  of 
the  district,  and  for  the  year  1843,  to  assess  twenty -five  dollars;  for 
1844,  a  tax  of  one-half  of  a  mill  upon  each  dollar  of  the  taxable  prop 
erty  of  the  township,  one  mill  upon  each  dollar  for  1845;  and  an 
nually  thereafter  one  mill  on  each  dollar  of  the  total  valuation  of 
the  taxable  property  of  the  townships;  and  of  the  amount  so  received 
§25  was  to  be  applied  to  the  township  libraries,  and  any  sum  not  so 
applied,  was  to  be  apportioned  to  the  several  school  districts.  Not 
less  than  this  sum  was  to  be  assessed  in  a  township  in  any  one  year, 
and  when  the  library  contained  two  hundred  volumes,  the  qualified 
electors  might  vote  to  reduce  the  amount  to  any  sum  not  less  than 
ten  dollars.  The  Superintendent  was  required  to  make  out  a  full 
set  of  forms  under  the  act.  and  cause  a  sufficient  number  to  be  printed 
to  furnish  all  the  State  and  school  officers  with  one  copy.  It  was 
also  made  his  duty  to  publish  a  list  of  such  books  of  instruction  as 
he  shall  deem  best  adapted  for  the  use  of  schools;  a  list  containing 
not  less  than  one  hundred  volumes  for  township  libraries,  with  such 


114 

rules  as  he  thought  proper  to  recommend.  He  was  further  to  pub 
lish  in  each  annual  report  hereafter,  a  list  of  such  text  books  as  in 
his  opinion  should  be  used  in  the  schools,  and  a  list  for  township  li 
braries.  A  tax  not  exceeding  $50,  in  addition  to  the  sum  required 
for  libraries,  could  be  voted  for  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  use  of 
the  adult  residents  oi  the  township,  or  for  their  children.  District 
libraries,  already  established,  were  not  subject  to  the  law  relating  to 
township  libraries  without  the  assent  of  the  district  and  townships 
•which  adopted  the  district  system — the  entire  amount  of  money 
raised  by  township  tax  for  this  purpose  should  be  applied  to  the 
support  of  schools.  The  school  moneys  were  to  be  apportioned 
in  proportion  to  the  number  of  children  between  the  ages  of  five 
and  eighteen  years.  Boards  of  inspectors  and  other  officers  were 
liable  to  a  penalty  for  neglect,  as  well  as  refusal  to  deliver  their  re 
port  in  time. 


1844. 

EXTRACT  FROM  GOVERNOR  BARRIES  SECOND  MESSAGE. 

The  amount  received  into  the  treasury  the  last  fiscal  year,  to  the 
credit  of  the  common  school  interest  fund,  was  $19,418  39,  and  du 
ring  the  same  period,  $20,890  09  was  distributed  for  the  support  of 
common  schools  throughout  the  State. 

The  amount  received  to  the  credit  of  the  University  interest  fund, 
was  $7,284  32.  Of  this  sum,  $6,000  was  appropriated  to  the  pay 
ment  of  interest  due  on  the  loan  made  for  the  University,  and  the 
remainder  expended  by  the  Regents  for  the  beneficial  purposes  of 
the  institution.  Of  this  fund,  $0,000,  and  the  difference  of  exchange 
between  Detroit  fand  New  York,  is  annually  required  to  pay  interest, 
and  the  balance,  under  existing  circumstances,  cannot  be  estimated 
much  above  $1,000,  which  is  insufficient  to  render  the  University,  in 
any  considerable  degree,  useful,  and  scarcely  sufficient  to  contiuue 
it  in  operation.  You  will,  therefore,  sec  the  necessity  of  adopting 
measures,  at  the  present  session,  for  its  relief. 

Of  the  seventy-two  sections  of  land,  which  constituted  its  endow 
ment,  about  one  fourth  part  has  been  sold.  The  minimum  price  now 
fixed  by  la\v,  is  twelve  dollars  an  acre;  and,  as  this  sum  exceeds  the 
present  value  of  the  unsold  land,  it  will  depend  on  you  to  decide 
whether  a  reduction  may  now  be  made  with  advantage  to  the  perma 
nent  prosperity  of  the  University.  Large  quantities  of  other  public 
lands  are  in  market,  and  may  be  purchased  at  rates  so  low  that  sales 
of  University  lands  might  not  be  made,  even  at  a  minimum  corres 
ponding  with  their  true  value.  On  the  other  hand,  the  institution  is 
now  in  its  infancy,  and  the  present  use  of  the  funds  with  which  it  is 


115 

endowed,  is  required  to  ensure  its  permanence.  The  lands  cannot  be 
sold  at  their  present  estimated  value  for  many  years  to  come,  and,  in 
the  meantime,  the  University  may  cease  to  exist  for  want  of  ade 
quate  support.  The  subject  commends  itself  to  your  serious  con 
sideration. 

At  the  time  of  the  adoption  of  the  organic  law  of  the  University, 
its  anticipated  revenue  was  expected  to  be  much  greater  than  it  has 
subsequently  proved,  and  the  Legislature,  actuated  by  a  laudable 
desire  to  promote  knowledge  and  extend  science,  offered,  without 
charge,  the  means  of  a  collegiate  education  to  all  the  youth  of  Mich 
igan.  No  fees  for  tuition  were  permitted  to  be  charged  to  any  stu 
dent  resident  in  the  State.  This  was  a  liberal  provision,  but,  unhap 
pily,  subsequent  events  render  it  uncertain  whether  the  original  de 
sign,  so  munificent  and  worthy  of  commendation,  can  be  carried  out 
to  the  full  extent  intended  by  its  generous  projectors;  and  for  the 
removal,  at  least  in  part,  of  the  pecuniary  embarrassments  of  the  in 
stitution,  I  would  respectfully  call  your  attention  to  the  propriety  of 
authorizing  the  board  of  Regents  to  charge  the  students  in  atten 
dance  such  reasonable  fees  for  tuition,  as,  with  other  accruing  means, 
will  secure  the  services  of  the  necessary  professors  and  teachers,  in 
the  various  departments.  If  you  should  deem  it  expedient  to  con 
fer  this  authority  upon  the  board,  I  would  respectfully  suggest  that 
while  you  fix  a  maximum  which  should  not  exceed  the  charge  for 
similar  purposes  in  other  seminaries  of  learning,  you  leave  to  the 
Regents  a  discretion  in  regard  to  the  subject,  and  authorize  them  to 
make  discrimination  in  the  exercise  of  the  power  granted. 

Five  professors  have  been  appointed,  of  whom  two  only  have  en 
tered  upon  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  The  number  of  students 
in  the  main  institution  is  about  fifty.  Branches  at  Tecumseh,  White 
Pigeon,  Kalamazoo  and  Romeo,  are  continued  in  operation  at  an  an 
nual  expense  of  two  hundred  dollars  for  each. 

bince  the  issue  of  State  scrip,  the  sum  of  $3*2,226  23,  in  that 
species  of  State  indebtedness,  has  been  received  for  sales  of  school 
lands,  and  the  further  sum  of  86,484  36,  for  the  sale  of  University 
lands,  which,  {'mounting  altogether  to  838,710  50,  remains  in  the 
State  Treasury.  As  scrip  cannot  be  re-issued  but  for  claims  against 
the  general  fund,  the  above  sum  should  properly  be  considered  as  a 
loan  and  accruing  interest  paid  thereon,  as  upon  other  claims  against 
the  State. 

RKI'OKT  OF  SUPERINTENDENT. 

The  Superintendent  announces  to  the  Legislature  the  publication 
of  the  school  laws  in  pamphlet  form.  The  school  law  being  a  new 
one,  and  considerably  extended,  embracing  many  principles  and  ob 
jects,  and  prescribing  to  numerous  officers  multifarious  duties,  accu 
mulated  the  correspondence  of  the  office  and  augmented  its  labor. 
The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  report: 


ilC 

The  undersigned  is  happy  in  the  conviction,  that  at  no  former  period, 
have  the  high  interests  of  popular  education,  been  so  justly  and  gen 
erally  appreciated  in  this  State,  as  at  the  present  time.  The  dispo 
sition  of  the  public  mind  in  favor  of  the  universal  diffusion  of  the 
blessings  of  knowledge  and  virtue,  must  be  peculiarly  gratifying  to 
your  honorable  body.  It  is,  moreover,  inspiring- to  the  feelings,  and 
animating  to  the  hopes  of  the  friends  of  education  of  the  country  and 
of  man.  In  view  of  the  ample  and  enduring  foundation,  laid  in  the 
magnificent  grants  by  the  general  government,  of  the  University  and 
school  lands,  grants,  the  proceeds  of  which  are  inviolably  secured 
by  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  State,  to  the  high  and  holy  objects 
for  which  they  were  intended — and  in  view  of  the  fact,  now  admitted 
by  most  of  the  civilized  world,  that  mind  is  public  property,  and 
should  be  educated  at  the  public  expense,  all  must  perceive  the  facil 
ity  with  which  the  rising  generation,  with  the  innumerable  multitudes 
who  shall  succeed  them  on  our  lovely  peninsula  may  acquire  an 
education,  which  shall  develope  and  discipline  all  their  intellectual 
faculties — unfold  and  reiine  all  their  moral  sentiments — an  education, 
which  shall  enable  them  to  enjoy  and  accomplish  all  that  a  benefi 
cent  Creator  designed  in  their  being.  *  *  *  * 

Michigan  seems  ordained  to  have  her  full  share  of  population. 
Her  physical  advantages,  rapidly  unfolding,  are  surpassed  by  no 
State  in  the  Union.  We  trust  she  will  ever  shine  among  the  bright 
est  stars  in  the  national  constellation.  L.ut  ends  involve  means. 
Without  a  due  regard  to  •education,  all  our  fair  prospects  will  be 
bJasted — our  bright  star  of  hope  will  set,  in  thick  darkness.  We 
have  now  many  immortal  minds  to  educate.  Their  numbers  will 
vastly  increase  with  the  revolution  of  years.  To  education  so  funda 
mental  to  the  prosperity  and  glory  of  States  and  empires,  the  general 
and  State  governments  have  benignly  turned  their  attention.  To 
educate  all  the  rising  generation  however,  not  only  requires  the  lib 
erality  and  fostering  care  of  governments  but  the  cordial  and  vigor 
ous  co-operation  of  the  whole  community.  Public  opinion,  feeling 
and  conduct  are  powerful  and  prevailing.  Teachers  and  scholars 
should  be  universally  encouraged  and  animated  in  the  glorious  ca 
reer  of  mental  and  moral  improvement,  '(heir  attainments — power 
of  accomplishment  and  usefulness,  are  identical  with  the  highest  in 
terests  and  honor  of  the  country.  By  far  the  greatest  portion  of  our 
youth  will  receive  pll  their  scholastic  education  in  our  primary  insti 
tutions  of  learning.  These  should  afford  every  practical  facility  for 
the  acquisition  of  this  great  object. 

The  Superintendent  adds  his  testimony  to  the  value  of  the  branches, 
believing  "the  interests  of  the  University — its  branches  and  the  pri 
mary  schools,  to  be  one  and  indivisible."  The  whole  number  of 
children  between  4  and  18,  residing  in  the  districts,  was  66,756. 
The  whole  number  that  had  attended  school,  55,555.  Schools  had 
been  taught  upon  an  average  four  months  of  the  year.  The  amount 


117 

of  money  raised  in  the  district  was  #44,705  90.     A  list  of  books  was 
recommended  for  the  schools. 

REPORT  OF  REGENTS. 

The  Board  represent  the  embarrassments  heretofore  reported  as 
still  existing  in  relation  to  the  University.  The  number  of  students 
had  increased,  and  another  professorship  was  established.  There 
were  at  this  time  but  three  branches  in  existence.  The  unavoidable 
expenditures  for  the  coming  year  were  estimated  at  $2,922  55.  A 
further  cause  of  pecuniary  embarrassment  was  stated  to  be  the  fail 
ure  of  the  Michigan  State  Bank,  which  found  the  University  fund 
its  depository  to  the  amount  of  $6,000,  and  the  Bank  of  Michigan 
more  than  $9,000.  To  liquidate  these  debts  the  Board  had  been 
obliged  to  take  real  estate  or  mortgages  thereon.  The  deficit  of  rev 
enue  thus  arising,  would  have  to  be  provided  for,  and  the  committee 
of  Regents,  consisting  of  J.  Kearsley,  Lewis  Cass  and  Dr.  Pitcher, 
remark: 

That  to  do  this,  several  expedients  had  claimed  the  attention  of  the 
Board.  Shall  the  parent  institution  be  closed?  The  Board  answer 
no.  The  condition  of  the  University,  both  as  to  reputation  and 
numbers,  had  exceeded  the  expectations  of  the  most  sanguine,  and  it 
is  confidently  believed  that  it  will  afford  the  means  of  a  most 
thorough  education  to  the  sons  of  our  own  and  other  States  who 
may  appreciate  its  advantage.  If  once  closed,  even  for  the  shortest 
period,  years  must  elapse  before  it  could  regain  the  confidence  and 
prosperity  it  now  possesses.  A  reduction  of  the  number  of  profes 
sors  was  impracticable,  but  the  increase  of  one  necessary.  Shall  all 
appropriations  to  the  branches  be  suspended  ?  The  Board  would 
adopt  this  measure  with  great  reluctance,  and  only  under  a  convic 
tion  of  its  imperious  necessity.  The  manifest  intention  however  of 
the  original  grant  of  the  two  townships  of  land  (the  basis  of  the  Uni 
versity  fund)  and  the  ultimate  advantages  to  be  attained,  indicate  to 
the  Regents  that  should  necessity  compel  the  adoption  of  one  or  the 
other  of  these  measures,  the  branches  nmst  be  the  sacrifice.  The 
Board  yet  cherish  the  hope  that  such  Legislative  aid  may  be  ex 
tended  to  the  institution  as  will  meet  the  demands  upon  its  treasury. 
To  effect  this  object,  the  Regents  recommend  such  alteration  in  the 
organic  law  as  shall  provide  for  the  assessment  of  such  tuition  fees, 
to  be  paid  by  the  students  individually,  as  the  Board  may  deem  rea 
sonable. 

The  report  of  the  executive  committee  announce  the  appointment 
of  Rev.  Edward  Thompson  as  professor  of  moral  and  mental  philos 
ophy;  and  of  Mr.  J.  Beach  as  tutor  to  relieve  the  professor  of  math- 
ematics;  and  that  the  appointment  of  a  professor  of  chemistry  and 


118 

also  of  natural  philosophy  should  be  made  at  an  early  day.  The 
Faculty  consisted  of  the  following  gentlemen:  Rev.  Joseph  Whiting, 
George  J.  Williams,  Abram  Sager  and  Rev.  Edward  Thompson. 

The  report  of  the  Faculty  showed  the  whole  number  of  students 
to  be  fifty-three. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  branches  showed  174  students  in 
attendance.  A  branch  was  organized  at  Romeo. 

The  board  of  visitors,  consisting  of  Rev.  George  Duffield,  Hon. 
Robert  McClelland,  Hon.  E.  M.  Gust,  Hon.  J.  Wright  Gordon,  and 
Hon.  Franklin  Sawyer,  Jr.,  announced  that  they  had  inspected  and 
examined  into  the  general  affairs  of  the  University — that  a  majority 
attended  the  examinations  and  were  satisfied  with  the  progress  made 
by  the  students,  and  the  diligence,  zeal  and  faithfulness  of  the  pro 
fessors,  and  that  the  present  organization  of  the  Faculty,  if  fostered 
by  the  Legislature,  would  render  the  institution  a  blessing  and  an 
honor  to  the  State. 

The  question  of  the  expediency  and  policy  of  reducing  the  price 
of  school  and  University  lands,  again  presented  itself  to  the  Legis 
lature,  in  connection  with  the  subject  of  education.  Mr.  Henry  N. 
Walker,  as  chairman  of  the  committee  on  public  lands,  made  a  re 
port  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  in  which  it  was  urged  that, 

A  forced  sale  now,  before  they  have  acquired  their  proper  value, 
would  be  sacrificing  for  the  present  advantage,  the  future  prosperity 
of  our  schools  and  University;  and  it  is  well  worthy  of  the  enquiry 
of  every  one,  whether  the  object  in  view  would  justify  the  sacrifice 
which  must  be  submitted  to  if  we  undertake  to  force  a  sale  of  the 
lands.  So  far  as  the  University  is  interested,  it  would  be,  in  the 
opinion  of  your  committee,  of  doubtful  policy  to  offer  for  sale  more 
than  sufficient  to  relieve  the  parent  institution  from  embarrassment. 
It  was  conceived  by  those  who  furnished  the  means  to  endow  our 
University,  that  it  would  be  a  long  period  before  the  wants  of  the 
country  would  require  the  institution  to  be  fully  organized  in  all  its  va 
rious  departments.  All  establishments  of  this  kind  must  depend  for 
their  maturity  and  success  upon  the  advancement  made  in  society. 
It  is  not  wealth  alone  which  keeps  an  institution  like  our  University, 
in  a  prosperous  and  flouiishing  condition.  The  common  schools 
must  first  be  organized,  for  they  are  the  ever  living  springs  which 
furnish  the  pupils  to  the  University.  History  and  experience  teaches 
us  that  in  the  early  settlement  of  a  country,  there  is  little  time  or 
opportunity  for  the  pioneer  to  devote  to  the  higher  branches  of  edu- 
tion.  It  is  not  until  the  wants  and  necessaries  of  life  are  furnished, 
that  time  and  money  can  thus  be  expended.  In  the  present  situation 
and  condition  of  our  State,  it  is  extremely  doubtful  whether  our 


119 

University  could  take  and  maintain  a  high  rank  and  standing  at  once, 
even  though  it  had  an  income  equal  to  the  interest  on  the  sum  at 
which  the  entire  of  these  lands  are  held.  It  would  be  a  premature 
existence,  and  we  should  greatly  fear  that  the  fund  itself  would  be 
diverted  to  some  other  purpose,  which  would  place  it  beyond  our 
reach  when  required,  if  not  endanger  its  existence.  In  answer  to 
the  argument  attempted  to  be  drawn  from  the  supposed  increase  of 
interest  equal  to  the  amount  of  difference  between  the  present  mini 
mum  price  and  the  one  proposed,  your  committee  would  say,  that 
they  might  admit  the  proposition,  and  still  find  sufficient  reasons  for 
doubting  the  policy  of  reducing  the  price.  It  would  be  far  better  to 
hold  the  lands,  and  thus  secure  the  increased  value  to  the  fund,  than 
to  sell  them  now,  though  we  might  derive  the  amount  of  interest  as 
sumed.  In  one  case  we  have  the  increase  as  a  paramount  fund  for 
all  future  time.  In  the  other,  it  is  received  as  interest,  and  distribu 
ted  throughout  the  State  as  fast  as  received.  But  the  position  we  do 
not  believe  tenable.  The  reduction,  if  made,  takes  place  on  all  the 
unsold  lands,  and  the  interest  is  only  received  upon  such  amounts  as 
may  be  disposed  of.  If  we  could  sell  at  once  all  the  lands,  and 
recover  the  pay  therefor,  then  there  might  be  some  more  reason  for 
the  assumption. 

There  is  one  evil  complained  of,  which  your  committee  have  not 
referred  to,  and  it  is  the  one,  we  jegret  to  say,  which  seems  to  hare 
an  overpowering  influence.  We  allude  to  the  complaint,  that  it  is  a 
great  injury  to  the  townships,  because  the  lands  are  unsettled,  and 
not  liable  to  taxation  It  is  undoubtedly  an  evil,  but  one  of  small 
magnitude,  when  placed  beside  the  welfare  of  our  schools  ;md  Uni 
versity.  The  argument,  so  far  as  it  is  valid,  wou.d  stop  at  nothing- 
short  of  sale,  and  that  at  once.  A  sale  is  the  only  remedy;  and  if 
we  act  upon  this  principle,  it  must  be  brought  about  at  a  fair  price, 
if  we  can  obtain  it;  if  not,  then  at  such  price  and  on  such  terms  as 
can  be  obtained.  We  should  look  upon  the  adoption  of  such  a  course 
as  an  evil  of  a  thousand  times  more  magnitude  than  the  one  com 
plained  of.  Entertaining  these  views,  your  committee  cannot  con 
sistently,  with  their  sense  of  duty,  recommend  a  general  reduction  in 
the  price  of  the  University  and  school  lands. 

But  while  your  committee  cannot  believe  it  expedient  to  reduce  the 
price  of  their  lands,  we  do  believe  it  would  be  both  wise  and  politic 
to  receive  in  payment  of  the  unsold  lands,  to  a  limited  amount,  nil  the 
outstanding  obligations  drawing  interest.  It  will  be  remembered, 
that  to  anticipate  the  sale  of  the  University  lands,  the  Regents  pro 
cured  a  loan  of  the  bonds  of  this  State,  to  the  amount  of  $100,000. 
The  University  pays  interest  on  this  sum  annually,  and  it  absorbs 
nearly  the  entire  income  of  the  University  fund.  Now,  if  we  could 
sell  sufficient  of  the  University  lands  for  this  class  of  our  State  in 
debtedness,  to  cancel  these  bonds,  or  as  the  University  would  have 
due  it  an  amount  of  interest  equal  to  that  which  it  owes  the  State,  it 
would  be  all  the  relief  the  University  requires.  It  is  well  known  that 
one  class  of  our  State  warrants  on  the  Treasury  are  worth  only  about 
fifty  cents  on  the  dollar.  This  is  their  market  value.  They  bear  in- 


terest  at  [the]jrate  of  seven  per  cent,  per  annun;.  The  reception  of 
these  in  payment  of  the  University  and  school  lands  would  be  to  the 
purchaser  equivalent  to  a  reduction  equal  to  the  discount  on  the  war 
rants,  while  to  the  fund  itself,  and  as  an  offset  against  the  claim  of 
the  State,  they  would  count  as  money  at  their  face.  No  injury  could 
possibly  occur^to  the  State  or  University  by  an  exchange  of  the  lands 
for  this"  class  of  our  State  indebtedness.  The  State  honestly  owe  the 
warrants  —  it  has  bound  itself  to  pay  them,  and  the  faith  of  the  State 
is  pledged  to  that  effect.  Why  then  should  the  University  and  school 
fund,  when  an*opportunity  is  presented,  (of  making  a  good  bargain 
by  the  exchange,)  be  prevented  from  availing  themselves  of  it?  Cap 
italists  from  other  States  have  invested  money  in  the  purchase  of 
these  warrants,  and  if  it  is  an  object  for  them  to  pay  money  for  them, 
it  is  certainly  am  object  for  the  University  and  school  funds  to  part 
with  their  lands  for  them.  A  large  increase  of  sales  might  be  relied 
upon  if  this  course  should  be  adopted,  and  probably  to  the  extent, 
it  would  be  desirable  to  sell  at  present.  Your  committee  would,  how 
ever,  limit  the  amount  to  be  received  for  University  lands,  to  $100,- 
000.  This  sum  would  cancel  the  bonds  received  from  the  State,  and 
thus  leave  the'  entire  of  the  interest  moneys  now  annually  due,  to  be 
applied  to  the  support  of  the  University.  This  sum  would  be  as 
great  as  could  be  judiciously  expended  at  this  stage  of  its  existence, 
if  proper  discretionary  powers  were  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Re- 
as  to  the  chares  for  tuition. 


An  important  item  in  the  history  of  our  educational  affairs,  was 
tlie"presentati©n  during  this  session  of  a  PETITION  purporting  to  be 
signed  by  one  hundred  and  fifty  citizens  of  the  county  of  Berrien. 
It  was  referred  to  the  commitet  on  education,  who,  through  their 
chairman,  William  N.  McLeod,  made  a  report  which  is  here  intro 
duced  at  length,  not  only  as  showing  its  substance,  but  also  as  furnish- 
in"1  general  legal  information  in  relation  to  the  establishment  of  the 
University  and  schools: 

The  petitioners  vouchsafe  the  information  that,  in  their  belief,  "the 
University  is  of  little  or  no  benefit  to  the  State,  or  the  people  gener 
ally,  and  that  if  its  fund  was  added  to  the  common  school  fund,  it 
would  prove  of  great  and  lasting  benefit  to  the  State  and  the  whole- 
people."  They  therefore  most  earnestly  and  respectfully  petition 
the  Legislature  "  to  adopt  measures  to  bring  about  such  an  event  as 
early  as  possible." 

The  subjoined  reasons  have  influenced  your  committee,  in  instruct- 
in^  me,  as  their  chairman,  to  return  the  petition  with  the  recommen 
dation  that  its  prayer  be  not  granted. 

First.  The  object  sought  to  be  attained  is  repugnant  to  the  educa 
tional  policy  which  has  obtained  since  the  organization  of  our  State. 

That  a  public  provision  for  scientific,  as  well  as  elementary  edu 
cation,  should  be  made  by  governments  professedly  republican,  was 


121 

a  maxim    incorporated  with  the  earliest  efforts  of  our  State  legisla 
tion. 

Republics  modified,  if  not  dependent  upon  popular  sentiments  and 
impulses,  require  the  restraints  of  enlightened  education  as  a  mean 
of  prosperity,  and  indeed  of  self  preservation. 

Bo  obvious  was  this  principle  that  the  framers  of  our  State  con 
stitution,  incorporated  in  that  instrument  an  injunction  upon  the  le 
gislative  department  of  government,  to  "  encourage,  by  all  suitable 
means,  the  promotion  of  intellectual,  scientifical  and  agricultural  im 
provement.  Not  only  common  education,  or  that  elementary  instruc 
tion  which  is  limited  to  that  humble  knowledge  which  is  necessary  in 
the  pursuit  of  the  ordinary  avocations  of  life,  but  the  cultivation  and 
diffusion  of  scientific  knowledge  was  duly  inculcated  and  judiciously 
enjoined. 

A  common  school  system  was  established  through  the  State,  libra- 
lies  in  every  district  were  maintained  by  the  appropriation  of  fines 
and  penalties  exclusively  for  their  support,  the  government,  in  this 
manner,  subserving  the  welfare  of  the  whole  by  the  commutation 
money  paid  for  the  vices  of  the  few;  a  University,  nobly  endowed 
by  the  munificence  of  the  central  government,  was  founded  and  pro 
tected,  by  wise  and  liberal  legislation;  departments  of  geology,  zool 
ogy  and  topography  were  maintained  by  the  public  purse,  and  the 
State  lent,  at  once,  the  sanction  of  her  name  and  the  protection  of 
her  laws  to  the  encouragement  of  science  and  the  diffusion  of  intel 
ligence  and  knowledge. 

Second.  Your  committee  have  been  induced  to  report  adversely  to 
the  prayer  of  the  petitioners  from  the  further  consideration  that  it  is 
limited  to  a  very  small  number  of  the  citizens  of  a  single  county, 
and  is  wholly  unprecedented  in  the  history  of  the  State. 

Out  of  a  population  of  5,011,  only  one  hundred  and  fifty  have 
been  found  to  memorialize  the  Legislature  on  this  subject.  The  rep 
resentation  in  the  judgment  of  your  committee,  is  not  sufficiently  gen 
eral  to  warrant  so  important  a  change  as  would  be  effected  by  con 
ceding  to  the  prayer. 

Third.  The  petitioners  have  furnished  no  facts,  statistics  or  asser 
lions  by  which  your  committee  can  guide  their  opinion  in  concluding 
on  so  momentous  a  change.  They  have  deigned  only  to  favor  us 
with  their  belief,  "  that  the  University  is  of  little  or  no  benefit  to  the 
State,  or  the  people  generally."  The  data  on  which  this  opinion  is 
based  is  confined  to  the  bosoms  of  the  petitioners. 

Much  therefore,  as  your  committee  desire  to  quadrate  their  faith 
by  any  article  which  the  citizens  of  Berrien  may  incorporate  in  their 
creed,  they  are  yet  unwilling  to  recommend  to  the  House  a  course 
so  precipitous  and  unadvised  as  that  embraced  in  the  prayer  of  the 
petitioners. 

Fourth.  The  Legislature  of  Michigan  have  no  power  to  grant  the 
petition  in  matter  or  in  form. 

In  the  constitution  of  the  State,  article  10,  section  5,  it  is  declared 
that  "  the  funds  accruing  for  the  rents  or  sale  of  lands  reserved  or 
granted  by  the  United  States  to  this  State  for  the  support  of  a  Uni- 
16 


122 

versity,  shall  be  and  remain  a  PERMANENT  FUND,  for  the  support  of  said 
University,  and  such  branches  as  the  public  convenience  may  here 
after  demand,  for  the  promotion  of  literature,  the  arts  and  sciences, 
and  as  may  be  authorized  by  the  terms  of  such  grant." 

The  Legislature  is  further  enjoined  "to  provide  effectual  means 
for  the  improvement  and  permanent  security  of  the  funds  of  said  Uni 
versity." 

If,  therefore,  your  committee  were  disposed  to  concede  to  the  mod 
est  wishes  of  the  petitioners,  they  would  hesitate  lest,  peradventure, 
some  doubt  might  arise  as  to  the  authority  of  a  Legislature  to  dis 
solve  so  solemn  an  injunction,  or  to  violate  so  palpable  a  mandate  of 
the  constitution  they  are  sworn  to  support. 

Fifth.  If  the  proposition  of  the  petitioners  were  submitted,  by  res 
olution  of  the  Legislature,  to  the  people  of  Michigan,  or  by  memo 
rial  to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  there  is  no  authority  vested 
either  in  the  people  or  in  Congress  to  accede  to  its  terms.  By  the 
provisions  of  an  act  "concerning  a  seminary  of  learning  in  the  terri 
tory  of  Michigan,"  approved  May  20,  1826,  the  secretary  of  the 
treasury  of  the  United  States  is  authorized  to  set  apart  and  reserve 
from  salr  a  quantity  of  land,  not  exceeding  two  entire  townships, 
for  the  use  and  support  of  a  University  within  the  territory  aforesaid, 
and  for  NO  OTHER  USE  OR  PURPOSE  WHATSOEVER. 

By  a  further  act  of  Congress,  approved  Jane  '23,  1S36,  "  supple 
mentary  to  the  act  entitled  '  an  act  to  establish  the  northern  boundary 
line  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  and  to  provide  for  the  admission  of  the 
State  of  Michigan  into  the  Union,  on  certain  conditions,'"  it  is  pro 
vided  in  section  second,  "that  the  seventy-two  (72)  sections  of  land 
set  apart  and  reserved  for  the  use  and  support  of  a  University,  are 
granted  and  conveyed  to  the  State,  tole  appropriated  solely  to  the  use 
and  support  of  such  University,  in  such  manner  as  the  Legislature 
may  prescribe." 

The  acceptance  or  rejection  of  this  donation,  under  the  restriction 
specified  in  the  grant,  was  submitted  propositionally  to  the  Legisla 
ture  of  Michigan,  and  by  them  was  accepted;  thus,  by  the  terms  of 
the  act.  making  it  •'  obligatory  upon  the  United  States." 

Sixth.  The  inhabitants  of  Berrien  county  h-ive  no  just  cause  of 
complaint,  under  the  present  organization  of  the  educational  system 
of  the  State. 

From  the  <;  abstract  of  school  returns,"  accompanying  the  report 
of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  it  appears  that  out  of 
1,278  children  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  1,167 
have  attended  school  four  months  on  an  average,  in  the  year.  The 
amount  of  money  received  from  the  treasurer  and  inspectors  of  school 
districts  in  the  county,  is  $583  92;  amounting  to  a  little  more  than 
forty-nine  cents  for  each  scholar,  for  the  attendance  on  school  one- 
third  of  the  year,  or  about  twelve  and  one-fourth  cents  per  month. 

To  estimate  the  cheapness  ^nd  universality  of  the  educational  ad 
vantages  enjoyed  by  this  county,  your  committee  would  institute  a 
comparison  between  it  and  the  county  least  favored  in  both  these  par 
ticulars,  to  wit:  the  county  of  Michilimackinac. 


123 

The  whole  number  of  children  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eight 
een  years,  in  this  county,  is  one  hundred  and  four,  (104)  as  stated  in 
the  '•  abstract  of  school  returns,"  although  undoubtedly  under-esti 
mated. 

Of  this  number  but  eighteen  have  attended  school,  and  that  too, 
on  an  average  of  only  three  months  in  the  year. 

The  amount  of  money  received  from  the  treasurer  and  inspectors 
is  thirty-five  dollars  ($35)  as  stated  in  the  "abstract,"  manifesting 
that  the  county  of  Michilimackinac  pays  an  average  of  two  dollars 
($2)  per  quarter  of  a  year  for  every  child  attending  school,  or  about 
sixty-six  cents  per  month,  which  is  more  than  quintuple  the  price  paid 
by  the  inhabitants  of  Berrien  county  for  the  same  amount  of  instruc 
tion. 

In  addition  to  this,  the  subjects  of  instruction  as  compared  with 
the  total  number  of  children  in  the  last  mentioned  county,  are  more 
numerou,,  than  the  like  subjects  compared  with  the  total  number  of 
children  in  Michilimackinac  county,  in  the  ratio  of  six  to  one.  So 
that  the  educational  advantages  of  the  former,  compared  with  the 
like  advantages  of  the  latter,  are,  in  reference  to  the  price  of  instruc 
tion,  five-fold,  and  in  regard  to  the  subject  of  instruction,  six-fold. 

Your  committee  have  set  forth  thus  at  large  the  reasons  of  their 
adverse  report,  not  so  much  with  a  view  to  satisfy  the  petitioners  as 
to  afford  the  House  an  opportunity,  by  endorsing  their  opinions,  of 
vindicating  the  sacredness  of  the  trust  committed  to  their  keeping, 
and  or  cherishing  the  high  purposes  for  which  that  trust;  was  crea 
ted. 

In  one  word,  your  committee  are  unanimously  of  the  opinion  that 
the  object  sought  by  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners  is  unnecessary, 
unprecedented  and  unconstitutional;  that  there  is  no  wisdom  in  the 
change  desired,  and  no  power  in  the  Legislature  or  the  people  to 
comply  with  their  wishes;  and  that,  under  this  state  of  facts,  no  leg 
islative  action  is  either  necessary  or  practicable. 

The  committee  on  education  also  reported,  that  the  school  law 
was  still  liable  to  many  objections,  yet  they  were  of  opinion  that  it 
was  preferable  to  submit  to  temporary  difficulties  rather  than  to  le 
gislate  anew  upon  a  subject  in  which  a  permanent  and  settled  policy  is 
as  much  to  be  consulted  as  correctness  of  principle  and  propriety 
of  detail;  that  the  only  change  which  appeared  to  be  called  for  under 
this  view,  was  in  the  basis  of  classification  when  parity  of  age,  and  not 
advaucement  in  knowledge,  had  been  unfortunately  adopted.  To 
remedy  this  evil  a  bill  was  reported. 

On  the  12th  of  March  an  act  was  approved  providing  for  the  more 
faithful  collection  of  fines  and  penalties,  which  were  appropriated  by 
the  constitution  to  the  township  libraries.  Grand  Rapids  academy- 
was  incorporated.  An  act  was  approved  March  9th,  requiring  mo- 


1-24 

iieys  paid  into  any  township,  village  or  city  treasury  under  the  pro 
visions  of  an  act  approved  Febuary  IT,  1842,  where  there  was  no 
township,  city  or  village  poor  recognized,  to  be  appropriated  to  the 
purchase  of  libraries.  By  an  act  approved  February  28,  the  Uni 
versity  fund  was  relieved  from  the  payment  of  interest  on  an  amount 
of  bonds  loaned  from  the  State  by  the  passage  of  a  la\v  authorizing 
the  receipt  of  obligations  of  the  State  in  payment  of  University  lands, 
•not  to  exceed  $100,000. 

On  the  llth  of  March,  another  act  was  passed  for  the  relief  of 
this  institution,  providing  that  upon  the  Regents  conveying  to  the 
-State  by  deed  their  interest  in  the  lot  of  ground  and  building  in  De 
troit  known  as  the  female  seminary,  the  Treasurer  of  the  State  should 
-credit  the  Regents  with  $8,095,  as  so  much  money  paid  by  them  on 
the  principal  of  the  University  State  stock,  issued  under  the  act  of 
April  6,  1838.  The  minimum  price  of  the  unsold  unimproved  Uni 
versity  lands  was  fixed  at  $12  per  acre,  and  the  same  description  of 
school  lands  at  &5  per  acre.  The  Utica  female  seminary  was  incor 
porated.  During  this  session  an  act  was-  passed  providing  for  the  re" 
•vision  and  consolidation  of  the  laws  of  the  State. 


1815. 

EXTRACT  FROM  GOVERNOR  BARRl's  MESSAGE. 

During  the  last  fiscal  year,  the  amount  received  into  the  treasury, 
to  the  credit  of  the  common  school  interest  fund,  being  the  revenue 
•of  the  common  school  fund  for  that  year,  was  $20,989  41  and  during 
the  same  period  $28,076  00  were  distributed  in  accordance  with  ex 
isting  provisions  of  law  for  support  of  schools. 

The  revenue  of  the  University  fund,  the  last  year,  was  $9,703  52. 
In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  "an  act  authorizing  the  receipt 
of  obligations  of  this  State  in  payment  of  University  lands,"  approved 
February  28,  1844,  and  of  "an  act  for  the  relief  of  the  University  of 
Michigan,"  approved  March  11,  1844;  the  indebtedness  of  the  Uni 
versity,  on  account  of  the  money  borrowed  for  its  use,  is  reduced  to 
$60,787  52.  This  diminution  of  its  debt,  will  greatly  relieve  the 
institution  from  its  previous  embarrassments. 

I  am  not  aware  that  any  legislative  action  is  expected  or  required 
at  the  present  session,  essentially  altering  the  system  of  education, 
now  existing  in  the  State.  If  any  change  be  deemed  necessary,  it 
is  believed  that  it  should  be  restricted  to  the  management  of  the  funds 
devoted  to  that  purpose.  The  strictest  accountability  should  be  re 
quired  of  all  in  any  way  intrusted  with  the  sale  of  school  and  Uni 
versity  lands,  or  with  the  investment  of  their  proceeds.  Losses  in 


125 

some  instances  have  already  been  sustained,  and  ihe  utmost  caution-. 
should  be  observed  to  prevent  their  recurrence. 

The  number  of  students  in  the  University  is  about  fifty;  and  the 
number  in  its  branches,  though  varying  at  different  periods  of  the 
year,  exceeds  one  hundred  and  fifty.  The  number  of  children  in  the 
State,  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  reported  to  the 
Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  is  eighty  thousand  four  hundred 
and  seventy-five;  and  the  number  taught  in  common  schools,  seventy 
thousand  two  hundred  and  twenty-seven.  The  low  standard  of  the 
qualification  of  teachers  in  these  primary  institutions,  is  found  to  be 
one  of  the  greatest  impediments  to  the  advancement  of  education. 
The  interest,  however,  that  seems  recently  awakened,  and  the  in 
creased  attention  that  is  every  where  paid  to  the  subject  will,  it  is- 
believed,  correct  this  evil. 

EXTRACTS  FROM  REPORT  OF  THE  SUPERINTENDENT. 

Authority  of  law  will  be  required  to  empower  a  district  to  raise  by 
tarxation  upon  its  property,  an  amount  of  money  considerably  larger 
than  it  is  now  authorized  to  raise  upon  any  occasion. 

Further — No  authority  now  exists  to  enable  a  district  to  tax  itself, 
for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  sum  of  money,  however  small,  to  pur 
chase  some  philosophical  apparatus,  and  other  appliances  in  the  ac 
quisition  of  learning.  A  portion  of  the  tax-payers  in  som<>  districts 
have  expressed  a  wish  that  such  authority  might  be  granted. 

It  is  gratifying  to  know  that  more  general  attention  is  now  being 
paid  to  popular  education  and  to  witness  the  rapid  increase  of  the 
number  of  scholars,  taught  in  the  primary  schools.  It  will  be  seen 
by  adverting  to  the  statistics  of  the  past,  and  present  years,  that  there 
were  reported  last  year,  sixty-six  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighteen 
scholars,  between  the  ages  of  4  and  18  years:  and  that  there  were 
taught  of  these,  in  the  public  schools,  fifty-five  thousand  five  hundred 
and  fifty-five.  And  that,  in  the  present  year,  there  were  reported 
eighty  thousand  four  hundred  and  seventy-five  scholars  between  the 
ages  of  4  and  18  years;  and  that  of  these,  seventy  thousand  two 
hundred  and  seventy-seven  have  been  taught  in  the  public  schools. 
Besides,  there  has  been,  it  is  believed,  a  proportionate  increase  ia 
the  number  of  pupils  instructed  in  the  various  grades  of  private 
schools. 

The  undersigned  is  happy  to  report,  that  the  township  libraries 
are  generally  considered  eminently  important  and  useful.  They  are 
rapidly  multiplying.  The  selection  of  books  has  been  very  judicious. 
For  various  valuable  matter,  adapted  to  readers  of  all  ages,  they 
may  be  justly  esteemed  a  rich  treasure.  They  are  an  ample  source 
of  general  knowledge,  and  oi  rational  pleasure  and  amusement  A 
fondness  for  books  is  a  very  great  blessing.  One  who  enjoys  it  is 
rarely  inclined  to  spend  his  leisure  hours  in  the  haunts  of  idleness 
and  folly — dissipation  and  gambling,  with  all  their  kindred  vices. 
Home,  retirement  and  study,  have  for  him  superior  interests  and  at 
tractions.  Reading  affords  him  topics  of  profitable  thought  and  con 
versation.  It  exerts  a  salutary  influence  on  his  ta«te.  moral  senti- 


126 

ments  and  manners.  It  enables  many  to  improve  the  arts — to  en 
large  the  circle  of  learning  and  science.  Such  are  happy  and  hon 
ored  while  they  live— and  after  they  have  gone  to  repose,  they  shall 
be  long  and  gratefully  remembered  as  the  benefactors  of  mankind, 
A  studious  disposition,  like  all  other  propensities,  is  strengthened  by 
indulgence.  A  capacity  for  lofty  achievement,  in  .any  department  of 
valuable  science,  is  augmented  by  all  wisely  directed  efforts  of  the 
mind  in  the  investigation  of  truth.  This  is  the  food  of  the  soul,  and 
the  more  it  is  fed  upon,  the  more  its  abundance  and  delicacies  are 
seen  and  enjoyed. 

The  condition  of  the  University  is  sufficiently  communicated  in 
the  reports  of  the  Regents  and  visitors  of  that  noble  institution.  The 
Faculty  continue,  of  course,  to  sustain  their  high  reputation  for  learn 
ing,  instruction  and  faithfulness. 

The  proficiency  of  the  students,  with  then-  exemplary  deportment, 
command  esteem,  and  inspire  a  hope  of  their  future  usefulness  and 
honor. 

The  branches  exhibit  renewed  evidence  of  their  great  utility  and 
success.  Their  able  and  laborious  teachers,  have  a  strong  hold  on 
the  respect  and  confidence  of  their  patrons  and  of  society. 

Many  cogent  reasons  induce  the  hope  that  the  branches  of  the 
University,  as  circumstances  shall  permit,  may  be  multiplied  and 
fostered. 

REPORT  OF  REGENTS. 

A  brighter  day  appeared  to  be  dawning  in  the  history  of  the  Uni 
versity.  The  Regents  say: 

It  affords  the  Board  the  greatest  pleasure,  to  express  the  deep  and 
gratetul  sense  of  obligation  under  which  they  feel  themselves  placed 
by  the  very  efficient  and  opportune  aid  extended  to  them  by  the  last 
Legislature.  For  the  two  previous  years,  it  has  been  their  painful 
task  and  duty,  to  set  forth  the  embarrassments  already  experienced, 
and  yet  further  anticipated,  in  sustaining  the  University  and  its 
branches.  '  Happily,  all  ground  of  fear  and  cause  of  complaint  have 
been  removed  by  the  Legislative  enactments,  during  the  last  session 
of  the  Legislature,  which  have  enabled  the  Board  of  Regents  to  re 
duce  their  permanent  debt,  nearly  forty  thousand  dollars,  and  their 
floating  incidental  debt  one-half.  Nor,  is  it  the  least  gratifying  cir 
cumstance,  that  the  arrangements,  by  which  this  has  been  effected, 
has  operated  as  propitiously  to  the  interests  of  the  State  as  to  the 
Board,  by  putting  the  former  in  possession  of  a  valuable  lot  and  build 
ing  adjacent  to  the  railroad  depot — which,  while  it  furnishes  conven 
ient  offices  for  the  various  functionaries  of  the  government,  affords 
peculiar  advantages  from  its  location,  to  citizens  from  the  interior  of 
the  State  who  have  business  to  tranact  with  them. 

The  fears  once  entertained  have  given  place  to  sanguine  hope,  and 
the  Board  cake  special  satisfaction,  in  the  assurance,  thus  given  by 
the  Legislature,  that  they  feel  a  deep  interest  in  the  success  and  pros 
perity  of  the  University,  and  are  determined  to  render  it,  what  its 


127 

ample  resources  are  abundantly  capable  of  making-  it,  an  ornament, 
as  well  as  a  blessing,  to  the  State. 

The  number  of  students  in  the  University  has  increased  during  the 
past  year,  so  much  as  to  bring  into  requisition  the  whole  of  the  dor 
mitories  in  the  large  and  commodious  building  erected  for  their  use, 
which  now,  is  insufficient  for  the  accommodation  of  all.  An  exten 
sion  of  these  edifices  for  this  purpose,  and  the  erection  of  a  chemical 
library,  will  very  e  hortly  become  necessary. 

The  entire  clashes,  commonly  organized  in  collegiate  institutions, 
are  now  formed,  and  making-  progress  in  their  studies  in  the  Univer 
sity.  During  the  coming  year,  the  first  class  will  be  graduated, 
which  from  past  examinations,  may  be  confidently  anticipated,  will 
prove  the  first  fruits  and  pledge  of  yet  greater  numbers  of  the  youth 
of  our  State,  to  be  introduced  to  the  different  professions,  through  the 
instrumentality  of  the  University. 

The  services  of  a  gentleman  having  been  secured  for  a  season,  with 
out  expense  to  the  Board,  in  the  professorship  of  chemistry,  so  as  to 
meet  the  reasonable  expectations  and  demands  of  the  class  to  be 
graduated,  and  leave  the  professorship  open  for  the  appointment  of  a 
permanent  professor  when  the  funds  of  the  institution  will  justify  it, 
and  the  number  of  the  students  render  it  necessary. 

The  report  of  the  committee  of  finance,  with  its  appended  docu 
ments,  shows  the  amount  by  which  the  permanent  debt  has  been  re 
duced  to  be  $'39,212  48.  The  disbursements  of  the  Board,  during 
the  past  year,  will  be  seen  in  the  documents  of  the  finance  committee 
hereto  appended,  to  have  been  less  than  the  receipts,  and  to  have  ex 
tinguished  about  one -half  of  the  incidental  debt  of  last  year,  thus 
affording  hope,  that  at  the  expiration  of  the  present  year,  the  Board 
will  be  able  to  meet  all  its  outstanding  liabilities,  after  paying  the  cur 
rent  expenses. 

The  EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE  of  the  board,  gives  an  assurance  of 
the  fidelity  of  the  professors  and  the  progress  of  the  students.  The 
Rev.  Mr.  Thompson  had  resigned,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 
Andrew  Ten  Brook.  The  preparatory  department  was  discontinued, 
and  a  tutor  of  languages  appointed.  Silas  H.  Douglass  was  also 
appointed  assistant  to  the  professor  of  Geology  and  Mineralogy. 

The  report  of  the  FACULTY  announced  the  aggregate  number  of 
students  to  be  fifty-two,  and  suggested  to  the  Regents  that  their  rep 
resentatives,  in  the  form  of  a  visiting  committee,  should  attend  at  all 
examinations. 

The  committee  reported  the  number  of  students  in  attendance  at 
the  branches,  to  be  133.  The  Academy  at  Romeo  had  been 
made  a  branch,  and  the  branch  at  Monroe  had  been  revived  under 
the  direction  of  Mr.  Maybe w,  but  without  the  aid  of  an  appropria 
tion. 


The  BOARD  OF  VISITORS  appointed  by  the  Supsrintendent,  consist 
ing  of  the  following  gentlemen,  Rev.  Chauncey  W.  Fitch,  Rev.  An 
drew  Ten  Brook,  C.  N.  Ormsby,  Esq.,  and  Br.  Samuel  Denton,  bad 
attended  the  examinations  and  expressed  their  satisfaction  at  the  re 
sults  they  had  witnessed.  They  remark  that  the  State  has  reason  to 
be  more  than  satisfied  with  the  fidelity  with  which  the  professors  bad 
attended  to  the  duties  of  their  own  appointments,  and  the  general 
interests  of  the  University. 

The  public  buildings  were  found  in  excellent  order — especially 
that  which  was  appropriated  to  the  students.  The  library  was  well 
kept  and  in  good  preservation.  The  cabinet  of  natural  history  was 
likewise  in  a  perfect  state.  The  public  grounds  were  under  cultiva 
tion,  preparatory  to  further  improvements.  There  was  a  deficiency 
in  philosophical  apparatus,  which  the  visitors  recommended  sbould 
be  supplied.  They  remark  further,  that  the  measures  adopted  by 
the  last  Legislature,  were  designed  to  benefit  the  interests  of  educa 
tion;  that  they  were  wisely  planned  for  the  purpose,  and  secured  the 
objects  to  the  full  extent  that  was  sought.  They  conclude  by  say 
ing,  tf?at  "greatly  to  the  relief  of  the  Regents  and  the  joy  of  those 
who  wish  well  to  the  rising  generation,  the  legislation  of  the  last 
winter,  without  taxing  the  State,  saved  the  UNIVP:RSITY  from  being 
closed — enabled  it  to  go  on  with  fair  prospects  of  ultimate  success, 
and  to  liquidate,  in  a  few  months,  $30,000  of  its  debt.  The  hope 
may  now  be  reasonably  indulged,  that  the  action  of  the  Legislature, 
for  some  time  to  come  will  be  favorable,  and  that  a  few  more  years 
of  that  prudent  and  liberal  spirit,  which  devised  and  matured  the 
measures  of  last  winter,  will  accomplish  most  of  those  objects  which 
the  founders  of  the  institution  contemplated,  the  best  interests  of  ed 
ucation  demand,  and  the  Regents  have  been  laboring  to  effect" 

LIBRARIES. 

The  committee  on  education,  through  Hon.  ANDREW  HARVIE,  their 
chairman,  reported  that  they  had  had  under  consideration,  a  petition 
praying  an  alteration  of  the  primary  school  laws,  so  that  the  assess 
ment,  levy  and  collection  of  money  for  the  purchase  of  books  for  the 
township  libraries  might  be  optional  with  the  qualified  electors.  They 
did  not  think  expedient  to  grant  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners,  be 
cause, 


129 

1.  The  school  law  of  1843,  had,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee, 
not  been  in  operation  a  length  of  time  sufficient  to  test  its  merits,  and 
the  provisions  of  the  law   were  believed  to  be  well  adapted  to  the 
wants  of  the  State. 

2.  While  the  township  libraries  are  intended  for  the  use  of  all  the 
inhabitants  of  the   township,  there  could  be   no  doubt  but  that  the 
youth  who  have  not  reached  the  age  of  qualified  electors,  would,  for 
the  most  part,  avail   themselves  of  and  derive  the  principal  benefit 
from  these  libraries,  and  the  exclusion  of  that  portion  of  the  inhabit 
ants  from  any  voice   in  the  establishment  of  these  libraries,  seemed 
unjust. 

3.  The  committee  were  aware   of  the  general  truth,    that  mental 
indolence,  and  a  reluctance  to  the  acquisition  of  knowledge,  are  in 
herent  vices  of  the  human  mind;  and  therefore  they  were  of  opin 
ion  that  all  proper  means,  consistent  with  the  spirit  of  our  institu 
tions,  should  be  devised  and  adopted,  to  stimulate  the  public  mind 
to  rational  exertion,  and  to  furnish  means  for  the  action  of  that  stim 
ulated  mental  exertion,  and  this  opinion  was  the  more  strengthened 
by  the  reflection  that  as  public  opinion  is  the  only  basis  of  our  gov 
ernment,  in  proportion  as  public  opinion  was  informed  and  enlighten 
ed,  would  the  government  become  more  stable  and  respectable. 

4.  The  amount  required  for  the  libraries  was  utterly  insignificant, 
compared  with  the  vast  general  benefit  which  would  flow  from  their 
establishment. 

The  question  of  conferring  upon  incorporated  literary  institutions 
the  powers  of  conferring  degrees,  was  again  presented  to  the  consid 
eration  of  the  Legislature,  and  Mr.  HAKVIE  made  a  report  in  relation 
thereto. 

The  committee  on  education  have  had  under  consideration  a  peti 
tion  of  the  Trustees  of  the  Kalamazoo  Literary  Institute,  praying 
that  their  charter  may  be  so  amended  as  to  give  them  the  power  of 
conferring  the  honors  and  degrees,  usually  conferred  by  collegiate 
institutions,  on  such  students  as  may  have  completed  the  ordinary 
course  of  studies  in  that  institution,  and  have  instructed  me  to  report, 
that,  in  the  opinion  of  your  committee,  the  usefulness  and  reputation 
of  a  seminary  of  learning,  depend  on  the  excellence  of  the  system 
of  instruction  adopted  and  pursued  therein,  and  not  on  any  power 
possessed  by  the  managers  thereof,  of  conferring  empty  degrees 
and  diplomas.  If  a  young  man  has  undergone  a  mental  discipline 
which  has  aroused  his  intellect,  fortified  his  virtue,  stored  his  mem 
ory  with  useful  knowledge,  and  induced  habits  of  application  and 
thought,  he  will  enter  the  world  with  a  certainty  of  attaining,  in  due 
time,  to  a  respectable  position  among  his  fellow  men,  and  this  without 
the  aid  of  a  parchment  certificate,  and  an  idle  "A.  B."  or  "A.  M." 
attached  to  his  name.  The  institution  where  such  a  discipline  pre 
vails  will  not  depend  for  patronage  and  success  on  its  power  of  con 
ferring  literary  degrees  and  honors,  but  on  the  recognized  excellence 
of  its  system.  When  the  trustees  of  an  institution  of  learning 
17 


130 

for,  and  urge  the  necessity  of  receiving,  the  power  of  conferring  de 
grees,  "  to  enable  them  to  adapt  the  institution  to  the  present  time 
and  circumstances,  to  carry  out  its  original  design,  and  to  promote  the 
interests  of  education  generally,"  a  suspicion  is  engendered  that  the 
trustees  are  laboring  under  a  slight  misapprehension  of  the  true  ob 
jects  and  aims  of,  and  the  internal  economy  adapted  to,  such  an  in 
stitution.  Your  committee  are  of  opinion  that  this  power  should  be 
exercised  by  those  institutions  alone,  which,  by  the  possession  and 
control  of  ample  means,  the  employment  of  distinguished  and  well 
known  professors,  and  the  enjoyment  of  a  wide  spread  and  deserved 
reputation,  will  afford  a  guarantee  against  the  abuse  of  the  power. 
Experience  teaches  us  that  colleges  in  some  of  the  States  have  been 
so  reckless  and  indiscreet  in  conferring  honors  on  unworthy  subjects, 
that  it  is  not  uncommon  to  encounter  an  A.  B.  or  an  A.  M.  incapable 
of  construing  and  translating  his  own  diploma.  Though  your  com 
mittee  apprehend  no  such  foolish  consequences  from  granting  the 
prayer  of  this  petition,  yet,  they  think  that  great  caution  should  be 
used,  lest  the  standard  of  education  be  lowered.  Former  legisla 
tures  have  been  laudably  careful  in  bestowing  this  power  on  char 
tered  schools,  and  the  only  two  instances  in  which  it  has  been  ex 
tended,  are  so  guarded  and  restricted,  that  the  clause  is  little  better 
than  a  dead  letter  in  the  acts  of  incorporation.  But  your  committee 
doubt  the  policy  of  conferring  these  degrees  at  all.  They  are  in 
consistent  with  the  spirit  of  our  institutions,  and  a  vestige  of  the 
aristocratical  distinctions  of  monarchical  Europe.  The  hope  of  at 
taining  them  is  a  motive  addressed  not  to  the  reason  or  generous 
emulation  of  youth,  but  merely  to  their  vanity.  Intellect,  morality 
and  knowledge,  confer  a  patent  in  their  possessor  universally  recog 
nized  and  respected — a  patent  which  schools  can  neither  give  nor 
take  away.  And  it  is  a  remarkable  fact  in  our  nation's  annals,  that 
while  a  majority  of  those  great  and  good  men,  whose  names  are 
identified  with  the  national  glory,  were  ardent  and  untiring  devotees 
at  the  shrine  of  knowledge,  still  they  never  attained  the  distinction 
of  an  academical  degree. 

Mr.  CARTER,  from  the  committee  to  whom  the  subject  was  refer 
red,  reported  against  a  bill  to  incorporate  seminaries  of  learning,  on 
the  ground,  mainly,  that  all  general  incorporation  laws  were  unconsti 
tutional. 

During  the  year,  an  act  was  passed  incorporating  Ann  Arbor  Fe 
male  Seminary;  the  Michigan  Central  College,  at  Spring  Arbor;  the 
charter  of  the  Wesleyan  Seminary  amended,  and  the  Ypsilanti  Sem 
inary  incorporated;  a  further  act  for  the  relief  of  purchasers  of  Uni 
versity  and  school  lands.  Misses  darks'  school,  at  Ann  Arbor,  was 
incorporated. 

An  act  was  passed  relative  to  primary  schools,  providing  for  the 
organization  of  districts;  and  that  whenever  any  school  district  should 


131 

be  so  large  as  to  contain  more  than  one  hundred  scholars,  between 
four  and  eighteen  years  of  age,  the  district  might  raise  a  sum  of  mo 
ney  from  the  taxable  property,  for  leasing  and  purchasing  a  site  and 
building  a  school  house,  not  to  exceed  in  any  one  year,/o«r  dollars 
a  scholar.  It  enacted  that  in  no  case  should  the  school  house  be  con 
nected  with  any  other  building;  and  further  provided  that  a  major 
ity  of  two-thirds  of  the  voters  voting  at  a  school  district  meeting, 
called  for  that  purpose,  should  vote  for  such  tax.  It  gave  power  to 
the  inspectors,  annually  to  appoint  a  librarian;  and  took  the  charge 
of  the  library  from  the  township  clerk,  as  provided  by  a  prior  law. 

Ira  Mayhew,  of  Monroe,  was  nominated  and  confirmed  as  Super 
intendent  of  Public  Instruction. 

1810 

EXTRACT  FROM  GOV.  FELCIl's  FIRST  MESSAGE. 

The  subject  of  common  schools  is  universally  acknowledged  to  be 
one  of  vital  interest  in  every  free  government.  The  liberal  reser 
vation  by  the  general  government  of  section  sixteen  in  each  of  the 
townships  of  the  State,  for  that  purpose,  has  enabled  us  to  secure  a 
fund  that  will  do  much  in  support  of  our  common  schools,  and  for 
the  diffusion  of  knowledge  among  the  youth  of  the  State.  There- 
port  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  will  give  the  ne 
cessary  information  on  the  important  subjects  coming  within  his 
supervision.  The  whole  number  of  scholars  that  have  attended  the 
common  schools  during  the  past  year,  is  75,770.  Of  these,  69,253 
are  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  2,289  under  four 
years,  and  4,228  over  eighteen  years.  There  are  also  in  the  State 
20,752  persons  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  who 
have  not  attended  the  common  schools;  the  whole  number  of  children 
between  four  and  eighteen,  being  90,006.  The  amount  of  school 
interest  money  distributed  in  the  last  year,  for  the  support  of  the 
schools,  was  $22,113. 

A  provision  having  been  made  by  Congress,  May  '20,  1826,  by 
which  the  State  was  authorized,  when  the  school  section  in  a  town 
ship  was  fractional  merely,  or  entirely  wanting,  to  select  other  lands 
to  supply  the  deficiency,  the  State  geologist  was,  by  act  of  March  1, 
1845,  authorized  and  required  to  ascertain  the  quantity  thus  defi 
cient,  and  to  report  the  same  to  the  Legislature,  at  the  present  ses 
sion.  This  duty  has  been  performed  under  the  direction  of  the  State 
Geologist,  and  the  result  will  be  reported  to  you  by  the  Topographer, 
to  whose  charge,  since  the  death  of  the  Geologist,  the  documents 
relating  to  the  same  were  committed.  These  returns  contain  maps, 
and  complete  descriptions  of  all  the  fractional  sections  of  common 
school  lands  in  the  lower  peninsula,  and  of  lands  which  have  been 


located  to  supply  such  deficiency.  The  quantity  of  land  to  whioit 
the  State  is  entitled,  for  such  deficiency  in  the  lower  peninsula,  is 
20,729.68  acres.  This,  added  to  the  quantity  of  entire  sections  ic 
the  several  townships,  and  also  of  the  fractional  sections,  gives  for 
the  whole  amount  of  school  lands  in  the  lower  peninsula,  759,518.69 
acres.  The  quantity  of  school  lands  in  the  upper  peninsula  is  esti 
mated  at  380,481.31  acres.  The  whole  number  of  acres  6f  school 
lands  in  the  State,  is  1,140,000.  The  minimum  value  of  these  lands, 
as  fixed  by  law,  would  be  $5,700.000,  yielding  an  annual  interest, 
at  seven  per  cent.,  of  $399,000.  A  sale  of  all  these  lands,  at  the 
present  minimum  price  of  five  dollars  per  acre,  is  certainly  not  at 
present  anticipated,  and  may  not  take  place  for  many  years;  yet  the 
statement  exhibits  a  noble  fund,  from  which  the  amount  actually 
realized  is  now  very  considerable,  and  must  continue  greatly  to  in 
crease. 

A  wise  provision  of  the  school  law,  in  connection  wiih  a  require 
ment  of  the  constitution,  designed  to  promote  the  same  object,  has 
laid  the  foundation  for  valuable  township  and  district  school  libraries, 
and  during  the  past  year  many  such  libraries  have  been  established. 
A  more  effectual  method  of  fostering  a  taste  for  reading,  and  a  thirst 
for  knowledge,  and  of  diffusing  intelligence  and  enlarged  views  of 
morals  and  patriotism,  could  scarcely  be  devised.  Their  influence 
is  at  the  fire-side,  and  in  silence,  yet  it  is  an  influence  that  will  do 
much  to  elevate  the  people  of  Michigan. 

Our  State  University,  although  it  has  been  in  actual  operation  less 
than  five  years,  has  already  given  promise  of  great  usefulness,  and 
assumed  a  rank  as  a  literary  institution,  of  which  Michigan  may  well 
be  proud.  There  are  now  connected  with  the  University,  seventy 
students.  The  ability  of  its  professors,  the  extensive  library  and 
cabinets,  and  the  liberal  principles  upon  which  it  is  conducted,  are 
constantly  attracting  students  to  its  hulls.  The  fact  that  no  tuition 
fee  is  charged  to  any  resident  of  the  State  opens  its  door  to  all,  and 
makes  knowledge  literally  free. 

The  University  fund,  at  an  early  day  of  its  existence,  became  in 
debted  to  the  State  for  loan  of  $100,000,  and  the  interest  of  this  deb; 
has  been  liquidated  from  the  interest  received  annually  on  the  fund. 
The  acts  of  the  Legislature,  approved  February  28,  1844,  and  March 
11,  1844,  authorized  the  State  Treasurer  to  receive  certain  property 
and  State  warrants  belonging  to  the  University  fund,  and  to  credit 
the  same  on  this  loan,  and  also  authorized  the  sale  of  University  lands 
for  internal  improvement  warrants,  which  were  to  be  paid  into  tbe 
State  treasury,  and  credited  in  like  manner.  The  effect  of  these 
provisions  have  been  materially  to  aid  in  relieving  the  fund  from  its 
embarrassments.  The  amount  received  by  the  State,  under  these 
provisions,  and  credited  to  the  University  fund,  is  $56,774  1 4,  leav 
ing  due  to  the  State  from  that  fund,  for  principle,  $43,225  86.  The 
amount  received  on  this  fund  during  the  past  fiscal  year,  for  interest 
on  account  of  lands  sold,  and  on  loans,  was  89,724  74.  Deducting 
from  this  sum  the  interest  due  the  State  on  the  loan  before  men 
tioned,  above  the  interest  allowed  on  warrants  paid  in,  the  available 


13S 

income  for  the  past  year  is  found  to  be  $6,138  39,  while  in  1843,  it 
was  but  little  over  $1,100-  The  embarrassment  of  the  fund  has 
occasioned  a  withdrawal  of  pecuniary  aid  from  most  of  the  branches 
of  the  University.  Six  of  these  branches  have  been  continued  in 
operation,  three  of  which  are  supported  entirely  by  the  avails  of  pri 
vate  tuition;  to  each  of  the  others,  the  sum  of  $200  has  been  allowed 
during  the  year.  The  number  of  students  in  these  branches,  and 
in  the  preparatory  department  of  the  University,  is  396.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  returning  prosperity  may  again  enable  the  Regents  to 
afford  them  such  aid  as  necessity  and  good  policy  shall  demand. 

REPORT  OF  SUPERINTENDENT. 

The  Superintendent  embraces  in  his  report  the  following  subjects: 
the  duty  of  States  in  relation  to  education;  the  condition  of  the  pub- 
[ic  schools,  visitation  of  schools,  libraries,  school  houses,  the  condi 
tion  of  the  University  and  its  branches;  the  system  of  public  schools, 
proposed  modifications  of  the  school  law,  teachers'  associations,  fe 
male  influence,  and  other  subjects  of  interest  and  practical  impor 
tance. 

His  appreciation  of  the  important  duty  devolved  upon  the  State, 
m  the  work  of  education,  is  manifested  in  the  following  extract  from 
his  report: 

The  education  of  children  in  a  manner  suitable  to  their  station  and 
calling  is  generally  conceived  a  branch  of  parental  duty  of  very  great 
importance  to  the  welfare  of  the  State.  Education,  (as  here  used,) 
implies  every  preparation  that  is  made  in  youth  for  after  life.  This 
parental  duty  is  strongly  and  persuasively  inculcated  by  writers  on  na 
tional  law.  Says  Kent,  "  a  parent  who  sends  his  son  into  the  world 
uneducated,  and  without  skill  in  any  art  or  science,  does  a  great  in 
jury  to  mankind,  as  well  as  to  his  own  family,  for  he  defrauds  the 
community  of  a  useful  citizen,  and  bequeaths  to  it  a  nuisance."  Pa- 
ley  says,  "to  send  an  uneducated  child  into  the  world,  is  a  public 
injury,  and  little  better  than  to  turn  a  mad  dog  or  a  wild  beast  into 
the  streets."  Solon,  the  great  Athenian  lawgiver,  was  so  deeply 
impressed  with  this  obligation,  that  he  even  excused  the  children  of 
Athens  from  maintaining  their  parents  if  they  had  neglected  to  train 
them  to  nome  art  or  profession. 

Enlightened  and  liberal  minded  individuals  of  every  age  and  na 
tion  have  regarded  it  the  duty  of  State  to  provide  for  the  education 
of  the  children  of  the  poor.  Distinguished  exertions  have  been  made 
in  several  parts  of  modern  Europe,  for  the  introduction  of  elementary 
instruction  accessible  to  the  young  of  all  classes.  This  has  been  the 
case  particularly  in  Denmark,  Prussia,  and  some  parts  of  Germany 
and  Switzerland,  In  this  branch  of  political  economy,  Scotland 
attained  to  early  and  very  honorable  pre-eminence.  More  than  two 
eenturies  ago,  the  Scottish  parliament  adopted  measures  for  settling 
and  supporting  a  common  school  in  each  parish  at  the  expense  of  the 


134 

landed  proprietors.  And  what  has  been  the  result?  The  Scotch 
are,  as  a  nation,  better  instructed,  and  more  moral  and  religious  in 
their  habits,  than  any  other  people  in  Europe.  ****** 
Great  pains  have  been  taken,  and  munificent  provision  has  been 
made,  in  this  country,  to  diffuse  the  means  of  knowledge,  and  to  ren 
der  elementary  instruction  accessible  to  all.  The  first  legal  provis 
ion  for  sustaining  free  public  schools  was  in  1647,  and  Massachusetts 
has  the  honor  of  taking  the  lead  in  this  country,  in  this  great  and  wise 
policy.  In  the  colonies  of  New  Haven  and  Connecticut,  early  pro 
vision  was  made  for  the  establishment  and  maintainance  of  common 
schools,  which  were  placed  upon  a  permanent  foundation  a  century 
before  the  Revolution.  The  State  of  Connecticut  has,  by  its  consti 
tution,  declared  the  school  fund  to  be  perpetual  and  inviolate.  Or 
dinary  education  is  so  far  enforced,  (and  indeed  was  long  prior  to  the 
Revolution,)  that  if  parents  will  not  teach  their  children  the  elements 
of  knowledge,  by  causing  them  to  read  the  English  tongue  well,  and 
to  know  the  laws  against  capital  offences,  the  select  men  of  the  town 
are  enjoined  to  take  their  children  from  such  parents,  and  bind  them 
out  to  proper  masters,  where  they  will  be  educated  to  some  useful 
employment,  and  be  taught  to  read  and  write,  and  the  rules  of  arith 
metic  necessary  to  transact  ordinary  business.  This  regulation,  said 
the  late  chief  justice  Reeve,  has  produced  very  astonishing  effects, 
and  to  it  is  to  be  attributed  the  knowledge  ©f  reading  and  writing  so 
universal  among  the  people  of  that  State.  During  the  twenty -seven 
years  in  which  that  distinguished  lawyer  was  in  extensive  practice, 
he  informs  us  he  never  found  but  one  person  in  Connecticut  who  could 
not  read  and  write. 

The  total  number  of  scholars  that  had  attended  common  schools 
during  the  year  was  75,770.  The  number  that  had  not  attended 
school,  20,753.  The  Superintendent  says: 

There  is  one  entire  county  from  which  no  returns  have  been  re 
ceived.  There  are,  also,  in  the  twenty-nine  counties  from  which  re 
ports  have  been  received,  eighteen  entire  towns  that  have  made  no 
report.  There  are,  in  addition  to  these,  in  the  three  hundred  and 
ninety  .nine  towns  from  which  reports  have  been  received,  588  dis 
tricts  from  which  reports  have  not  been  received.  This  is,  indeed, 
alarming.  But  what  adds  to  the  darkness  qf  the  picture,  there  are 
in  the  2,095  districts  from  which  reports  have  been  received,  4,578 
children  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  who  have  not 
attended  any  school  during  the  year,  and  who  cannot  read,  write  and 
cipher.  This  is  by  no  means  a  favorable  omen)  But  are  there  no 
schools  in  those  townships  and  districts  from  which  no  reports  have 
been  received?  In  many  cases  there  are.  They  are  not,  however, 
common  schools.  They  are  not  entitled  to  participate  in  the  avails  of 
the  school  fund.  They  are  private  schools,  or  what  are  ordinarily 
denominated  select  schools. 

The  average  length  of  time  scholars  between  the  ages  of  four  and 
eighteen  years  have  attended  school,  was  a  fraction  less  than  four 


135 

months.  The  average  wages  per  month  paid  male  teachers  in  the 
State,  $11  98.  The  average  monthly  wages  paid  female  teachers, 
exclusive  of  board,  $5  24.  The  Superintendent  remarks: 

For  such  compensation  it  is  not  reasonable  to  expect  that  a  high 
degree  of  literary  attainment,  coupled  with  professional  skill,  would 
be  called  into  service.  The  wages  and  qualifications  of  teachers 
must  be  proportional.  The  payment  of  high  salaries  to  inferior 
teachers  will  not  insure  good  schools.  The  tendency,  however,  of 
paying  higher  wages  will  be  to  direct  the  attention  of  a  greater  num 
ber  of  persons  to  the  profession  of  teaching.  A  competition  will 
thus  be  created,  and  soon  higher  literary  attainments  and  greater 
professional  skill  will  be  brought  into  the  service. 

Neither  will  the  payment  of  moderate  or  low  salaries  to  good 
teachers  necessarily  produce  poor  schools.  It  will  not,  however, 
long  secure  the  services  of  good  teachers.  As  is  the  demand,  so 
will  be  the  supply.  If  a  reasonable  compensation  is  offered  for  the 
services  of  good  teachers,  young  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  the  first 
order  of  talent  will  attain  the  requisite  qualifications,  and  cheerfully 
tax  their  best  capabilities  in  the  interesting  though  arduous  duties  of 
this  profession.  He  who  can  teach  a  good  school  can  engage  with 
proportionate  success  in  other  pursuits.  If  he  is  not  reasonably 
compensated  for  teaching,  he  will  seek  a  more  lucrative  employ 
ment.  It  is  the  opinion  of  some  that  a  second  or  third  order  of  in 
tellect  is  all  that  is  desirable  to  constitute  a  successful  common  school 
teacher.  This  is  evidently  erroneous.  It  may  be  all  that  the  pres 
ent  compensation  will  long  retain  in  the  service.  But  it  is  not^all 
that  its  importance  claims.  As  is  the  teacher,  so  will  be  the  school. 
And  as  are  our  common  schools,  so  will  be  our  future  legislators  and 
statesmen. 

The  total  amount  of  school  money  received  in  the  several  districts, 

as  reported,  was $33,293  33 

Amount  raised  by  tax, 59,931  62 

received  from  local  funds, 1,649  58 

paid  unqualified  teachers, , . . .      5,880  75 

Total,.. .#90,775  28 

The  total  amount  for  building  and  repairing  school  houses,  and 
for  the  payment  of  teachers  qualified  and  unqualified,  embracing 
the  public  money,  was  only  one  dollar  a  scholar  for  each  child  be 
tween  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years.  Four  thousand  four 
hundred  and  ninety-two  children  had  been  taught  in  select  schools, 
at  an  average  of  $2  64  per  quarter,  and  3,013  of  these  were  between 
the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen.  The  Superintendent  says: 


lot) 

A  simple  arithmetical  calculation,  based  upon  these  data,  shows 
that  the  expense  of  teaching  a  given  number  of  scholars  in  select 
schools,  is  more  than  three  times  as  much  as  common  schools,  em 
bracing  the  amount  paid  for  building  and  repairing  school  houses. 

In  relation  to  visitation,  the  report  shows  that  the  inspectors  had 
paid  1,956  visits  to  the  schools,  deducting-  274  for  the  city  of  De 
troit.  On  this  subject  the  Superintendent  says: 

The  several  district  boards  have  visited  their  schools  a  less  number 
of  times  than  the  inspectors;  the  entire  number  of  visits  being  less 
than  half  the  number  of  schools.  Parents  are  the  natural  guardians 
and  teachers  of  their  children.  The  work  of  education  cannot  safely 
be  conducted  exclusively  by  delegation.  Indeed,  were  it  safe,  it 
would  seem  as  though  parents  who  are  properly  interested  in  the 
education  of  their  offspring  would  esteem  it  a  privilege  to  visit  their 
schools  at  least  once  a  month.  But  the  district  officers  have  not,  on 
an  average,  visited  them  once  in  eighteen  months!  Frequent  visits 
to  the  school  by  inspectors  and  parents,  encourage  both  teacher  and 
scholars.  The  teacher  will  pursue  his  labor  of  love  with  a  -lighter 
heart,  and  with  increased  devotion,  feeling  that  he  has  the  counte 
nance  and  co-operation  of  the  parents  of  his  charge.  Children,  too, 
will  be  inspired  to  redouble  their  diligence  in  climbing  the  rugged 
hill  «f  science. 

A  useful  purpose  was  accomplished  by  the  Superintendent,  in  di 
recting  his  efforts  to  apply  to  the  purposes  to  which  they  had 
been  devoted  by  the  constitution  and  laws,  the  moneys  arising  from 
fines,  penalties  and  forfeiture*.  ' 

He  addressed  a  letter  of  inquiry  to  the  Attorney  General,  whore- 
plied  that  the  board  ot  supervisors  had  no  power  to  remit  tines  im 
posed  by  courts  of  law,  and  that  all  money  collected  or  received  br 
the  county  treasurers,  on  fines,  penalties,  or  forfeiture  of  recogni 
sances,  must  be  paid  to  the  school  inspectors,  and  by  them  invested 
in  a  township  library,  and  also  that  a  neglect  of  the  supervisor  to 
assess  the  half  mill  tax,  rendered  him  liable  for  neglect  of  official 
duty. 

The  amount  of  money  apportioned  for  this  year,  was  $22,113  00. 

Under  the  head  of  <;  examination  of  our  system  of  public  schools," 
the  Superintendent  says: 

Our  system  of  education  possesses  many  admirable  features,  Any 
child  residing  within  an  organized  district  is  entitled  to  attend  the 
common  school,  whether  his  parents  are  able  to  pay  his  tuition  or 
not.  The  law  also  provides  for  supplying  the  children  of  indigent 
parents  with  such  books  as  they  may  need. 

Our  system  of  township  libraries  is  an  admirable  one,  and  is  par 
ticularly  adapted  to  the  wants  of  townships  with  a  sparse  population. 


137 

It  is  superior  to  the  district  system,  inasmuch  as  it  enables  the 
township  to  purchase  a  greater  number  of  more  valuable  books,  to 
which,  also,  each  individual  of  the  township  is  enabled  in  due  time 
to  have  access.  The  principal  impediment  to  the  usefulness  of  these 
libraries  lies  in  the  circumstance  that  directors  are  frequently  remiss 
in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  For  the  manner  in  which  it  is 
thought  this  impediment  may  be  removed,  see  the  sequel  of  this  re 
port. 

The  total  number  of  volumes  in  all  of  the  township  and  school 
district  libraries  of  the  State  does  not  yet  equal  one-third  of  the 
number  of  children  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years. 

Statutory  provision  is  also  made  for  the  establishment  of  union 
schools  in  cities,  villages  and  densely  settled  townships.  In  this  man 
ner  the  advantages  of  the  common  school,  and  the  highest  order  of 
select  schools  may  be  happily  combined,  without  any  of  the  mischie 
vous  consequences  resulting  from  an  inviduous  distinction.  It  is 
hoped  that  villages  generally  in  which  there  are  two  or  three  dis 
tricts,  will  avail  themselves  of  the  provision  of  the  37th  section  of  the 
school  law. 

Our  University  system,  with  branches  in  different  parts  of  the  State, 
is  justly  entitled  to  the  commendation  which  it  has  so  generally  re 
ceived  wherever  it  is  known. 

Our  common  schools,  the  branches  of  the  University,  and  the  pa 
rent  institution,  are  intimately  connected.  If  properly  conducted, 
die  success  of  each  will  exert  a  healthful  influence  upon  both  of  the 
others.  Each  should  hold  its  own  appropriate  place  in  our  system  of 
public  instruction,  and  neither  should  attempt  to  do  the  legitimate 
work  of  another.  Our  system  will  thus  be  prosperous  and  efficient. 
Otherwise,  it  will  suffer  in  all  its  departments.  For  example,  if  a 
branch  attempts  to  do  the  appropriate  work  of  the  common  school, 
and  opens  wide  its  doors  for  the  reception  of  scholars  in  the  common 
English  branches,  the  common  schools  in  the  vicinity  will  manifestly 
be  weakened,  and  sustain  sensible  loss.  The  branch  itself  will  be  in 
jured  as  suck,  and  become  a  semi-common  school.  It  will  hence 
prepare  a  less  number  of  students  for  the  University  than  it  would 
otherwise  be  likely  to  do.  There  seems  to  be  a  deficiency  in  the  su 
pervision  exercised  over  our  schools — particularly  our  common 
schools.  Our  district  officers  have  each  their  particular  work  assign 
ed  them.  The  duties  of  the  moderator  are  not  arduous.  His  office 
h  rather  an  honorary  one  than  otherwise.  The  assessor  is  required 
to  collect  rate-bills  for  teachers'  wages,  for  which  he  is  allowed  his 
regular  per  centage.  The  director  is  charged  with  more  important 
and  responsible  duties  than  either  of  the  other  members  of  the  district 
board.  It  is  his  duty  to  keep  a  record  of  the  proceedings  of  the  dis 
trict,  with  the  consent  of  the  moderator  or  assessor  to  employ  a  teach 
er,  to  call  district  meetings  under  certain  circumstances,  to  take  the 
census,  to  furnish  the  teacher  with  a  copy  of  the  same,  to  make  out 
a  rate  bill,  and  annex  thereto  a  warrant  for  its  collection,  to  provide 
the  necessary  appendages  for  the  school  house,  to  give  notice  of  the 
aonual  meeting,  to  draw  books  from  the  township  library,  and  act  as 
16 


138 

district  librarian,  to  make  an  annual  report,  &c.,  for  all  of  which  he 
is  allowed  nothing.  This  seems,  in  many  instances,  to  operate  inju 
riously  upon  the  schools,  particularly  when  we  take  into  account  the 
fact  that  the  man  who  is  best  qualified  to  officiate  as  director,  has  fre 
quently  no  personal  interest  in  the  school.  This  service  is  too  ardu 
ous  to  be  well  performed  gratuitously.  There  are  other  duties  also, 
that  the  director  should  perform,  which  will  be  considered  in  part  four 
of  this  report. 

It  is  believed  our  system  of  school  inspectors  might  be  rendered 
more  efficient,  and  at  the  same  time  less  expensive.  At  present,  a 
meeting  of  the  board  is  necessary  to  examine  teachers,  and  indeed, 
to  transact  any  business.  It  takes  time  to  assemble  the  board,  and 
is  also  attended  with  expense.  When  met  for  the  examination  of 
teachers,  generally  the  person  who  is  regarded  as  the  literary  mem 
ber  of  the  board,  conducts  the  examination  chiefly.  The  certificate 
is  made  out  and  signed  by  all  the  members  of  the  board.  If  their 
action  proves  to  be  unwise,  each  member  being  a  minority,  the  re 
sponsibility  is  thrown  upon  the  other  two.  Thus,  one  man  labors, 
three  men  are  paid  for  it,  and  nobody  is  responsible  for  what  they 
do. 

It  is  respectfully  suggested  that  it  would  be  better  to  elect  one  in 
spector  in  each  town,  pay  him  for  what  he  does,  and  hold  him  re 
sponsible  for  it.  As  the  board  is  now  constituted,  the  Legislature 
have  regarded  it  necessary  to  limit  the  number  of  meetings  in  a  year 
at  the  expense  of  the  township.  This  limitation  is  thought  by  many 
to  operate  injuriously  to  the  interests  of  schools. 

Complaint  is  made  of  the  general  incorrectness  of  the  reports  of 
the  county  clerks.  Less  time  also  remained  in  which  to  make  out  the 
annual  report  of  the  Superintendent,  than  the  law  allowed  for  coun 
ty  clerks  to  make  out  their  reports,  while  the  labor  of  making  it,  was, 
in  the  opinion  of  that  officer,  not  less  than  thirty  times  as  much  as 
that  of  the  clerks. 

The  Superintendent  proposed  various  modifications  of  the  school 
law;  the  two  leading  features  of  which  were  to  incorporate  into  the 
law  the  establishment  of  common  schools,  to  which  every  child  of  the 
State  should  have  access — and  to  secure  a  more  efficient  supervision 
of  the  schools.  He  estimated  that  there  were  in  the  State,  at  a  mod 
erate  calculation,  15,000  children  between  the  ages  of  four  and 
eighteen  years,  whose  parents  did  not  reside  in  any  organized  dis 
tricts,  and  who  were  cut  off  from  access  to  the  primary  schools,  and 
suggested,  among  others,  the  following  provisions  of  law: 

In  case  any  district  neglects  to  organize,  or  if  organized,  neglects 
or  refuses  to  open  a  school,  according  to  the  provisions  of  law,  until 
the  10th  day  of  May,  in  any  school  year,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 


139 

inspector  to  open  a  school  in  said  district,  for  three  ittnths  at  least, 
and  longer  at  his  discretion;  to  rent  or  provide  a  rooti,  in  case  the 
district  has  not  a  school  house;  to  take  the  census,  ancdischarge  all 
the  duties  required  by  law  of  the  district  board,  and  atily  the  public 
money  to  which  the  district  is  entitled,  towards  defraying  the  expense 
of  the  school.  The  residue  of  the  expense,  which  shal  not  exceed 
fifty  dollars,  any  one  year,  together  with  the  salary  of  \e  inspector, 
while  engaged  in  the  discharge  of  the  legitimate  duties  o\  the  district 
board,  shall  be  assessed  by  the  supervisor  upon  the  taxaue  property 
of  the  district,  to  be  collected  in  the  same  manner,  and  i\r  the  same 
compensation  as  other  taxes,  and  to  be  drawn  on  the  oner  of  the 
instructor;  Provided,  That  no  school  district  shall  contai  less  than 
fifteen  children  within  the  legal  ages,  unless  the  territory  >f  the  dis 
trict  shall  embrace  nine  sections,  or  its  equivalent;  And  provided  also,. 
That  no  district  shall  contain  less  than  twenty-five  children  within 
the  legal  ages,  unless  the  territory  of  the  district  shall  embtact  four 
sections,  or  its  equivalent. 

At  the  next  annual  township  meeting,  and  annually  thereafter  one 
school  inspector  shall  be  elected  in  each  township  of  the  State,who 
shall  discharge  all  the  duties  hitherto  devolving  upon  the  boaid  of 
school  inspectors. 

The  school  inspectors  of  every  county  shall  meet  at  the  offic  of 
the  county  clerk  the  third  Monday  in  April,  and  elect,  by  ballot,  one 
of  their  number  as  president  of  the  board.  They  shall  also  elect  a 
vice  president  and  corresponding  secretary.  The  county  clerk  si  all 
be  cx-otficio  recording  secretary  of  the  county  board  of  school  in 
spectors.  * 

Directors  shall  be  allowed  a  day  for  their  services.  Their  ac 
count  shall  be  audited  at  the  annual  district  meeting,  and  paid  on  the 
presentation  of  a  certificate  from  the  school  inspector  signifying  that 
they  have  discharged  their  duty  and  made  their  report  according  to 
law. 

Inspectors  shall  be  entitled  to  a  compensation  of  a  day,  for 
their  services.  Their  account  shall  be  audited  by  the  township 
board,  and  paid  on  the  presentation  of  a  certificate  from  the  Superin 
tendent  of  Public  Instruction,  signifying  that  they  have  discharged 
their  duty,  and  made  their  report  according  to  law.  *  *  *  * 

The  provision  of  the  78th  section  of  the  school  law  operates  inju 
riously  upon  the  interests  of  weak  districts  in  many  instances;  and 
the  propriety  of  its  repeal  is  respectfully  suggested.  The  statutes 
define  the  word  "month"  to  mean  a  calendar  month,  which,  exclu 
sive  of  Sundays,  is  twenty- six  days,  or  four  and  one -third  weeks.  In 
many  parts  of  the  State,  four  weeks  are,  by  common  consent,  con 
sidered  a  school  month.  I  would  suggest  the  propriety  of  defining 
a  school  month  to  signify  four  weeks,  and  allow  the  teacher  to  dismiss 
school  Saturday  afternoon,  without  losing  time.  This  would  be 
merely  lending  the  sanctions  of  law  to  a  time  honored  usage.  A 
quarter,  or  three  months,  in  a  common  school,  would  still  be  one 
week  more  than  according  to  common  usage  it  now  is  in  our  higher 
institutions  of  learning. 


The  followig  suggestion  was  made  to  tne  Superintendent  by  a 
board  of  sehol  inspectors,  relating  to  LIBRARIES  in  fractional  dis- 
districts: 

"The  lawtppears  to  be  delicient  in  regard  to  fractional  district*, 
there  being  o  way  for  such  districts  to  obtain  their  books.  It  should 
be  the  duty  of  the  inspectors  to  attach  fractional  districts  to  vhole 
districts,  wkn  necessary,  for  library  purposes."  I  think  the  change 
suggested  rould  render  the  31st  section  of  the  school  law  more  sim 
ple  and  editable.  One  part  of  a  fractional  district  is  frequently  sit 
uated  in  atownship  possessing  a  library,  while  the  other  part  is  in  a 
township  jossessing  no  library.  Each  part  of  fractional  districts 
might  be  Utached  to  an  adjacent  whole  district,  in  the  same  town, 
for  librar  purposes;  and  the  director  of  the  whole  district  might  be 
authorized  to  draw  from  the  township  library  the  equitable  proportion 
of  books  for  his  own  district,  and  the  fraction  attached  thereto.  In 
case  ^f  bint  districts,  teachers  are  sometimes  rejected  by  the  inspec 
tors  #  one  town  in  which  a  district  is  in  part  situated,  and  subse 
quently  certified  by  the  inspectors  of  the  town  in  which  the  other 
partpf  the  district  lies.  To  obviate  this  difficulty,  the  teacher  should 
recede  his  certificate  from  the  inspectors  of  the  township  to  which 
the  Director  is  required  by  law  to  make  his  annual  report. 

he  following  means  of  increasing  the  usefulness  of  the  public 
>ls  were  suggested  as  among  the  most  important,  viz:  TEACHERS' 
>ciATiONS — TEACHERS'  INSTITUTES — an  educational  journal,  and 
female  influence — and  the  organization  of  a  college  of  teachers.  NOR 
MAL  schools  were  considered  indispensable  to  the  perfection  of  tho 
system. 

"TEACHERS'  INSTITUTES,"  says  Mr.  MAYIIEW,  "are  teachers" 
associations  with  protracted  sessions.  Where  teachers'  institutes 
have  been  established,  the  teachers  of  a  county  usually  spend  almost 
two  weeks  in  session,  fall  and  spring,  with  a  competent  principal  and 
experienced  board  of  instruction,  employed  by  a  committee  provided 
for  that  purpose.  The  several  branches  of  study  ordinarily  pursued 
in  our  common  schools  are  reviewed;  the  different  methods  of  in 
struction  ard  modes  of  government  arc  discussed,  and  plans  are  laid 
for  concert  of  action.  Lectures  are  generally  delivered  before  these 
institutes  by  professional  gentlemen  and  others,  who,  from  the  ir  de 
votion  to  the  great  work  of  popular  education,  might  appropriately 
be  denominated  common  school  missionaries. 

Teachers'  institutes  are  of  recent  origin.  They  were  first  estab 
lished  in  New  York,  in  1843.  *****  Would  it  not  be 
well  to  encourage  their  establishment  by  legislation?  1  entertain  the 
opinion,  that  if  the  State  has  $%25,000  to  appropriate  annually 
to  the  promotion  of  common  school  education,  it  would  Jbe  produc 
tive  of  a  greater  good  to  apply  one  or  two  thousand  dollars,  or  even 
Sve  thousand  dollars,  to  assist  in  defraying  the  necessary  expense  of 


14] 

maintaining  teachers'  institutes  in  the  differen  counties,  and  the  res 
idue  to  the  support  of  schools,  than  to  apply  tr3  vnole  to  the  payment 
of  unqualified  teachers,  or  even  to  those  of  ojdip*y  attainmects." 

From  the  suggestions  made  by  school  inspectors,  ,he  propriety  of 
placing  a  copy  of  the  annual  reports  of  the  Siperinendent  into  the 
hands  of  school  inspectors  and  school  director^  was  ubmitted. 

REPORT  OF  THE  REGENTS. 

The  Board  congratulated  themselves  and  the  friers  of  literature 
and  science  in  our  State,  in  view  of  the  contmuedand  increased 
prosperity  of  the  University,  whose  interests  ha^  bei  by  law  con 
fided  to  their  management.  They  pay  the  folowii^  marked  but 
merited  tribute  to  the  memory  of  Prof.  Whiting  wtyse  death  had 
but  recently  occurred: 

In  the  death  of  Professor  Whiting,  the  Univeity  l|as  sustained  a 
severe  loss.  He  had  been  with  us  from  the  bfinnjng,  had  been 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  history,  cares,  inres-'s  and  condition 
of  the  University;  participated  with  earnest  and-'ft'ous  effort  in  the 
Board's  desire  to  promote  the  usefulness  of  thestitution;  and  was 
particularly  qualified  for  his  station,  not  only  Ws  classical  attain 
ments  and  aptness  to  teach,  but  by  his  urbani  <nd  gentleness  of 
manners,  by  his  knowledge  of  character  and  otr  properties  which 
especially  fitted  him  to  act  the  part  of  a  goverf  ani  counsellor  of 
youth. 

A  fourth  professor  had  been  appointed,  viz:  thRev.  D.D.  Whedon, 
who  had  accepted  the  appointment,  and  was  ^charring  the  duties 
of  professor  of  logic,  rhetoric  and  the  philoschy  ofhistory.  The 
annual  meetings  of  the  Regents  was  fixed  in  ^ugustand  the  report 
of  this  year  was  brought  down  only  to  th;t  eriod.nstead  of  De 
cember.  The  amount  of  warrants  drawn  br.he  pa  year  was  re 
ported  at  #10,162  33,  leaving  a,  balanc^  in  the  fcasury  of  over 
#1,000. 

The  board  of  visitors  consisted  of  the  followingentlemen,  viz: 
Henry  Smit$  Andrew  Harvie,  John  R.  Riley,  Geoe  W.  Wisner, 
and  F.  J.  Littlejohn.  They  say: 

In  general  the  aft'airs  of  the  institution  ippear  to  well  managed, 
and  their  immediate  guidance  in  compete  t,  safe  a  skillful  hands. 
So  far  as  could  be  judged,  the  instructici  in  the  VDUS  branches  is 
thorough  and  efficient  The  board  w<re  highlyiased  with  the 
portion  of  the  examinations  witnessed,  ajd  consideiem  very  credi 
table  to  the  students  themselves,  as  weljas  to  thenstructors.  In 
the  conduct  of  the  studies  of  the  seniorjyear,  espdly,  the  plan  of 
instruction  and  examination  to  a  considerable,  eit  by  means  of 


142 

essays  written  by  nenbers  of  the  class,  has  been  very  successfully 
adopted,  aftd  is  woth^of  strong  commendation. 

It  is  a  subject  of  gr^it  satisfaction  to  be  able  to  say  that  the  Uni 
versity  is  generally  ;nd  jnanifestly  in  a  flourishing  condition,  the  num 
ber  of  studentslanniallj  increasing,  and  every  department  bearing 
evidence  of  conpetacy,  efficiency  and  fidelity  in  its  management; 
yet,  the  board  f  vistors  cannot  close  their  report  without  once  more 
calling  the'attetion  <f  the  proper  authorities  to  a  portion  of  the  very 
able  report  of  te  vistors  in  the  year  1842,  as  contained  in  the  "joint 
documents"  of  ic  legislature  for  1843,  page  377,  and  following.  The 
want  of  additiail  buildings  for  the  University  is  much  more  strongly 
felt  at  this  tirndhai  in  1842.  It  is  only  by  "great  exertion,  and  by 
crowding  the  lorn  to  excess,  that  the  faculty  have  been  able  to  pro 
vide  for  the  prjseni  number  of  students  (about  seventy)  during  the 
last  term,  and^i  tk  very  probable,  nay  almost  certain  event  of  the 
increase  of  thsnujber,  at  the  beginning  of  the  corning  year,  it  will 
be  necessary  o  reffie  admittance  (at  least  as  residents  of  the  college 
buildings)  toiew  ^mers,  an  event  greatly  to  be  deprecated  by  all 
well- wishers  b  theastitution. 

Another  very  sevus  evil  resulting  from  the  want  of  a  proper  edi 
fice  is  the  great  <lai^r  of  loss  or  irremediable  injury  to  the  very  valu 
able  specimens  of  \ology  and    botany  of  Michigan,  collected  and 
prepared  at  very  gU  expense  to  the  State,  by  the  late  arid  lamented 
State  Geologist,  DrHIoughton.     There  being  no  room  in   which  to 
place  these  valuablc^eparations  in  natural  history,  they  remain  in  a 
state  liable  to  <festri}on  by  vermin,  and  in  which,  even  natural  de 
cay  can  hardy  be  airted.     It  is  believed  that  more  than  4,000  zo 
ological  specimens,  id  many  thousand  specimens  of  plants  remain 
in  this  conclibn,  thealue  of  which  may  very  fairly  be  set  down  as 
greater  than  he  prcable  cost  of  a  chapel,  which  should  not  only 
contain  the  roms  retisite  for  the  reception,  safe  keeping  and  exhi 
bition  of  this  ollectioj  ind  the  library  and  cabinets  belonging  to  the 
institution,  bi  also  cdtiin  the  necessary  recitation  and  lecture  rooms 
for  the  Univsity,   tins  restoring  nearly  one-half  of  the   present 
building  to  tl  use  folvhich  it  was  intended,   namely,  dormitories; 
and  rendering  capafleof  accommodating  nearly  double  the  pres 
ent  number  cstudenk   A  chemical  laboratory  building,  detached 
from  any  oth,  should,  aso  be  erected;  its  cost  would'be  very  small. 
The  soundestonomy  wuld  be  consulted  in  the  immediate  erection 
of  these  builtgs.  ^ 

An  increasto  a  modeate  extent,  of  the  philosophical  and  astro 
nomical  app.tus  is  gretly  required;  of  the  latter,  particularly, 
there  is  hardanough  to  eserve  the  name. 

The  profes-  of  languges  recently  appointed,  had  not  arrived, 
and  his  dutie-ere  of  necssity  discharged,  and  his  place,  so  far  as 
possible,  supjd  by  the  ither  professors,  whose  duties,  from  the 
smallness  of  t  lumber  f  the  faculty  of  the  institution,  were  al 
ready  onerous  xs\ severe.  If  the  resources  of  the  University  will 
justify  an  additr^p  the  mmber  of  professorships,  such  increase  is 
respectfully  sugged — paticularly  in  reference  to  greater  attention 


143 

tO    RHETORIC    and    ORATORY,     to    MODERN     LANGUAGES,    and  to  BELLES 

LETTRES — branches  of  education  more  necessary,    perhaps,  in  this 
country  than  in  any  other  country  in  the  world. 

The  system  established  in  almost  every  collegiate  institution  in  the 
United  States,  of  graduating  the  merit  of  the  senior  class,  and  award 
ing  collegiate  honors  at  commencement,  seems  to  have  been 
abolished  in  the  University  of  Michigan.  The  board  of  visitors  can 
not  close  this  report,  without  respectfully  suggesting  a  doubt,  as  to 
the  good  results  from  abandoning  the  well  tried  and  time  honored 
mode  of  exciting  emulation  amongst  the  students  in  an  institution 
like  ours.  Perhaps  the  present  system  has  not  had  a  fair  trial,  but 
one  class  having  as  yet  taken  their  diplomas,  without  a  special  grad 
uation;  yet  it  is  believed  that  in  the  end  it  will  be  found  wise  to  re 
store  the  old  order  of  things  in  this  respect. 

For  the  purpose  of  a  reference  to  those  who  may  wish  to  enquire 
into  the  location  of  the  school  sections  and  the  subject  generally,  it 
may  be  stated  that  in  the  joint  documents  for  this  year  (1846)  a  re 
port  will  be  found  which  comprises  the  following  statements: 

The  registers  of  all  school  lands  in  Michigan. 

The  maps  of  fractional  sections. 

A  tabular  statement  of  the  townships,  with  reference  to  section  six 
teen. 

A  tabular  statement  of  all  the  available  school  lands  of  the  lower 
peninsula. 

A  condensed  and  tabular  statement  of  the  quantity  of  land  the 
State  is  entitled  to,  in  lieu  of  fractional  section  sixteen,  and  for  town 
ships  deficient. 

A.  statement  of  the  same  in  detail,  and  also  letters  of  the  Commis 
sioner  of  the  General  Land  Office,  &c.,  &c. 

From  this  document  the  following  is  extracted  as  containing  the 
result  of  the  labors  of  the  State  Geologist  and  his  corps,  and  their 
general  conclusions: 

It  will  be  seen  that  the  whole  amount  of  school  lands  of  the  lower 
peninsula,  is  seven  hundred  and  fifty -nine  thousand  five  hundred  and 
eighteen  acres,  and  69-100//W,  and  when  those  of  the  upper  peninsula, 
which  are  estimated  at  fully  one  half  as  much,  or  about  three  hun 
dred  and  eighty  thousand,  four  hundred  and  eighty-one  acres,  and  31- 
IQQths,  are  added,  we  have  for  the  total  school  lands  of  the  State, 
one  million,  one  hundred  and  forty  thousand  acres,  (1,140,000,)  which, 
at  the  minimum  price,  as  fixed  by  law,  of  five  dollars  per  acre,  would 
produce  the  sum  of  five  millions  and  seven  hundred  thousand  dollars, 
and  that  acjain  at  the  legal  interest  of  seven  per  cent,  would  yield  an 
annual  income  of  thiee  hundred  and  ninety-nine  thousand  dollars .  Al- 


144 

though  these  lands  may  not  all  bring  the  fixed  price  of  five  dollars 
per  acre,  yet  as  nearly  all  of  them  are  of  the  first  quality  for  agri 
cultural  purposes,  or  valuable  for  their  timber  or  mineral  resources, 
their  product  may  be  anticipated  to  approximate  very  nearly  to  the 
sum  named,  and  it  must  afford  high  satisfaction  to  the  hardy  pio 
neers  who  first  reared  their  cabins  amidst  the  uncultivated  wilds  of 
the  "beautiful  Peninsula,"  and  endured  all  the  hardships  and  priva 
tions  incident  to  new  settlements,  to  see  their  children  thus  amply 
provided  for  in  that  great  essential  under  a  free  government — educa 
tion;  and  the  enterprising  emigrant  from  the  eastern  States,  accus 
tomed  to  look  upon  the  advantages  of  school  house  and  academy  as 
more  than  counterbalancing  the  disadvantages  of  a  stubborn  soil 
and  rigorous  climate,  may  turn  with  confidence  to  iMichigan,  satis 
fied  that  from  her  prolific  and  easily  tilled  soil,  he  will  receive  an 
abundant  return  for  his  labor — that  in  her  richly  endowed  schools 
and  University,  means  of  education  are  provided  for  all. 

A  resolution  of  the  Senate  was  passed  relative  to  the  geological, 
mineralogical,  zoological  and  botanical  department  of  the  University, 
in  reply  to  which,  Major  Kearsley  reported  that  the  Regents  had  noi 
had  in  their  charge  and  custody,  any  of  the  specimens  collected  for 
the  State,  except  one  full  suit  in  geology  and  mineralogy — that  the 
mass  of  these  collections  had  been  under  the  control  of  the  State  Ge 
ologist; — that  in  the  department  of  geology  every  specimen  had  been 
enclosed  in  paper,  and  labelled,  and  the  hope  was  expressed,  that 
the  representatives  of  a  people  determined  to  perpetuate  the  blessings 
of  enlightened  freedom,  would  not  suffer  these  depositories  of  knowl 
edge,  valuable  in  every  pursuit  and  condition  of  life,  to  be  lost 
through  the  ravage  of  time,  or  their  developments  postponed  until 
too  late  for  the  instruction  and  self-interest  of  those  who  must  soon 
take  their  places  upon  the  theatre  of  self-government. 

In  reply  to  a  resolution  of  the  Senate,  the  same  gentleman,  in  be 
half  of  the  Regents,  made  the  following  statement  in  relation  to  the 
views  of  the  Regents,  as  to  whether  the  interests  of  the  University 
would  be  promoted  by  a  reduction  of  the  price  of  the  lands: 

The  undersigned,  to  whom  the  resolution  was  transmitted,  as 
chairman  of  the  executive  committee  of  the  Board  of  Regents,  hav 
ing  consulted  with  two  others,  members  of  that  committee,  who 
alone  reside  at  Detroit,  and  whose  views  he  could  at  this  time  obtain, 
submits  the  following  facts  and  results,  from  the  past  history  relative 
to  the  legislation  upon  the  subject  of  University  lands: 

The  act  of  congress,  approved  May  20th,  1826,  provides  that  the 
secretary  of  the  treasury  be  authorized  to  set  apart  and  reserve  from 
sale  a  quantity  of  land  not  exceeding  two  entire  townships,  (46,080 


145 

acres)  for  the  use  and  support-  of  an  University  within  the  then  terri 
tory  of  Michigan-,  and  for  no  other  use  or  purpose  whatever.  This 
may  be  termed  the  fundamental  law  upon  which  the  present  Univer 
sity  is  based. 

In  pursuance  to  this  act  of  Congress,  the  secretary  of  the  treasury 
addressed  a  letter  to  General  CASS,  then  Governor  of-  the  territory 
of  Michigan,  requesting  him  to  designate  the  selections.  Governor 
Cass  convened  a  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  the  then  existing  Uni 
versity  of  Michigan,  and  submitting  to  them  the  letter  of  the  secre 
tary,  requested  that  said  trustees  would  adopt  measures  for  making 
said  selections.  A  committee  was  accordingly  appointed,  to  whom 
this  matter  was  confided.  That  committee  employed  a  suitable  per 
son,  who  selected  and  reported  a  large  portion  of  said  two  townships. 
This  committee  subsequently  transmitted  to  Governor  Cass,  then  tem 
porarily  at  Washington,  a  list  of  these  selections,  which  it  is  believed 
were  confirmed  by  the  secretary. 

Congress  so  for  recognized  the  control  of  the  trustees  of  the  for 
mer  University  of  Michigan  over  part  of  these  lands  as  to  pass  an 
act,  approved  March  3,  1835,  authorizing  a  committee  of  that  board 
to  offer  at  public  auction,  and  to  sell  certain  selections  previously 
made.  The  trustees  declining  to  sell  or  carry  out  the  provisions  of 
that  act,  congress,  through  the  importunity  of  a  certain  Ohio  land 
company,  who  held  lands  in  the  vicinity,  was  induced  to  repeal  this 
act,  to  give  authority,  or  rather  require  said  trustees  to  sell  these 
same  lands  to  William  Oliver,  agent  of  said  Ohio  company,  under 
the  allegation  that  the  trustees  had  made  contract  with  said  Oliver 
for  such  sale;  this  net  was  approved  March  22,  1836.  A  convey 
ance  was  executed  in  compliance  with  this  act,  and  thus  the  Univer 
sity  fund  was  divested  of  that  portion  of  land  selected,  embracing 
the  mouth  of  Swan  Creek,  upon  which  Toledo,  now  in  Ohio,  is  built, 
and  where,  it  is  understood,  the  canal  terminates.  For  this  land  the 
trustees  received  about  a  section  of  land  in  that  vicinity,  and  $5.000 
in  cash.  These  lands  were  not  disposed  of  by  the  trustees  and 
formed  part  of  the  fund  of  the  present  University,  and  the  $5,000, 
with  the  interest  thereon,  were  transferred  by  a  committee  of  the 
board  of  trustees  to  the  treasurer  of  the  present  Board  of  Regents. 
The  next  legislation,  it  is  believed,  was  the  act  of  Congress,  approved 
June  23,  1336,  being  supplementary  to  an  act  for  the  admission  of 
Michigan,  upon  certain  conditions,  the  second  proposition  whereof  is 
as  follows:  That  the  seventy- two  sections  of  land  set  apart  and  re 
served  for  the  use  and  support  of  a  University,  &c.,  are  hereby 
granted  and  conveyed  to  the  State,  to  be  appropriated  solely  to  the 
use  and  support  of  such  University  in  such  manner  as  the  Legisla 
ture  may  prescribe:  And  provided  also,  that  nothing  herein  con 
tained  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  impair  or  effect  in  any  way  the 
rights  of  nny  person  or  persons  claiming  any  of  said  seventy-two 
sections  of  land,  under  contract  or  grant  from  said  University.  It 
imy  here  be  proper  to  remirk,  that  the  constitution  of  the  State  of 
Michigan  h^d  been  previously  submitted  to  Congress  for  their  action, 
(see  article  X,  section  5.^  This  act  provides — the  Legislature  shall 

\  A  O      ' 

19 


146 

take  measures  for  the  protection,  improvement,  or  other  disposition 
of  such  lands  as  have  been,  or  may  hereafter  be  reserved  or  granted 
by  the  United  States  to  this  State,  for  the  support  of  a  University; 
and  the  funds  accruing  from  the  rents  or  sale  of  such  lands,  or  from 
any  other  source  for  ihe  purpose  aforesaid,  shall  be  and  remain  a 
permanent  fund  for  the  support  of  said  University,  with  such  branches 
as  the  public  convenience  may  hereafter  demand  for  the  promotion 
of  literature,  the  arts  and  sciences,  as  may  be  authorized  by  the 
terms  of  such  grant.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Legislature, 
as  soon  as  may  be,  to  provide  effectual  means  for  the  improvement 
and  permanent  security  of  the  funds  of  said  University.  How  far 
the  terms  of  the  constitution  relative  to  branches  conflict  with  the  pro 
visions  of  the  subsequent  act  of  Congress,  limiting  the  grant  ' 'solely 
to  the  use  and  support  of  a  University,"  is  left  for  others  to  discuss, 
deliberate  and  determine.  *  * 

By  reference  to  the  annual  reports  of  the  Superintendent  of  Pub 
lic  Instruction,  embracing  the  report  of  the  Board  of  Regents  to  him. 
much  important  information  may  be  obtained,  as  well  as  admonition 
gleaned  from  past  legislation. 

The  Superintendent,  under  date  of  Dec.  27th,  1837,  (see  House 
Document  No.  5,  dated  January  9th,  1838,)  shows  that  the  interest 
which  fell  due  and  was  payable  in  July  and  August,  1838,  amounted 
to  the  sum  of  $10,881  32;  the  Legislature,  however,  of  1838,  relieved 
the  debtors  of  this  interest  fund,  and  notwithstanding  the  large  amount 
of  sales  since  that  period,  there  has  never  been  paid  as  large  a  sum 
for  interest  in  any  one  year  since. 

It  may  be  said  that  interest  would  not  have  been  paid;  but  the  only 
answer  that  can  be  given  to  this,  is,  that  the  Legislature  did  not  allow 
time  to  prove  the  positive  of  this  negation.  Six  thousand  five  hun 
dred  and  eighty-three  acres  of  University  land  were  sold  prior  to  27th 
December,  1837,  at  an  average  price  of  $22  85^  per  acre.  In  the 
year  ending  December  31st,  1838,  527.72  acres  were  sold  at  an  av 
erage  price  of  $20  29  per  acre,  showing  manifestly  that  the  Legis 
lature  of  1838,  releasing  lands  upon  which  there  were  settlers  and 
improvements,  on  favorable  conditions,  held  out  the  expectation  and 
cherished  the  hope  of  others  that  some  more  favorable  terms  would 
be  thereafter  provided  for  them.  In  both  the  years  1S37  and  1838, 
it  will  be  observed,  that,  notwithstanding  the  minimum  price,  $20 
per  acre,  subsequently  deemed  so  extravagantly  high,  all  the  Univer 
sity  land  offered  at  auction,  brought  an  average  above  that  minimum. 
Notwithstanding  the  diminished  sales  for  1838,  we  find  by  the  report 
of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  that  interest  amounting 
to  $9,171  42,  had  been  actually  paid  by  purchasers,  and  the  further 
sum  of  82,000  or  $3,000  more,  was  by  him  expected  to  be  paid  as 
interest  for  that  year. 

1839.  By  the  report  of  the  Superintendent  for  this  year,  it  appears 
that,  although  the  total  amount,  being  ten  per  cent,  instalments,  paid 
as  principal,  was  only  $1,607  90,  yet  the  interest  paid  that  year  was 
16,402  91. 


14? 

1840.  During  this  year  the  Superintendent  reports  only  43.70 
acres  sold,  and  $763  61  as  interest.  To  account  for  this  extraordi 
nary  diminution  as  well  in  sales  as  in  receipt  of  interest  due,  it  may 
be  well  to  observe  the  effect  of  the  acts  of  March  25th  and  March 
30th,  1840.  From  the  provisions  of  these  acts,  purchasers  were  in 
duced  to  defer  further  payment,  under  the  expectation  that  their  in 
terested  petitions  and  applications  for  relief  would  be  granted;  nor 
were  they  disappointed  in  their  calculations,  as  appears  by  the  enact 
ment  of  1841,  by  which  University  lands  were  reduced  to  $15  per 
acre,  and  interest  reduced  in  like  proportion. 

To  advert  to  the  several  and  various  provisions  of  the  continued 
annual  legislation  on  this  subject  from  1837  to  1844  inclusive,  would 
swell  this  communication,  and  render  it  alike  tedious  to  the  writer  and 
the  Senate,  it  may,  therefore,  suffice  to  remark,  that  the  continued 
legislation  has  most  naturally  induced  and  encouraged  continued  ap 
plication  on  the  part  of  individuals  interested  for  relief.  In  the  opinion 
of  the  undersigned,  this  legislation  has  been  not  only  inexpedient  but 
utyust.  Inexpedient,  because  thereby  purchasers  have  been  induced 
to  postpone  pavment  agreeably  to  their  contracts  with  the  State, 
and  thus  introducing  by  the  example  a  like  disregard  to  punctuality 
in  the  observance  of  contracts  between  individuals.  Unjust,  because 
the  Board  of  Regents  make  contracts  with  professors  and  principals 
of  branches,  relying  upon  existing  provisions  of  law  to  furnish  the 
means  for  fulfilling  on  their  part. 

But  another  act  is  passed — a  new  provision  introduced — perhaps 
the  payment  of  interest  deferred — and  thus,  the  professor  with  his 
family,  is  turned  out,  if  not  to  starve,  certainly  with  sufficient  cause 
to  complain  of  gross  injustice  somewhere.  Men  qualified  for  the 
chair  of  a  professor  in  the  University,  who  have  devoted  as  well  the 
elastic  energies  of  youth,  as  the  matured  development  of  the  judgment 
and  understanding,  in  the  pursuit  of  science  and  intellectual  attain 
ment  are  rarely  equal  to  a  successful  combat  with  the  vicissitudes  of 
a  mercurial  life.  Possessing  the  "ingenii  benigna  vena,"  they  are 
content  with  a  comparatively  small  pecuniary  reward,  even  a  bare 
sufficiency  to  meet  the  frugal  and  necessary  demands  of  life.  Jus 
tice  demands  that  this  should  be  certain,  and  specially  does  she  ex 
pect  at  the  hands  of  the  representatives  of  honorable  and  enlightened 
freemen  that  this  just  compensation  should  not  be  dependent  upon  a 
contingency  so  vacillating  and  temporary  as  annual  enactments. 

Seel  nos  iminensum  spatils  confecimus  a^quor. 
Et  jam  tempiiB  equum  fumantia  solvere  colla. 

Yet  the  undersigned  cannot  close  without  remarking,  that  owing 
to  the  Legislative  enactment  prior  to  1844.  the  Board  of  Regents, 
in  the  early  part  of  that  year,  were  so  far  as  within  their  means  or 
power  of  redress,  inextricably  involved  in  financial  embarrassment. 
Recourse  was  had  to  the  only  source  competent  to  relieve,  the  Legis 
lature — representatives  worthy  of  their  free  and  intelligent  constitu 
ents.  That  Legislature  more  than  responded  to  the  call  of  the  Regents, 
i.a  the  act  for  the  relief  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  approved 
March  llth,  1844.  This  net  while  it  enabled  the  Regents  to  meet 


148 

their  contracts  with  professors  and  others,  and  thus  saved  the  profes 
sors  from  great  difficulty,  and  the  Regents  from  bankruptcy,  avoided 
the  train  of  evils  consequent  upon  the  great  precedent,  the  general 
bankrupt  law  of  Congress.  A  repetition  of  either  law  would  be 
calamitous  and  uncalled  for.  The  act  of  February  28th,  1844,  pro 
vides  for  the  receipt  of  State  Treasury  notes  and  warrants  bearing 
interest  in  payment  of  principal  on  purchases  of  University  lands, 
and  had  the  two-fold  beneficial  effect  upon  the  purchaser  and  the 
University — of  enabling  the  former  to  pay,  if  he  so  elected,  the  en 
tire  debt  due  by  him,  and  secured  to  the  latter  the  payment  of  the 
interest  thereon.  The  same  act  had  the  further  indirect  effect  to 
lessen  the  price  of  University  lands,  and  yet  not  detract  from  the 
amount  of  the  interest  fund.  Upon  careful  enquiry,  it  may  be  as 
sumed,  beyond  contradiction,  that  the  cash  price  of  University  lands 
during  the  year  1845,  did  not  exceed  5-8  of  &1'2 — that  is  $7  50  per 
acre. 

A  review  of  past  legislation  and  its  effects,  must  convince  that  le 
gislation,  whether  for  bank  charters  or  for  other  individual  and  sin 
ister  objects,  does  not  promote  the  general  public  welfare.  Every 
act  relating  to  a  trust  so  highly  beneficial  and  so  sacred  as  the  cause 
of  education,  it  is  hoped  will  be  approached  with  the  greatest  circum 
spection,  and  will  be  consummated  only  after  the  assiduous  delibera 
tion  recommended  in  the  accomplishment  of  another  object — 

Vos  exemplaria — 
Nocturna  versate  maun,  versate  diurna. 

From  the  best  sources  of  information,  of  gentlemen  whose  judg 
ment  may  be  confided  in,  it  is  estimated,  that  internal  improvement 
warrants,  bearing  interest,  will  probably,  for  the  current  year,  not 
command  beyond  seventy-five  cents  in  cash,  for  the  dollar;  it  fol 
lows  that  University  lands  may  be  purchased,  in  cash,  for  nine  dol 
lars  per  acre.  The  experience  of  the  past  sufficiently  demonstrates 
that  reduction  in  the  price  of  University  lands,  where  these  lands  are 
designed  only  for  agricultural  purposes,  cannot  greatly  increase  the 
sales,  unless  indeed  the  reduction  should  be  such  as  to  bring  these 
lands  into  competition  with  those  of  the  United  States  or  of  the  non 
resident  land  holder.  But  such  a  policy,  all  will  agree,  would  be 
suicidal,  alike  to  the  University  and  to  every  benefit  anticipated  from 
its  present  fund.  If  the  Regents  of  the  University  be  permitted  to 
rely  upon  the  resources  now  provided  by  law,  and  those  provisions 
be  complied  with  by  purchasers,  which  it  is  confidently  thought  they 
will  do,  if  no  hope  is  extended  to  them  of  future  enactments  for  their 
special  and  individual  benefit,  the  Regents,  having,  as  is  hoped, 
profited  by  their  past  errors,  will  take  care  to  limit  their  appropria 
tions  to  their  receipts,  and  thus  the  necessity  of  a  sale  of  University 
lands,  beyond  the  exigencies  of  ordinary  increase  of  population  in 
this  State,  and  for  the  purpose  of  revenue  only  be  obviated.  Thus, 
this  munificent  fund,  while  it  shall  furnish  the  means  for  educating 
the  youth  of  our  State,  who,  at  present,  may  appreciate  its  benefits 
and  desire  to  participate  them,  may  be  handed  over  unimpaired  to 
endless  generations  of  the  sons  of  Michigan. 


149 

t 

Believing-  that  the  Board  of  Regents,  if  convened,  would  accord 
in  sentiment  with  the  foregoing,  howmuchsoever  they  might  have 
regretted  that  it  could  not  have  been  placed  in  abler  hands  for  diges 
tion  and  arrangement;  the  undersigned,  with  those  whom  he  has  op 
portunity  to  consult,  is  of  the  opinion  that  the  reduction  of  the  price 
of  University  lands  is  at  this  time  inexpedient,  and  would  result  in 
the  lasting  diminution  of  the  fund. 

In  conclusion,  therefore,  and  having  the  best  interests  of  that  State 
in  view,  in  which,  for  weal  or  woe,  he  anticipates  the  residence  of 
his  descendants — he  closes  with  the  liberty  of  repeating  the  admoni 
tion: 

Parce — stimuli*;  et  fortius  utere  loris, 
medio  tutissimus  ibis. 

This  year,  Adrian  Seminary  was  incorporated,  also  the  Clinton  In 
stitute;  the  charter  of  Michigan  Central  College,  at  Spring  Arbor, 
amended;  the  Owosso  Literary  Institute  incorporated  and  the  Ver- 
montville  Academical  Association;  the  law  relating  to  the  Board  of 
eductaion  of  the  city  of  Detroit  amended;  an  act  was  passed  provid 
ing  that  the  various  specimens  pertaining  to  mineralogy,  zoology, 
botany,  and  all  other  specimens  pertaining  to  natural  history, 
be  transferred  to  the  Board  of  Regents,  to  be  held  in  trust  for 
the  use  and  benefit  of  the  University  and  its  branches;  and  by  a 
subsequent  joint  resolution  they  were  authorized  to  take  possession 
of  them,  and  to  cause  them  to  be  properly  arranged  into  perfect  suits 
(and  fractional  suits)  and  report  the  number,  quality,  character  and 
condition  thereof  to  the  Legislature,  and  to  exchange  specimens  (in 
case  there  were  over  ten  suits)  with  any  other  government,  institution 
or  individuals. 

The  PRIMARY  SCHOOL  LAW  was  amended  by  adding  a  provision 
that  the  district  board  should  not  in  any|case  build  a  brick  or  stone 
school  house  upon  any  site,  without  having  obtained  a  title  in  fee,  or 
a  lease  of  ninety-nine-  years;  and  should  not  build  a  frame  school 
house  for  which  they  had  not  the  title  in  fee  or  a  lease  for  fifty 
years,  without  reserving  the  privilege  of  removing  the  house,  &c. 
The  school  laws  were  revised  as  they  are  found  in  the  revised  stat 
utes  of  1846.  They  were  changed  in  several  important  particulars. 
The  revised  law  allowed  every  white  male  inhabitant  of  the  age  of 
twenty-one  years  residing  in  the  distrist,  liable  to  pay  a  school  dis 
trict  tax,  to  vote  at  any  district  meeting.  The  previous  law  gave  the 
right  to  any  person  to  vote,  if  he  was  liable  to  pay  a  school  tax, 


150 

without  confining  it  to  the  district;  it  provided  that  whenever  a  dis 
trict  was  without  officers,  or  neglected  or  refused  to  hold  two  suc 
cessive  annual  meetings,  the  district  was  dissolved.  It  did  make  the 
request  of  five  legal  voters  necessary  to  call  a  special  meeting.  The 
code  reported  provided  for  the  enumeration  of  children  at  the  county 
poor  houses,  in  taking  the  census  of  the  district,  but  the  Legislature 
struck  out  the  provision.  The  clause  authorizing  the  raising  of  the 
fifty  cent  tax,  was  not  in  the  reported  code,  but  was  re-established 
by  the  Legislature. 


184T. 

EXTRACT  FROM  THE  MESSAGE  OF  GOV  .  FELCH. 

The  total  amount  of  money  distributed  among  the  several  town 
ships,  during  the  year,  for  the  support  of  primary  schools,  is  $27,- 
926  72,  being  thirty-one  cents  to  every  child  between  the  ages  of 
four  and  eighteen  years,  and  exceeding  the  amount  of  last  year's 
distribution,  by  the  sum  of  $5,812  72.  The  number  of  scholars  in 
the  State,  between  the  ages  last  mentioned,  is  reported  at  97,659. 
The  whole  number  of  children  that  have  attended  the  common 
schools  during  the  year  is  77,807.  This  number  is  greater  by 
7,037  than  during  the  preceding  year.  The  number  of  volumes  in 
the  township  libraries  in  the  State,  are,  according  to  the  returns, 
36,998- 

The  laws  on  the  subject  of  common  schools,  it  is  believed,  are 
such,  when  faithfully  executed,  as  generally  to  secure,  in  a  manner 
highly  satisfactoiy,  the  great  interests  of  education. 

The  chief  obstacles  to  the  realization  of  all  the  benefits  of  our  no 
ble  school  system,  are  found  in  the  want  of  punctual  attendance  on 
the  part  of  scholars,  and  deficiency  in  the  qualifications  of  teachers. 
To  correct  the  former,  rests  principally  with  parents  and  guardians. 
The  latter  is  an  evil,  deplorable  in  its  consequences,  and  difficult  of 
correction.  Voluntary  associations  of  teachers  for  mutual  instruc 
tion,  have  given  an  earnest  of  much  improvement  in  this  respect. 
In  several  of  the  States,  Normal  schools,  having  for  their  object  the 
qualification  of  instructors  for  the  great  work  of  education,  have  been 
fostered  by  private  munificence  and  legislative  aid,  and  have  been 
attended  with  the  most  beneficial  results.  Teaching,  itself  an  art,  is 
properly  made  a  subject  of  instruction.  The  mission  of  the  teacher 
demands  high  qualifications.  As  the  object  of  his  profession  is  of 
the  greatest  importance,  so  his  employment  should  be  considered 
most  honorable,  and  his  efforts  be  seconded  by  every  friend  of  the 
rising  generation.  It  is  difficult  to  say,  what  method,  if  any  of  a  pub 
lic  character,  should  be  adopted  to  raise  the  standard  of  excellence 
in  this  important  department,  but  I  cannot  refrain  from  recommend- 


151 

ing  it  lo  your  consideration  as  a  subject  in  which  the  interests  of  the 
public  are  deeply  involved. 

The  number  of  students  in  the  University  of  Michigan,  is  seventy. 
The  Faculty  consists  of  seven  professors.  By  the  assiduous  labors 
of  all  connected  with  the  several  departments  of  instruction,  the  ad 
vantages  pertaining  to  education  in  the  higher  departments  of  litera 
ture,  the  arts  and  the  sciences,  have  been  enjoyed  to  a  degree  highly 
creditable  to  the  State  and  useful  to  the  community.  The  rare  ex 
ample  of  the  principle  of  free  schools  applied  to  an  institution  of 
the  highest  order,  is  here  presented.  Without  charge  for  tuition, 
every  citizen  of  the  State  is  entitled  to  the  benefits  of  a  liberal  edu 
cation. 

The  nett  proceeds  of  the  University  fund,  applicable  to  the  sup 
port  of  the  institution,  have  been,  during  the  year,  $7,993  02. 

REPORT  OF  SUPERINTENDENT. 

The  annual  report  of  the  Superintendent  announced  that  within 
the  last  year  he  had  made  an  educational  tour  through  eighteen 
counties  of  the  State,  embracing  chiefly  the  more  northern  organized 
counties,  and  had  delivered  lectures,  attended  public  meetings,  par 
ticipated  in  public  discussions  and  co-operated  with  the  friends  of  ed 
ucation  in  every  possible  manner.  The  result  of  his  convictions, 
derived  from  these  labors,  was  that  "we  might  reasonably  hope  to 
achieve  what  had  been  accomplished  in  other  States,  and  more;  and 
that  all  we  had  to  do,  was  to  adapt  the  means  to  the  end  and  diffi 
culties  would  disappear,  and  ere  long  our  brightest  hopes  be  real 
ized." 

The  formation  of  the  first  TEACHERS'  ASSOCIATION  was  announced 
under  his  auspices,  being  in  Lenawee  county.  Another  was  formed 
in  the  county  of  Macomb.  A  TEACHERS'  INSTITUTE,  the  first  held 
in  the  State,  was  held  in  the  county  of  Jackson,  under  the  auspices 
of  the  Jackson  County  Teachers'  Association,  at  which  about  thirty 
teachers  attended.  He  recommended,  in  order  to  awaken  a  more 
general  interest  among  all  classes  of  citizens,  and  lead  them  to  feel 
the  necessity  of  improving  the  primary  schools,  the  formation  of 
county  educational  societies,  the  object  of  which  he  explained  to  be, 
to  awaken  the  community  to  a  sense  of  the  real  condition  of  the 
schools,  and  to  point  them  to  the  means  of  removing  the  great  and 
alarming  evils  that  existed,  and  to  the  means  of  improvement  in  the 
schools.  All  the  organized  counties  of  the  State  were  visited  by  him 
with  the  exception  of  four,  and  these  he  proposed  to  visit  during  the 


152 

winter.     In  mobt  instances,  the    result  of  these   visitations  wa-.  the 
organization  of  county  societies.     Of  these,  he  says: 

In  many  of  the  counties  auxiliary  town  societies  have  been  organ 
ized  in  most  of  the  towns,  and  in  some  counties,  in  all  of  them.  Al- 
thou^h  in  a  few  instances  there  has  been  much  to  discourage,  no 
proper  notice  of  the  proposed  meetings  having  been. given,  and  no 
suitable  arrangements  having  been  made;  in  short,  nobody  appearing 
to  be  interested  in  the  subject,  yet  in  the  majority  of  cases  it  has 
been  far  otherwise.  In  several  instances  I  have  been  greatly  en 
couraged,  finding  many  worthy  citizens  ready  to  co-operate  in  this 
work,  and  disposed  to  second  any  efforts  that  might  be  proposed  for 
the  improvement  of  teachers  and  schools.  All  we  want  is  to  have 
community  awake  to  the  interests  of  this  subject  and  possess  a  zeal 
that  is  according  to  knowledge,  and  the  work  is  half  accomplished. 
It  should  not  be  disguised  that  for  want  of  this  interest  some  of  these 
societies  have  not  held  a  regular  meeting  since  their  organization. 
This  will  generally  be  the  case  where  too  much  reliance  is  placed 
upon  foreign  aid.  Their  permanency  and  usefulness  must  depend 
upon  the  activity,  zeal  and  discretion  of  the  friends  of  education  in 
the  different  counties.  *  * 

Public  attention,  in  many  parts  of  the  State,  seems  to  be  somewhat 
awakened  in  relation  to  the  interests  of  common  schools.  Many 
causes  have  tended  to  bring  about  this  desirable  state  of  things. 
The  work  of  reform,  however,  has  scarcely  commenced.  These  so 
cieties  should  continue  to  hold  frequent  meetings,  and  thus  keep  the 
subject  before  the  people.  By  this  means  the  growing  interest  will 
continue  to  increase,  and  a  better  organization  of  our  schools,  and  a 
general  improvement  in  all  that  pertains  to  them  will  be  the  result. 
It  has  been  specially  gratifying  to  see  not  only  clergymen,  but  mem 
bers  of  all  the  learned  professions,  and  men  in  public  life,  in  attend 
ance  at  a  great  majority  of  the  educational  meetings  I  have  attended. 
And  not  only  to  see  them  there,  but  to  see  them,  in  many  instances, 
actively  at  work  with  their  fellow  citizens  in  a  cause  upon  which  de- 
dend  more,  perhaps,  than  upon  all  other  causes  combined,  the  im 
provement  and  permanency  of  our  domestic,  social  and  politic  il 
institutions. 

Among  the  causes  which  had  contributed  to  advance  the  subject 
of  education,  the  Superintendent  mentioned  particularly  the  INFLU 
ENCE  OF  THE  PRESS.  The  propriety  of  establishing  an  educational 
journal  was  again  suggested.  Of  this,  the  Superintendent  says: 

Should  such  a  periodical  be  issued  monthly,  or  only  quarterly, 
and  be  forwarded  officially  to  the  school  inspectors  of  every  town  in 
the  State,  or  to  every  director  of  a  school  district,  to  be  by  them  pre 
served  among  the  papers  of  their  office  and  transmitted  to  their  suc 
cessors,  with  instructions  to  have  them  bound  at  the  end  of  Jhe  year 
and  placed  into  the  township  libraries  for  general  circulation,  I  have 
no  doubt  it  would  soon  be  regarded  a  very  profitable  investment. 


153 

This  would  open  a  ready  means  of  communication  between  the  head 
of  the  school  department  and  the  county,  township  and  district  offi 
cers,  whereas  we  have  now  to  rely  solely  upon  a  laborious  corres 
pondence  and  the  issue  of  circulars.  With  our  school  law  as  it  now 
is,  should  a  journal  be  published  devoted  exclusively  to  the  cause  of 
education,  as  has  .been  proposed  by  an  association  of  two  or  three 
individuals,  it  must  depend  solely  upon  individual  subscription  for 
support,  like  any  other  periodical.  With  the  apathy  on  this  subject 
which  is  everywhere  too  manifest,  we  could  hardly  hope  for  the  con 
tinuance  of  such  a  journal  should  its  publication  be  commenced. 
But  even  should  it  be  sustained  it  could  not  be  relied  upon  as  a  me 
dium  of  official  communication,  unless  brought  so  far  under  the  pat 
ronage  of  the  Legislature  as  to  insure  its  regular  receipt  by  school 
inspectors. 

STATISTICAL  INFORMATION. 

The  report  says: 

The  number  of  scholars  reported  within  the  legal  ages,  (between 
4  and  18,)  is  97,658,  or  7,652  more  than  were  reported  last  year. 
Twenty-one  more  towns  have  reported  this  year  than  did  last,  and 
177  more  districts;  the  entire  number  of  districts  reporting  the  pres 
ent  year,  being  2/272.  The  whole  number  of  children  that  have  at 
tended  primary  or  common  schools  during  the  year  is  77,807,  or 
7,037  more  than  attended  the  preceding  year.  Two  thousand,  two 
hundred  and  sixty-three  male  teachers,  (26  less  than  last  year,)  have 
been  employed  at  an  average  compensation  of  $12  71  per  month, 
exclusive  of  board,  being  73  cents  more  than  was  paid  the  preceed- 
ing  year;  4,336  female  teachers,  (108  more  than  last  year,)  have 
been  employed  at  an  average  compensation  of  <$5  36  per  month,  ex 
clusive  of  board,  the  same  being  twelve  cents  more  than  was  paid 
last  year.  The  average  number  of  months  schools  have  been  taught 
by  qualified  teachers  is  five,  the  same  as  reported  last  year. 

Last  year  the  primary  school  interest  fund  apportioned  among  the 
several" counties  and  towns  of  the  State  was  $22,113  00,  the  same 
being  28  cents  to  every  child  between  the  ages  of  4  and  18  years. 
The  amount  apportioned  the  present  year  is  $27,925  72,  or  31  cents 
to  every  child  within  the  legal  ages,  the  .same  being  $5,812  72  more 
than  the  amount  apportioned  last  year. 

The  late  tabular  returns  show  a  large  increase  alike  in  the  num 
ber  of  township  libraries,  the  number  of  volumes  they  contain,  and 
the  number  of  districts  that  draw  regularly  therefrom.  According 
to  the  returns  received  at  this  office,  last  year  there  were  only  203 
township  libraries  of  the  State.  Two  hundred  and  seventy  two  are 
reported  the  present  year,  showing  an  increase  of  69.  The  last 
year's  report  represents  that  there  were  24,905  volumes  in  said  li 
braries.  According  to  the  report  for  the  current  year  there  are 
36,988,  showing  an  increase  of  nearly  50  per  cent.  These  books 
are  circulated  and  read  in  230  more  school  districts  the  current  year 
tlfan  they  were  the  preceding  one.  *  * 

20 


154 

The  law  has  for  several  years  made  it  the  duty  of  the  Supervisor 
to  assess  a  half  mill  tax  upon  each  dollar  of  the  taxable  property  of 
his  township  for  the  purchase  of  a  township  library,  a  portion  of 
which  tax  may,  when  certain  conditions  are  complied  with,  be  applied 
to  the  support  of  schools.  This  tax  has  been  raised  in  only  220  of 
the  420  towns  from  which  reports  have  been  received,  a  fraction  more 
than  one  half  of  the  entire  number. 

The  constitution  of  the  State  provides  that  "the  clear  proceeds  of 
all  fines  assessed  in  the  several  counties  for  any  breach  of  the  penal 
laws,  shall  be  exclusively  applied  to  the  support  of  said  libraries." 
Inconsequence  of  a  misapplication  of  these  fines,  the  Legislature,  in 
1844.  passed  "an  act  to  provide  more  effectually  for  the  completion 
and  disposition  of  fines,  penal* ies  and  forfeitures  of  recognizances." 

Notwithstanding  the  passage  of  this  act  there  are  860  townships 
which  have  received  n  'thing  from  this  source  for  libraries,  and  only 
46  that  have.  Lenawee,  Oakland  and  Washtenaw,  are  the  oniy 
counties  that  report  any  receipts  in  more  than  four  towns,  and  neither 
of  these  counties  reports  receipts  in  one  half  of  their  towns,  when 
these  moneys  should  be  distributed  equally  among  them  all. 

The  recommendations  made  in  the  report  of  the  previous  year 
were  renewed,  and  especially  as  to  that  portion  which  proposed  the 
election  of  only  one  school  inspector,  in  each  township,  and  the  sys 
tem  of  county  and  town  superintendents.  Maternal  co-operation  was 
invoked,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the  immediate  wants  of  desti 
tute  children,  and  co-operating  with  teachers,  encouraging  scholars, 
&c.  Common  school  celebrations  were  held,  and  in  the  opinion  of 
the  Superintendent,  were  the  means  of  much  good.  It  was  also 
deemed,  thus  far,  to  be  impracticable  to  do  much  in  this  State,  in  the 
formation  of  TEACHERS'  ASSOCIATIONS,  or  the  establishment  oi 
TEACHERS'  INSTITUTES,  for  general  reasons,  alluded  to  in  his  report, 
yet,  he  observes  that  much  had  been  accomplished  by  the  extensive 
organization  of  educational  societies,  a  deeper  and  more  genera]  in 
terest  awakened,  not  only  with  teachers,  but  among  all  classes  of  cit 
izens. 

The  main  design  of  teachers'  institutes,  the  Superintendent  states, 
was  to  impart  professional  instruction;  to  consider  and  discuss  the 
best  means  of  interesting  and  governing  children  in  our  primary 
schools,  and  the  most  approved  and  successful  methods  of  imparting 
instruction  in  the  several  branches  of  study  ordinarily  pursued  there 
in;  and  he  entertained  the  conviction,  that  with  the  interest  already 
begotten,  should  a  series  of  institutes,  five  or  six  in  number,  be  held 
in  different  parts  of  the  State,  they  would  be  well  sustained,  nnxner- 


155 

ously  attended,  and  prove  highly  beneficial  in  their  influence.  The 
organization  of  a  State  educational  society  was  urged.  The  friends 
of  education  had  met  at  Chicago  and  organized  the  NORTH  WEST 
ERN  EDUCATIONAL  SOCIETY,  the  design  of  which  was  to  embrace  in 
its  operations  the  States  of  Ohio,  Michigan,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Wis 
consin  and  Iowa,  and  such  other  States  as  might  be  represented. 

The  Superintendent  announces  that  during  the  past  year,  UNION 
SCHOOLS  had  been  organized  in  several  villages,  and  in  some  instan 
ces,  large  and  commodious  school  houses  had  been  erected,  which 
constituted  the  pride  and  ornament  of  the  village.  He  speaks  of  this 
form  of  common  school  organization  as  admirably  adapted  to  villa 
ges  and  densely  settled  neighborhoods;  that  they  combined,  when 
properly  conducted,  all  the  advantages  of  the  ordinary  primary  school 
and  the  academy  for  young  gentlemen  and  the  seminary  for  young 
ladies. 

To  the  statistical  tables  attached  to  his  report,  the  Superintendent 
prepared  notes  which  developed  the  facts  that  the  returns  of  school 
officers,  and  reports  of  county  clerks,  were  incorrect  in  many  or  all 
of  the  most  important  particulars.  Columns  were  not  footed,  or  er 
roneously  footed,  requiring  great  labor  in  re-examination ;  averages 
were  incorrectly  given,  or  not  given  at  all;  important  portions  of  the 
school  blanks  were  not  filled;  in  many  instances  reports  from  coun 
ties  were  so  erroneous  or  unintelligible  that  they  had  to  be  returned; 
directors  from  fractional  districts  made  reports  wrongfully,  showing 
in  short  that  the  school  returns  were  in  almost  all  cases  so  inaccu 
rately  made  out  that  it  was  impossible  to  arrive  at  general  conclu 
sions  with  any  degree  of  correctness  or  justice. 

NINTH  ANNUAL  REPORT  OF  REGENTS. 

During  the  past  year,  Rev.  J.  Holmes  Agnew  had  been  appointed 
professor  of  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages  in  the  place  of  Rev.  Jo 
seph  Whiting,  deceased,  Doctor  Silas  H.  Douglass,  professor  of 
chemistry,  and  C.  Fasquelle,  of  modern  languages.  The  $100,000 
debt  had  been  reduced  $66,150,  and  the  resources  of  the  interest 
fund  had  been  adequate  to  meet  the  current  demands  on  the  treasury 
of  the  University. 

The  Regents  in  their  report,  which  is  short,  express  the  hope 
that  the  system  relative  to  the  University  fund,  may  be  considered 


150 

as  permanently  settled.  <ind  that  future  legislation  may  not  again 
disturb  the  finances,  upon  which  alone  they  must  rely  for  the  ad 
vancement  of  that  literature  designed  by  the  original  grant  of  Con 
gress. 

BRANCHES. 

There  were  this  year  reports  from  four  branches,  viz:  those  at 
White  Pigeon,  Romeo,  Kalamazoo  and  Tecumseh,  in  which  were 
.287  scholars,  126  of  which  were  females. 

KEPOKT  OF  VISITORS. 

The  report  of  this  board,  consisting  of  the  following  gentlemen, 
viz:  Rev.  James  Inglis,  Hons.  Charles  Noble,  Wm.  T.  Howell,  Sam 
uel  W.  Dexter,  and  Samuel  Denton,  was  as  follows: 

The  board  of  visitors  appointed  by  you  for  the  current  year,  pre 
sent  their  report  with  much  satisfaction,  in  view  of  the  whole  circum 
stances  and  prospects  of  the  University.  In  particular,  the  efficien 
cy  of  the  Faculty,  and  the  conduct  and  progress  of  the  students, 
are  such  as  to  inspire  public  confidence  and  courage — high  hopes  of 
the  future  standing  of  the  institution.  It  is  to  the  credit  of  the  Board 
of  Regents,  arid  matter  of  congratulation  to  the  friends  of  learning 
and  education,  that  in  every  appointment,  professors  have  been  se 
cured  so  well  qualified,  and  so  well  disposed  to  foster  its  infant  in 
terests.  The  zeal  and  devotion  of  its  early  professors  to  the  pro 
motion  of  these  interests,  demand  the  grateful  acknowledgment  of 
the  public.  Since  the  last  board  of  visitors  reported,  two  members 
of  the  present  Faculty  have  entered  upon  their  important  functions. 
'One,  the  successor  of  the  lamented  professor  Whiting,  and  the  other, 
a  professor  of  Logic  and  Rhetoric;  both  eminently  qualified  to  carry 
out  the  objects  of  the  University. 

A  variety  of  circumstances  prevented  a  majority  of  the  board 
from  being  present  during  the  whole  of  the  minute  and  thorough 
examination  which  preceded  the  last  commencement.  So  far  as  it 
can  be  reported  upon,  it  was  satisfactory.  It  is  not  to  be  expected 
that  in  the  circumstances  in  which  students  are  here  collected,  the 
studies  of  the  several  classes  should  be  of  so  advanced  a  character 
as  those  of  corresponding  classes  in  older  institutions.  But  in  near 
ly  every  class,  the  examination  gave  evidence  of  a  thoroughness  and 
exactness  of  teaching,  which  would  bear  a  comparison  with  those  of 
any  college.  It  is  important  to  notice,  that  one  of  the  greatest  dis 
advantages  under  which  these  classes  seem  to  labor,  is  the  great  va 
riety  and  inequality  of  attainments  with  which  students  enter.  The 
consequences  of  this  were  appereiit  during  the  examination  in  al 
most  every  department  of  study.  Doubtless  it  will,  for  some  time 
be  difficult,  if  not  impracticable,  to  maintain  a  high  standard  of  ad 
mission  to  an  institution  circumstanced  as  this  is,  but  the  importance 
of  a  more  thorough  preparatory  course  ought  to  be  kept  before  the 
public.  A  more  liberal  encouragement  of  public  schools  and  acad- 


157 

emies  of  the  higher  order  is  demanded,  and  probably  a  revival  and 
reinforcement  of  the  branches  would  prove  the  most  effectual  means 
of  promoting  this  object.  A  comparison  of  the  qualifications  of 
students  at  present  in  the  University,  would  afford  unequivocal  tes 
timony  to  the  past  utility  of  this  part  of  our  University  system. 

It  would  be  unjust  to  omit  to  express  the  gratification  with  which 
the  commencement  exercises  were  witnessed.  The  large  attendance 
of  citizens — many  of  them  from  distant  parts  of  the  State — gave 
encouraging  evidence  of  a  growing  interest  in  the  fortunes  of  the 
University;  and  there  was  probably  not  an  individual  of  the  many 
who  left  the  scene  of  this  literary  exhibition,  disappointed  or  dissat 
isfied.  A  gentleman,  whose  opinion  is  valuable,  remarked  that  he 
had  rarely  heard  the  exercises  surpassed  in  point  of  thought  or  com 
position  at  any  of  the  eastern  colleges,  although  in  those,  the  com 
mencement  exercises  are  by  selected  speakers,  while  in  this  case  they 
were  by  all  the  members  of  the  graduating  class  without  distinction. 
This  was  probably  the  conviction  of  all  present,  whose  opportunity 
enabled  them  to  make  the  comparison. 

The  condition  of  the  buildings  and  grounds  calls  for  no  remarks 
further  than  the  repetition  of  the  well  known  and  urgent  need  of 
increased  accommodations.  The  library  and  museum  were  found 
in  good  order.  The  latter  is  being  improved  by  the  addition  of  the 
remainder  of  the  State  collection,  when  under  the  superintendence 
of  Prof.  Douglass,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  an  act  of 
last  legislative  session.  The  value  and  interest  of  the  collection  will 
also  be  increased  by  an  exchange  of  duplicate  .specimens,  which  is 
being  arranged  by  Dr.  Z.  Pitcher. 

The  entire  management  of  this  important  interest  is  in  the  highest 
degree  creditable  to  all  connected  with  it.  The  character  of  the  tu 
ition  and  discipline  within — the  judicious  and  frugal  administration 
of  its  affairs  without — the  progress  and  promise  of  students  who 
have  enjoyed  its  advantages — and  the  increasing  number  of  its 
classes — all  speak  encouragingly  of  its  future  prosperity  and  influ 
ence.  It  is  thus  commended  to  the  confidence  and  the  fostering  care 
of  the  State. 

LEGISLATION. 

The  committee  on  public  instruction  of  the  Senate,  reported  a  joint 
resolution,  for  adoption  by  the  Legislature,  requiring  the  Board  of 
Regents  to  cause  so  much  .of  the  journal  of  their  proceedings  to  be 
published  as  the  public  good  might  require,  to  be  printed  as  soon  as 
practicable  after  each  session  of  the  Board,  and  that  at  the  opening 
of  each  session  of  the  Legislature,  they  should  report  their  full  pro 
ceedings  for  the  year,  including  the  mimes  of  all  the  Faculty — their 
salaries  and  duties — the  number 'of  students  and  their  classes,  and 
all  such  other  incidental  matters  and  subjects  as  might  be  necessary 
to  enable  the  Legislature  to  determine  with  accuracy  the  propriety  of 


158 

the  course  pursued  by  the  said  Board,  and  the  people  at  large  prop 
erly  to  appreciate  the  character  and  importance  of  the  University. 

The  reasons  which  led  to  this  resolution,  as  thus  detailed  by  the 
committee,  through  their  chairman,  Hon.  N.  A.  BALCII: 

1.  Your  committee  feel  that  there  is  an  unwarrantable  prejudice 
existing  in  the  minds   of  many  good  and  intelligent  citizens  of  this 
State  against  the  University,  which  it  is  in  the  power  of  the  Regents 
to  utterly  dissipate  and  banish,  by  properly  laying  before  the  public 
the  facilities  and  advantages  that  institution  affords  for  a  thorough 
education,  and  the  efforts  the  Board  and  the  Faculty  have  made  and 
are  making  to  render  it  not  only  popular,  but  useful. 

2.  In  view  of  the  rising  importance  and  ultimate  effect  of  our  Uni 
versity,  not  solely  upon  those  who  may  pass  their  halcyon  days  with 
in  its  consecrated  walls  and  be  made  the  recipients  of  its  final  honors, 
not  alone  upon  the  sons  of  the  affluent,  or  those  for  whom  genius  se 
lects  a  high  station  and  marks  a  bright  career,  as  many  suppose,  but 
upon  the  entire  character  of  the  whole  people  of  this  State  and  sur 
rounding  country.     It  seems  to  your  committee    that  in  advancing 
that  progress,  and  in  widening  that  influence,  a  labored   and  learned 
report  of  the  honorable  Board  of  Regents  annually,  would  be  of  im 
mense  utility. 

3.  If  the  University  of  Michigan  ever   arises  to  that  proud  emi 
nence  which  those  who  originated  it  designed,  and  which  your  com 
mittee  verily  believe  it  will  ultimately  attain  among  kindred  institu 
tions  in  our  land,  it  seems  to  them  of  vital  importance  that  such  a 
report  should  be  annually  made,  and  carefully  preserved  in  the  ar 
chives  of  the  University,  as  the  best  chronicler  of  its  origin  and 
progress;  and   no  other  course,  in  the  opinion  of  your   committee, 
can  preserve  for  posterity  many  important  facts  which  it  is  certain 
will  fall  into  oblivion  and  perish,  when  the  memory  of  those  who 
now  watch  wiih  anxious  care  the   interests  of  that  institution,  shall 
cease  to  record  them. 

4.  Your  committee  are  of  opinion,  that  the  course  recommended 
by  the  resolutions   offered,  would  be  not  only   a  source  of  present, 
but  of  ulterior  benefit  to  the  people  at  large,  and  to  the  University 
itself.     It  would  disarm  jealousy  of  its   sting,  and  suspicion  of  its 
malice.     It  would  place  the  requisite  knowledge  within  the  reach  of 
all,  and  thereby  cause  them  to  know  and  feel  that  the  rights  of  the 
people  and  the   University  are  secure   and  inviolate,  and  that  all  its 
affairs  are  transacted  with  skill  and  fidelity;  that  wisdom  presides  in 
its  halls,  and  integrity  in  its  councils. 

5.  Your  committee,  while  they  disclaim  all  idea  of  censure,  respect 
fully  submit  whether  the  last  annual  report  of  the  Board  of  Regents 
is  of  that   character  that  will  best  subserve  the  rights  and  interests 
of  the  University  or  such  an  one  as  the  people  might  have  reasona 
bly  expected.     Your  committee,  deeply  feeling  as  they  do,  that  the 
interests  of  education  in  a  free  government,    and  to   a  free  people, 
are  paramount  to  all  others,  and  that  those  interests  will  always  find 
favor   and   support,  in  the  bosoms  of  philanthropic,    patriotic  and 


159 

Christian  statesmen,  and  believing  as  they  do  the  members  of  the 
honorable  Board  of  Regents,  to  be  such,  humbly  hope  the  foregoing- 
resolutions  will  be  adopted,  and  that  the  beneficial  results  designed 
to  be  obtained  by  the  resources,  may,  thereby  be  fully  realized. 

During  this  session,  Hon.  R.  P.  ELDREDGK,  chairman  of  a  select 
conaraitteee  of  the  Senate  upon  the  subject,  made  a  report  in  favor 
of  electing  the  officers  of  State,  including  the  Superintendent  of  Pub 
lic  Instruction,  by  the  suffrages  of  the  people. 

A  majority  of  a  select  committee  appointed  in  relation  to  a  further 
reduction  of  the  price  of  University  lands,  reported  that  the  existing 
laws  did  not  discriminate  in  price  as  well  as  value;  that  they  consid 
ered  the  fund  a  sacred  one,  and  the  interests  of  the  University  a 
paramount  object  of  legislation,  but  that  at  the  same  time  the  interests 
of  all — the  poor  man  struggling  to  make  a  eomfortable  home  in  a  new 
country,  as  well  of  him  whose  previous  efforts,  or  hereditary  property 
have  enabled  him  to  give  his  offspring  a  collegiate  education,  should 
be  promoted;  that  it  was  urged  that  enough  was  already  realized 
for  the  competent  support  of  the  University,  but  that  the  committee 
knew  nothing  of  the  facts  from  the  competent  authority,  as  the  report 
of  the  Regents  had  not  been  definite  on  the  subject.  They  proposed 
an  act  authorizing  an  appraisment  of  the  lands  with  reference  to  soil, 
situation,  timber,  &c. 

The  memorial  of  SAMUEL  BAKSTOW,  GEORGE  ROBB  and  L.  BISHOP, 
a  committee  of  the  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION*  of  the  city  of  Detroit,  was 
laid  before  the  Legislature,  respecting  an  amendment  of  the  law  rel 
ative  to  the  public  schools  of  that  city.  From  this  memorial,  the  fol 
lowing  extract  is  subjoined: 

The  board  of  education  of  the  city  of  Detroit  was  organized  by  a 
law  passed  in  February,  1842,  upon'the  petition  of  a  large  majority 
of  the  freemen  of  said  city.  By  this  law  the  whole  city  of  Detroit 
was  organized  into  a  single  school  district,  and  the  common  council 
of  said  city  was  invested  with  the  power  to  assess  and  levy  a  tax 
not  exceeding  one  dollar  for  each  child  in  the  city,  between  the  ages 
of  five  and  seventeen  years,  for  the  support  of  free  schools  in  said 
«ity,. 

Previous  to  the  passage  of  this  law  the  city  was  divided  into  eight 
school  districts,  and  was  in  all  respects,  subject  to  the  general  school 
law  of  the  State  then  in  force.  There  was  no  power  vested  in  the 
said  city  to  levy  any  tax  whatever  for  the  support  of  schools,  and 
the  only  fund  for  that  purpose,  was  the  proportion  of  the  income  of 
the  State  school  fund,  annually  apportioned  to  this  city,  which  up  to 
<&at  time  had  in  no  vear  exceeded  $900,  and  had  generally  been 


160 

under  that  sum.  Besides,  even  this  small  sum  had  for  a  year  or  two 
previous  been  almost  entirely  lost  by  failures  of  banks  with  which 
it  had  been  deposited.  The  consequence  of  this  state  of  things  was, 
that  for  several  years  previous,  our  city  may  almost  literally  be  said 
to  have  been  without  common  schools,  or  any  public  provision  what 
ever  for  the  education  of  its  children.  For  two  years  previous  to 
1842,  during  a  great  portion  of  the  time,  no  common  schools  were 
open  in  the  city.  In  a  portion  of  the  eight  districts,  schools  were 
kept  open  from  four  to  six  months  in  the  year,  but  in  some  of  them 
district  schools  were  not  opened  at  all.  The  schools  they  opened 
were  kept  in  hired  rooms  by  very  incompetent  teachers,  and  from  the 
shortness  of  the  time  they  were  kept  open,  and  their  inadequate  sup 
port,  were  almost  worthless. 

Such  was  the  state  of  things  when  the  law  of  February,  1842,  was 
passed.  In  March  of  that  year,  the  board  of  education  was  organ 
ized  under  it,  and  entered  upon  its  duties. 

It  was  found  by  said  board  that  they  had  every  thing  to  create, 
and  that  a  degree  of  neglect  beyond  what  they  imagined  possible, 
had  existed  from  the  earliest  period  in  the  history  of  said  city  with 
regard  to  the  all  important  subject  of  education.  It  was  found  by 
them  that  in  a  city  where  Congress  had  given  the  most  unlimited 
power  of  disposition  and  arrangement,  where  in  fact  every  foot  of 
ground  had  been  disposed  of  by  the  public  authorities,  and  where  the 
most  unlimited  power  had  existed  to  appropriate  ground  for  public 
purposes — in  a  city  which  contained  10,000  people,  which  embraced 
great  wealth,  and  which  had  been  in  existence  nearly  half  a  century, 
there  was  not  a  single  lot  reserved  and  vested  in  the  public  or  dis 
trict  authorities  for  the  purposes  of  education;  that  in  the  whole  city 
there  was  but  one  school  house,  and  that  was  a  small  and  inconven 
ient  building  not  worth  over  $400,  erected  upon  a  leased  lot.  Be 
sides,  there  was  no  furniture,  except  a  lot  of  old  benches  and  desks 
not  fit  for  the  uses  for  which  they  were  intended.  A  lot  of  depre 
ciated  bank  paper,  and  a  very  poor  school  house  on  a  leased  lot — 
completed  all  the  provisions  which  the  city  of  Detroit  in  this  en 
lightened  age  had  provided  for  the  support  of  public  schools,  and 
which  came  into  the  hands  of  the  board  of  education  from  the  old 
districts. 

It  became  therefore  at  once  necessary  not  only  to  establish  and 
support  schools,  but  to  build  school  houses,  and  not  only  to  build 
school  houses,  but  to  purchase  lots  on  which  to  erect  them.  In  short 
not  only  schools  were  wanting,  but  all  the  apparatus,  furniture,  build 
ings  and  property  of  every  kind  necessary  to  a  system  which  should 
be  adequate  to  the  wants  of  so  large  a  city.  * 

The  number  of  children  in  the  city  of  Detroit  between  the  ages 
of  five  and  seventeen,  is  3,  506,  as  shown  by  the  lust  school  census. 
The  city  tax  for  the  coming  year  will  therefore  be  $8,506.  If  to  this 
be  added  our  portion  of  the  income  of  the  State  school  fund,  which 
may  be  estimated  at  $1.000,  the  whole  income  of  the  board  will  be 
$4,506.  Of  this  sum  8500  will  be  required  to  Close  up  the  building 


161 

and  other  accounts  for  the  past  year,   leaving  $4,006   as   the  net 
amount  applicable  to  the  support  of  the  system  for  the  next  year. 

In  order  to  show  how  inadequate  this  amount  is  to  support  the 
schools,  and  also  to  appropriate  any  considerable  amount  to  the  pur 
chase  of  lots  and  building  of  school  houses,  we  state  the  following 
facts  and  estimates: 

During  the  last  year  we  have  supported  twelve  schools  at  an  ex 
pense  of  $2,800  for  wages  of  teachers,  of  $250  for  rents  and  insu 
rance,  of  $150  for  fuel,  and  an  estimated  sum  of  $200  for  repairs, 
seats,  and  other  school  furniture  and  apparatus,  making  in  all, 
$3,400. 

These  schools  during  the  last  quarter  show  a  school  list  of  1,286, 
or  about  107  for  each  school  taught  by  a  single  teacher,  a  number 
entirely  too  great;  thus  showjng  the  absolute  necessity  of  increasing 
their  number.  But  admitting  that  they  are  not  too  crowded,  the  in 
crease  in  the  city,  which  is  over  200  per  year,  requires  at  least  the 
addition  of  two  schools,  the  expense  of  which  will  be,  basing  the 
estimate  upon  the  same  data  with  schools  now  in  existence,  $566  66, 
thus  making  an  aggregate  of  $3,966  66,  which  will  be  required  to 
keep  up  our  system  during  the  coming  year,  without  appropriating 
PL  single  dollar  to  school  houses,  or  adding  anything  to  the  salaries 
of  our  teachers. 

Of  these  twelve  schools,  four  have  been  kept  in  hired  rooms,  very 
small  and  inconvenient,  indeed  entirely  unfit  for  school  houses:  one 
has  been  kept  in  a  room  in  an  old  market  house,  which  had  been 
abandoned  by  the  city  as  a  market  house  and  had  been  fitted  up 
with  benches  in  order  to  use  it  as  a  school  room;  one  in  the  building 
owned  by  the  branch  university,  of  the  use  of  which  the  board  may 
at  any  time  be  deprived;  one  in  the  basement  of  a  church,  the  use  of 
which  is  gratuitously  given,  and  five  in  school  houses  erected  for 
that  purpose,  there  being  at  this  time  but  four  school  houses  in  the 
city  besides  one  now  nearly  finished,  which  will  accommodate  the 
two  additional  schools  contemplated  for  the  coming  year. 

The  above  facts  are  stated  to  show  that  the  board  of  education 
has  not  and  cannot  have  under  th»  present  laws  the  means  to  buy 
lots  or  build  school  houses  at  all  adequate  to  the  wants  of  the  city, 
and  the  necessity  of  providing  an  additional  fund  for  that  purpose. 

If,  in  addition,  we  consider  the  rapid  increase  of  our  city — that  in. 
the  course  of  five  years  to  come  an  increase  of  1,200  to  1,500  will 
probably  take  place  in  the  number  of  its  children  of  school  ages, 
which  must  render  necessary  a  great  increase  in  the  number  of  our 
schools,  and  of  course  of  houses  for  them  to  occupy,  and  recollect 
that  the  increase  of  tax  on  these  1,200  or  1,500  children  would  only 
be  a  sum  sufficient  to  build  school  houses  for  two  schools,  even  if  it 
could  be  all  applied  for  that  purpose — it  is  apparent  that  our  situation 
with  regard  to  school  houses  will  be  constantly  growing  worse  and 
worse,  unless  we  resort  to  some  other  mode  of  getting  them. 

Another  important  view  of  this  matter  is,  that  vacant  lots  are  be 
coming  scarce  and  are  increasing  in  value  in  the  city,  so  that  if  school 

21 


152 

lots  are  not  soon  obtained,  there  will  be  great  difficulty  in  getting 
them  in  convenient  locations,  and  much  higher  prices  will  have  to 
be  paid. 

The  experience  of  all  who  have  reflected  upon  this  subject,  will 
convince  them  that  the  goodness  and  efficacy  of  a  school  depends 
very  much  upon  the  convenience  and  comfort  of  the  school  house. 
This  is  particularly  the  case  in  cities;  crowded  rooms  without  yards 
or  good  ventilation,  in  buildings  erected  for  other  purposes,  where 
boys  and  girls  are  thrown  together  without  even  the  conveniences 
which  decency  requires,  are  not  only  unfit  for  the  ordinary  purposes 
of  the  school  room,  but  they  have  a  most  injurious  effect  upon  both 
the  health  and  morals  of  children.  We  can  never  have  a  system  of 
schools  worthy  of  our  city,  so  long  as  we  are  forced  to  occupy  hired 
rooms  instead  of  good,  well  ventilated  and  comfortable  school  houses, 
with  convenient  yards  and  out  buildings  attached. 

In  view  of  the  facts  above  stated,  we  recommend  that  application 
be  made  to  the  Legislature,  for  the  passage  of  a  law  authorizing  the 
freemen  of  the  city  of  Detroit  to  vote,  and  the  common  council  to 
assess  and  collect  a  tax,  not  exceeding  $1,500  in  any  one  year,  to  be 
expended  in  the  purchase  of  lots  and  the  erection  of  school  houses  in 
said  city,  and  also  authorizing  the  board  of  education  to  borrow  a  sum 
not  exceeding  85,000  to  be  expended  for  the  same  purposes.  We 
can  see  no  objection  to  vesting  such  a  power  in  the  people  to  tax 
themselves  for  an  object  not  surpassed  in  importance  by  any  other, 
and  we  are  satisfied  that  it  is  the  most  sacied  duty  of  the  Legisla 
ture  to  co-operate  with  the  people  in  the  great  work  of  universal 
education. 

As  a  matter  embraced  within  the  department  of  literature,  a  letter 
of  Mons.  Vattemare  was  laid  before  the  Legislature,  suggesting  "the 
indispensableness  of  placing  the  management  of  international  ex 
changes  in  the  hands  of  the  Regents  of  the  University." 

A  bill  was  reported  in  the  House  of  Representatives  topiovide  for 
teachers'  institutes,  and  the  committee  on  education  were  instructed 
to  enquire  into  the  expediency  of  imposing  a  penalty  on  Supervisors 
who  neglected  or  refused  to  assess  school,  township  and  library  tax 
es;  but  these  subjects  received  no  further  action.  Acts  were  passsed 
incorporating  Adrian  Seminary,  White  Pigeon  Academy,  and  the 
Raisin  Institute.  An  act  was  passed  providing  that  in  addition  to  the 
taxes  already  authorized,  the  common  council  of  Detroit  were  em 
powered  to  levy  and  collect  a  tax,  not  exceeding  $1,500  in  any  one 
year,  to  be  expended  in  the  purchase  of  lots  in  the  city,  for  the  use 
of  the  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS,  and  in  the  erection  and  building  a  schoo' 
house  or  houses,  with  the  necessary  out-buildings  and  fixtures  on 
any  lot  or  lots  which  may  be  so  purchased,  or  any  other  lots  owned 


163 

by  the  board  of  education,  or  which  they  might  acquire,  the  said  tax 
to  be  devoted  to  no  other  purpose,  and  to  be  paid  to  the  treasurer 
of  the  board  of  education.  The  board  were  authorized  also  to  borrow 
such  sums  as  they  deemed  proper,  not  to  exceed  -So, 000  for  the  pur 
poses  above  specified.  This  act  was  approved  March  12,  1847. 

The  statutes  of  1840,  relating  to  schools  were  amended,  so  that  the 
distribution  of  the  income  of  the  fund  should  be  made  by  the  first  of 
May,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  practicable.  A  joint  resolution  was 
passed  authorizing  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  to  com 
pile  so  much  of  his  annual  reports  for  1845  and  184G,  as  he  deemed 
necessary  for  the  purpose  of  giving  general  information  relative  to 
common  schools  and  to  distribute  the  same.  An  act  was  passed  and 
approved,  providing  that  $.-0  much  of  the  annual  State  tax,  on  the 
several  rail  road  companies  within  the  State,  as  might  be  necessary, 
should  be  specifically  set  apart  and  appropriated  for  the  payment  of 
interest  on  such  sums  as  are  now  due  from  the  State,  or  hereafter  may 
be  due  to  the  UNIVERSITY  and  PRIMARY  SCHOOL  funds.  A  joint  res 
olution  was  passed  and  approved  March  16,  in  relation  to  loans  from 
the  University  and  school  fund0-. 


1848. 

EXTRACT  FROM  GOV.  RANSOM'S  MESSAGE. 

There  is  no  subject  paramount  in  importance  to  that  of  common 
school  education — none  that  has  a  higher  claim  to  ihe  fostering  care 
of  the  government.  I  am  not  aware  that  further  legislation  is  neces 
sary  in  relation  to  our  common  school  system,  unless  it  be  deemed 
expedient  to  provide  for  the  establishment  of  Normal  schools  for  the 
education  and  qualification  of  teachers.  Such  institutions  when  prop 
erly  conducted,  have  been  productive  of  great  good,  and  no  doubt  is 
entertained  bill  such  would  be  the  result  of  their  introduction  into 
our  State,  on  being  made  to  form  a  part  of  our  educational  system. 
By  a  -joint  resolution  of  the  Legislature,  approved  March  4,  1847, 
the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  was  required  to  compile  so 
much  of  his  annual  reports  for  the  years  1845  and  1846,  as  he  should 
deem  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  giving  general  information  rela 
tive  to  common  schools  That  duty  has  been  performed,  and  the 
"compilation"  contemplated  by  the  resolution  has  been  made  by  that 
officer,  and  will  be  laid  before  you. 

The  number  of  townships  from  which  reports  have  been  received 
pursuant  to  law,  is  425,  somewhat  exceeding  the  number  by  which 
reports  were  made  last  year. 


164 

The  number  of  school  districts,  from  which  reports  h;\ve  been  re 
ceived,  is  two  thousand  nine  hundred  and  fifty — being  eighty-one 
more  than  reported  last  year;  and  the  number  of  children  reported, 
between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  is  one  hundred  and 
eight  thousand  one  hundred  and  thirty — showing  an  increase  of  ten 
thousand  four  hundred  and  seventy-two,  upon  the  number  returned 
in  any  former  year. 

The  whole  number  that  have  attended  common  schools  during  the 
past  year,  as  shown  by  the  returns  from  the  several  counties,  is  eighty 
eight  thousand  and  eighty;  ten  thousand  two  hundred  and  seventy- 
three  more  than  are  reported  to  have  received  Mich  instruction  the 
previous  year. 

For  the  year  1846,  the  primary  school  interest  fund  apportioned 
among  the  -several  counties  and  townships  of  the  State,  was  827,925 
72 — thirty-one  cents  to  every  child  reported  between  the  ages  before 
mentioned. 

The  amount  divided  the  present  year  is  $31,250  54 — thirty-two 
cents  to  each  child  entitled,  by  law,  to  participate  in  the  distribution 
of  the  fund. 

The  amount  expended  in  the  State,  during  the  year,  for  the  sup 
port  of  common  schools,  was  $130,53  1  80;  $36,54H  75  of  which  was 
applied  to  the  building  and  repairing  of  school  houses. 

There  are  three  hundred  township  libraries  in  the  State,  contain 
ing  forty-three  thousand  nine  hundred  and  twenty- six  volumes,  ac 
cording  to  the  returns  of  the  past  year,  being  thirty  more  libraries 
and  six  thousand  nine  hundred  and  thirty-eight  volumes  of  books, 
more  than  were  reported  in  1846. 

These  libraries  circulate  through  one  thousand  three  hundred  and 
forty-nine  school  districts,  two  hundred  and  sixty-eight  more  than 
have  participated  in  their  benefits  in  any  former  year. 

The  returns  evince  an  increasing  interest  in  all  parts  of  the  State, 
in  behalf  of  common  schools,  and  of  education  generally,  in  sev 
eral  villages,  union  schools  houses  have  been  erected  at  an  expense 
varying  from  $800  to  $3,000,  and  a  greater  willingness  is  manifested 
to  employ  competent  teachers,  and  to  pay  an  adequate  compensation 
for  their  services. 

The  increasing  usefulness  and  prosperity  of  the  University  eannot 
fail  to  be  a  source  of  gratification  to  every  citizen  of  Michigan. 

Of  the  twenty-six  professorships  contemplated  by  the  organic  law 
of  the  institution,  seven  have  been  already  established  by  the  Board 
of  Regents  and  their  chairs  filled,  by  whom  instruction  is  given  in  all 
all  the  branches  of  literature  and  science  usually  taught  in  collegiate 
institutions  of  the  highest  grade. 

Of  the  seven  professors  appointed,  there  is  one  of  the  ancient  lan 
guages — one  of  the  modern  languages — one  of  mathematics  and  na 
tural  philosophy — one  of  moral  and  intellectual  philosophy — one  of 
logic,  rhetoric  and  the  philosophy  of  history — one  of  botany  and  zool 
ogy,  and  one  of  chemistry  and  geology. 

The  library,  consisting  of  about  five  thousand  volumes,  is  believed 
to  be  one  of  the  most  valuable,  of  its  extent,  in  the  United  States, 


165 

embracing  as  it  does,  the  most  approved  foreign  works  in  the  several 
departments  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts. 

Its  cabinet  of  natural  history  is,  also,  of  great  extent  and  value. 
The  cabinet  purchased  of  Baron  Liederer,  is  a  rare  and  rich  collec- 
of  foreign  minerals.  Besides  which,  it  has  an  extensive  collection  of 
American  minerals  and  fossils,  together  with  suits  of  specimens,  illus 
trative  of  the  geology,  zoology  and  botany  of  Michigan,  affording  al 
together  greater  advantages  to  the  student  in  natural  history,  than 
any  similar  institution  in  this  country. 

The  success  of  the  University  thus  far  has  exceeded  the  expecta 
tions  of  its  most  sanguine  friends.  The  number  of  students  now  be 
longing  to  the  several  classes  is,  eighty-three,  and  that  the  number 
will  be  largely  increased  at  the  commencement  of  each  succeeding 
collegiate  year,  there  is  every  reason  to  expect. 

The  professors  have  been  selected  for  their  ability,  learning,  and 
high  moral  qualities,  and,  that  they  possess  them  all,  in  an  eminent 
degree,  is  demonstrated  by  the  manner  in  which  they  have  discharged 
the  varied,  arduous  and  responsible  duties  of  their  respective  sta 
tions. 

The  finances  of  this  favored  institution,  are  also  upon  a  most  satis 
factory  footing. 

A  debt  was  early  contracted  in  its  behalf,  for  a  loan  of  $100,000 
of  the  bonds  of  the  State,  which  has  been  reduced,  from  time  to 
time,  by  the  sale  of  portions  of  its  lands  for  warrants  drawn  upon 
the  internal  improvement  fund,  to  $20,628  01,  and  the  net  amount 
of  revenue  derived  from  all  sources,  during  the  past  year,  and  made 
available  for  its  general  use,  after  deducting  interest  due  on  the  bal 
ance  of  its  debt,  will  exceed  $15.000,  about  half  of  which  has  been 
expended  in  the  erection  of  an  additional  building  for  dormitories 
and  lecture  rooms. 

Appropriations  are  no  longer  made  by  the  Regents  for  the  support 
of  branches  of  the  University,  and  instruction  is  continued  only  in 
those  at  Kalamazoo  and  Romeo. 

REPORT  OF  SUPERINTENDENT. 

In  connection  with  the  annual  report,  (being  the  twelfth  annual 
report  from  the  office,)  the  Superintendent  laid  before  the  Legislature 
the  compilation  of  his  previous  reports  relating  to  the  condition  of 
primary  schools.  The.  report  announces  the  formation  of  a  State 
educational  society,  and  includes  its  constitution  and  forms  for  coun 
ty  and  township  societies.  He  reports  these  associations  as  having 
been  the  means  of  doing  much  good.  The  incorrectness  of  the  re 
ports  of  school  officers  and  county  clerks  is  again  alluded  to,  and  ex 
planations  and  instructions  again  given  in  relation  to  them.  In  rela 
tion  to  the  relative  progress  of  the  primary  and  select  schools,  the 
Superintendent  remarks: 


1C6 

While  there  has  been  a  large  increase  in  the  number  of  scholars 
attending  common  schools,  there  has  been  a  corresponding  decrease, 
in  the  number  attending  select  schools.  Many  parents  who  are  anx 
ious  to  afford  their  children  every  facility  for  improvement,  have 
withdrawn  their  patronage  from  select  schools,  having  become  sat 
isfied  that  tinder  existing  laws,  with  a  proper  interest  intheir  behalf, 
common  schools  may  be  made  both  better  and  cheaper  than  select 
schools  generally  are. 

The  report  dwells  at  great  length  upon  various  important  topics — 
Union  schools,  school  houses,  their  location,  architecture,  size,  con 
struction,  ventilation,  furniture,  seats,  desks,  and  everything  that  re 
lates  to  their  external  and  internal  arrangement.  From  the  compila 
tion  is  extracted  the  following  interesting  comparison,  between  the 
population  of  Michigan  and  other  States  of  the  Union,  in  regard  to 
individual  attainments  in  certain  particulars,  etc.: 

According  to  the  census  rof  1840,  the  total  population  of  the 
TJhitecl  States,  was,  in  round  numbers,  17,000,000.  Of  this  num 
ber,  550,000  were  whites  over  twenty  years  of  age,  who  could  not 
read  and  write.  This  gives  one  white  person  over  the  age  of  twen 
ty,  to  every  thirty-one  of  the  entire  population  of  the  United.  States, 
that  is  unable  to  read  and  write.  The  proportion  varies  in  different 
states,  from  one  in  five  hundred  and  eighty-nine  in  Connecticut,  to 
one  in  eleven  in  North  Carolina. 

If  we  exclude  all  colored  persons,  and  whites  under  twenty  years 
of  age,  the  proportion  will  stand  thus:  In  the  United  States,  one  to 
every  twelve  is  unable  to  read  and  write.  The  proportion  varies 
from  one  in  two  hundred  and  ninety-four,  in  Connecticut,  which 
stands  the  highest,  to  one  in  three  in  North  Carolina,  which  stands 
the  lowest. 

In  Tennessee,  the  proportion  is  one  in  four.  Tn  Kentucky,  Vir 
ginia,  Georgia,  South  Carolina,  and  Arkansas,  each.,  one  in  five.  In 
Delaware  and  Alabama,  each,  one  in  six.  In  Indiana,  one  in  seven. 
In  Illinois  and  Wisconsin,  each,  one  in  eight. 

On  the  brighter  end  of  the  scale,  next  to  Connecticut,  in  which 
the  proportion  is  one  in  two  hundred  and  ninety-four,  is  New  Hamp 
shire,  in  which  the  proportion  is  one  in  one  hundred  and  fifty-nine. 
In  Massachusetts,  it  is  one  in  ninety.  In  Maine,  one  in  seventy-two. 
In  Vermont,  one  in  sixty-three.  Next  in  order  comes  Michigan,  in 
which  the  proportion  is  one  in  thirty-nine.  There  are  twenty  states 
below  Michigan,  and  only  five  above  her. 

But  even  this  estimate,  favorable  as  it  is,  does  not  allow  our  own 
State  an  opportunity  to  appear  in  her  true  light.  It  is  well  known 
that  a  great  proportion  of  the  illiterate  population  of  this  State,  Js 
confined  to  a  few  counties. 

In  Mackinaw  and  Chippewa  counties,  there  is  one  white  person 
over  twenty  years  of  age  to  every  five  of  the  entire  population  that 
is  unable  to  read  and  write.  In  Ottawa,  one  in  fourteen.  In  Cass, 


167 

one  in  twenty-two.     In    Wayne   and    Saginaw,  each,  one  in  thirty- 
six. 

On  the  other  hand,  there  are  eight  entire  counties  in  the  State,  in 
which,  according  to  the  census  referred  to,  there  was  not  a  sino-le 
white  inhabitant  over  twenty  years  of  age,  that  was  unable  to  read 
and  write.  It  is  an  interesting  fact,  that  in  Ohio,  also,  there  are 
seven  such  counties,  making  fifteen  in  these  two  States,  while  in  all 
New  England  there  are  but  two — (Franklin  in  Massachusetts,  and 
Essex  in  Vermont.) 

There  may  also  be  selected,  in  this  State,  thirteen  counties,  viz: 
Allegan,  Barry,  Branch,  Clinton,  Eaton,  Genesee,  Ingham,  Ionia, 
Kalamazoo,  Lapeer,  Livingston,  Oakland  and  Oceana,  in  which, 
collectively,  there  is  only  one  white  person  over  twenty,  in  four  thou 
sand  six  hundred  and  five  of  the  entire  population,  that  cannot  read 
and  write.  This  is  seven  hundred  and  eighty-one  per  cent  higher 
than  the  highest  entire  State  in  the  Union. 

In  addition  to  these,  in  the  three  counties  of  Hillsdale,  Jackson 
and  Kent,  there  is  but  one  in  four  hundred  and  twenty-five  that  is 
unable  to  read  and  write,  which  is  forty  per  cent  higher  than  any 
entire  State  in  the  Union,  with  the  single  exception  of  Connecticut. 

But  let  us  make  the  comparison  in  another  respect,  and  see  what 
proportion  of  the  population  of  different  States  are  receiving  instruc 
tion  in  schools.  Here  to  do  justice  to  Michigan,  we  ought  to  take 
the  census  of  1845,  and  the  school  returns  for  that  year,  inasmuch 
as  our  school  system  had  had  in  1840,  hardly  an  opportunity  of  go 
ing  into  operation  since  its  adoption. 

In  1840,  one  in  seven  of  the  entire  population  of  the  State  attend 
ed  school  a  portion  of  the  year.  In  1845,  the  proportion  had  in 
creased,  taking  the  census  and  school  returns  for  that  year,  to  one 
in  four.  In  this  respect,  there  are  but  three  States  in  the  Union, 
that,  according  to  the  census  of  1840,  rank  higher  than  Michigan 
stood  in  1845.  Their  names  in  order  are  Maine,  New  Hampshire 
and  Vermont.  In  round  numbers,  the  proportion  of  the  entire  pop 
ulation  that  attended  school  in  each  of  these  States,  is  one  in  three. 
In  Michigan,  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  and  New  York,  it  is  one 
in  four.  In  Rhode  Island,  one  in  five.  In  Ohio  and  New  Jersey, 
each,  one  in  six.  In  Pennsylvania,  one  in  eight.  In  no  other  State 
is  the  proportion  more  than  one  in  ten;  while  in  ten  States,  it  is  less 
than  one  in  twenty-five.  Here,  again,  we  see  that  Michigan  stands 
high  on  the  list  of  States. 

In  two  of  the  New  England  States,  nineleen-twentieths  of  the 
scholars  taught,  are  instructed  in  common  schools.  In  New  York, 
fourteen-fifteenths.  In  one  of  the  New  England  States,  only  four- 
fifths,  the  remainder  being  instructed  in  academies  and  select  or  high 
schools. 

In  some  of  the  Southern  States,  only  two-thirds  or  three-fourths 
of  the  entire  number  in  school,  attend  common  schools.  In  Michi 
gan,  forty-six  forty- sevenths  of  all  scholars  attending  school,  receive 
their  instruction  in  common  schools.  This  is  a  greater  proportion 


168 

than  in  any  other  State  of  the  Union.  Ohio  ranks  next,  in  this  res 
pect,  thirty-six  thirty -sevenths  of  her  scholars  being  taught  in  com 
mon  schools. 

In  the  three  thousand  school  districts  of  this  State,  there  are  up 
wards  of  one  hundred  thousand  children  to  be  instructed.  The  ques 
tion  naturally  arises,  How  shall  we  provide  competent  teachers  for 
this  army  of  youth,  to  whom  are  to  be  entrusted  the.  future  destinies 
of  the  Peninsular  State? 

Two  methods  have  been  proposed.  One  is,  to  invite  the  redun 
dancy  of  teachers  at  the  East,  and  especially  those  of  New  England, 
to  supply  the  educational  wants  of  destitute  portions  of  our  JState, 
through  the  agency  of  the  "  board  of  national  popular  education." 

The  other  method  is  to  train  up  a  supply  of  competent  teachers  ol 
koine.  Upon  this,  only,  can  we  safely  rely. 

THE  UNIVERSITY  AND  BRANCHES. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Regents  in  August  of  this  year,  the 
report  of  the  committee  on  the  branches  showed  but  four  of  them  in 
existence  and  they  had,  after  a  careful  examination,  come  to  the  con- 
elusion  that  appropriations  could  not  be  made  for  such  as  were  in 
existence,  or  for  the  establishment  of  others,  without  seriously 
trenching  upon  the  resources,  and  limiting,  in  a  great  degree,  the 
usefulness,  and  even  endangering  the  success,  of  the  parent  institu 
tion.  Since  this  period,  no  appropriations  have  been  made  to  any  of 
the  branches,  with  the  exception  of  $10  00  to  the  Romeo  branch,  for 
the  purpose  of  raising  a  question  before  the  supreme  court,  as  to  the 
constitutionality  of  such  appropriations.  The  reports  of  the  State 
Treasurer  and  Commissioner  of  Land  Office  showed  that  on  the 
30th  day  of  the  preceding  November,  the  debt  of  $  100,000  had 
been  diminished  $79,371  99,  leaving  the  sum  of  $20,62-  only  re 
maining  of  that  debt. 

It  was  found  that  the  estimated  income  of  the  University,  after 
payment  of  the  regular  current  expenses,  would  leave  a  probable- 
surplus  of  five  thousand  dollars,  which  could  be  applied  to  the  erec 
tion  of  an  additional  building.  More  accommodation  was  needed 
for  students,  and  a  laboratory  and  recitation  rooms.  Urged  by  this 
necessity,  the  board  resolved  to  commence  the  construction  of  a  build 
ing  similar  to  the  one  in  use,  and  $5,000  was  appropriated  for  that 
purpose,  and  Major  Kearsley  and  John  Owen,  Esq.,  appointed  to 
«arry  the  resolution  into  effect.  This  had  been  done,  the  walls  were 
up,  the  building  enclosed,  roofed,  and  covered  with  tin  and  otherwise 


169 

completed  at  a  cost  not  varying  far  from  the  appropriation.  The 
funds  justifying,  an  additional  appropriation  of  $^,000  was  made  to 
cover  other  expenditures  connected  with  the  building. 

A  superintendent  of  repairs  was  appointed,  who  was  to  have  gen 
eral  superintendence  of  the  buildings  and  grounds.  The  Board 
announced  that  the  institution  was  fulfilling  its  duties  in  a  manner 
creditable  to  the  Faculty,  and  highly  useful  to  the  public,  and  they 
looked  forward  with  confidence  to  its  increasing  usefulness  and  future- 
eminence. 

REPORT  OF  VISITORS. 

The  report  of  this  board,  consisting  of  Rev.  Jons  D.  PIEKCE,  Hon. 
J.  GOODWIN,  Rev.  C.  T.  HINMAN,  and  GEORGE  E.  HAND,  having  been 
made,  in  common  with  the  other  gentlemen,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pierce, 
(first  Superintendent,)  who  had  incorporated  into  the  organic  law. 
the  provision  for  the  appointment  of  such  a  board  annually,  it  may 
be  justly  presumed  to  present  a  more  perfect  idea  of  the  outline  of 
their  intended  duties  than  had  thus  far  been  given  to  the  public.  For 
this  reason,  and  for  important  suggestions  it  contains,  which  may  be 
useful  in  the  future,  it  is  here  given  in  full: 
To  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction: 

Sm — The  board  of  visitors  respectfully  report  that  they  assembled 
at  the  University  in  August  last,  for  the  purpose  of  being  present  at 
the  public  examination  of  the  classes,  preceding  the  commencement, 
and  of  examining  into  the  state  of  the  University,  its  wants,  its  pro 
gress  and  its  prospects.  The  site  of  the  University,  being,  as  it  is, 
a  fine,  high  table  of  land,  commanding  varied  and  beautiful  land 
scape  views,  with  a  fertile,  dry  soil,  is  well  chosen.  Unfortunately, 
the  noble  forest  trees  which  formerly  tenanted  these  grounds,  (the 
only  connection  between  the  present  and  the  past,  in  this  new  world,) 
had  all  been  destroyed  before  the  land  was  appropriated  to  its  pre 
sent  use,  and  their  stately  compeers,  a  little  way  remote,  only  seem 
to  admonish  us  of  how  much  we  have  lost  by  their  untimely  fate. 
That  which  first  most  strongly  arrests  one's  attention  upon  approach- 
ng  the  University  grounds,  is  the  almost  total  absence  of  shade  and 
ornamental  trees.  This  is  not  surprising  in  a  new  institution,  but  it 
demands  immediate  attention — prompt  action.  The  soil  is  strong, 
and  well  adapted  to  the  production  and  growth  of  trees,  as  the 
neighboring  forests  attest.  In  the  same  forests,  and  in  convenient 
proximity,  are  found  in  almost  every  variety,  the  trees  indigenous  to 
the  climate.  A  little  considerate  attention  now  given  to  ornamenting 
the  grounds  with  trees  will,  in  a  few  years,  yield  an  ample  harvest 
of  security,  comfort  and  protection,  A  considerable  number  of  trees 
have  been  recently  planted,  but  we  were  sorry  to  observe  that  n6any 


170 

all  of  them  were  comprised  in  two  or  three  varieties,  more  distin 
guished  for  their  rapid  growth  and  precocious  development,  than  for 
symmetry  of  proportions,  beauty  or  permanence,  and  which  will  in 
regular  course  reach  the  "sere  and  yellow  leaf"  of  their  existence, 
sooner  than  the  youth  who  assisted  to  plant  them.  A  portion,  at 
least,  of  the  trees  planted,  should  be  of  ths  most  durable,  stable  and 
stately  kinds.  How  much  of  interest,  comfort  and  enjoyment,  trees 
grown  venerable  with  the  Universities  they  surround  and  protect, 
add  to  college  grounds  and  college  life,  all  can  attest  who  are  con 
versant  with  the  older  and  more  eligible  literary  institutions  of  the 
country.  Cambridge  and  Yale,  stript  of  their  fine  old  shade  trees, 
would  be  shorn  of  half  their  attractions.  The  pursuit  of  learning, 
science  and  literature,  much  of  which  is  laborious  and  exhausting, 
should  be  made  attractive  by  the  highest  garniture  of  nature  and  of 
art.  The  highway  of  thought,  and  intellectual  development  and  pro 
gress,  much  of  which  is  parched  and  rugged,  should,  so  far  as  may 
be,  be  refreshed  with  fountains  and  strewn  with  flowers.  One  of  the 
appended  resolutions  of  the  board,  embodies  their  views  on  this  'not 
unimportant  subject 

The  philosophical  and  chemical  apparatus  are  evidently  quite  in 
adequate  to  the  wants  of  those  departments.  Some  of  the  most  com 
mon  and  important  experiments  cannot  be  made  for  want  of  suitable 
apparatus.  This  deficit  should,  we  think,  receive  early  attention 
and  remedy.  However  important  buildings  may  seem,  needful  ap 
paratus  and  books  are  even  more  so.  The  brick  and  mortar,  of  which 
are  reared  the  stately  walls,  can  be  of  little  avail,  without  intelligent 
minds  within,  and  the  proper  appliances  for  communicating  that  in 
telligence  to  others. 

The  library,  very  considerable  and  creditable  in  extent,  is  valuable 
and  excellent — but  further  additions  are  needed  to  keep  pace  with 
the  rapid  progress  of  the  age. 

The  suits  of  specimens  in  mineralogy  and  geology  are  uncommonly 
full  and  splendid,  and  the  other  departments  of  natural  science  are 
very  rich  in  preparations  and  specimens. 

The  board  have  the  satisfaction  of  saying  that  the  examination  was 
generally  well  sustained,  and  the  performances  on  the  day  of  com 
mencement,  were  in  most  instances  of  a  high  order,  creditable  alike 
to  the  young  gentlemen  who  participated  in  them,  andthe  professors 
who  had  been  charged  with  their  education  and  instruction. 

The  board  had  of  course  but  little  opportunity  to  know  or  judge 
of  the  discipline  or  details  of  the  government  of  the  University; 
but  have  reason  to  believe  that  it  is  discreet,  prudent  and  salutary. 
In  every  institution  of  learning,  there  must  be  system,  order,  rule, 
subordination,  compliance  with  the  regulations,  cheerful  acquies 
cence  in  what  is  enjoined.  Whilst  there  is  much  occasion  for  watch 
ful  solicitude,  considerate  kindness  and  charitable  forbearance  on  the 
part  of  those  who  are  charged  with  the  immediate  administration  of 
the  affairs  of  a  College  or  University,  they  are  also  sometimes  re 
quired  by  a  duty  which  their  responsible  position  imposes,  a  duty 
which  they  owe  to  the  public,  to  the  parents  who  have  entrusted  to 


them  the  education  of  their  sons,  and  to  the  youth,  whose  future 
hopes  and  prospects  greatly  depend  upon  their  careful  training  at 
this  period  of  life — to  adopt  strong  measures,  and  perhaps,  in  some 
rare  instances,  almost  bordering  on  severity. 

Men  who  are  fit  to  be  placed  in  such  highly  responsible  stations, 
themselves,  upon  the  ground,  will  act  wisely,  and  a  healthy  public 
sentiment  will  sustain  them  in  their  action.  The  young  gentlemen 
gathered  into  an  institution  of  learning,  should  feel  that  they  also 
have  duties  and  responsibilities;  their  own  sense  of  propriety  will 
dictate  consideration  and  regard  for  the  hopes  and  expectations  of 
their  parents  and  friends,  and  gratitude  for  the  sacrifices  and  exer 
tions  of  those  who  are  expending  their  hard  earned  money  on  their 
education,  will  prompt  them  to  peaceful  and  quiet  demeanor,  to 
punctuality  and  promptness  in  their  lessons  and  recitations,  to  defer 
ence  and  respect  for  their  teachers,  and  to  a  general  and  cordial  co 
operation  in  sustaining  a  wholesome  police  and  good  order,  so  essen 
tial  to  the  well  being  of  every  community,  whether  social,  civil  or 
literary.  Anarchy  in  State  is  worse  tlfan  the  worst  government; 
anarchy  in  institutions  of  learning  is  more  destructive,  more  fatal  to 
progress,  than  any  other,  we  had  almost  said,  tlnn  -.11  other  evils 
put  together.  These  remarks  might  set:in  uncalled  for,  but  can 
scarcely  be  deemed  out  of  place  when  it  is  remembered  that  every 
institution  is  liable  to  such  trying  exigencies,  that  almost,  all  have 
encountered  thorn  to.  a  greater  or  less  extent,  and  it  is  well  to  pro 
mote  a  healthful  public  sentiment  on  a  subject  so  intimately  connect 
ed  with  the  welfare,  not  only  of  our  University,  but  also  of  our 
seminaries,  academies  and  common  schools. 

The  board  wish  to  call  attention  to  the  great  importance  which 
they  attach  to  the  rank  which  our  University  shall  take  and  maintain 
amongst  like  institutions  in  our  country.  That  its  rank  and  position 
should  be  high  amongst  the  highest,  nil  will  admit;  to  that  proposi 
tion  every  man  will  assent.  State  pride,  our  personal  wishes,  the 
interest  which  all  must  feel  in  the  training  and  development  of  those 
who  are  to  become  our  religious  teachers,  who  are  relied  upon  to 
heal  our  bodily  ailments,  who  are  to  make  and  administer  our  laws 
who  are  soon  to  manage  our  public  affairs,  all  combine  with  oppres 
sive  force  to  show  the  great  and  absorbing  importance  of  this  mat 
ter.  Why,  then,  it  may  be  asked,  do  we  dwell  upon  it?  Because, 
that  though  theoretically  admitted  by  all,  it  is,  we  fear,  practically 
overlooked  by  many.  On  the  one  hand,  we  wish  to  call  the  atten 
tion  of  all  who  are  immediately  connected  with  the  University,  to 
the  fact  that  AVC  expect  much,  very  much,  from  them.  The  institu 
tion  is  well  endowed,  if  not  just  now,  certainly  prospectively,  with 
moderately  good  management  of  its  funds.  It  is  eligibly  situated; 
it  has  started  in  its  eventful  career  under  favorable  auspices;  its  po 
sition  is  in  a  fine  region  of  country,  in  a  temperate  latitude,  in  a 
healthful  climate.  What  Yale  is  to  the  States  east  of  the  mountains, 
the  University  of  Michigan  should  be  to  the  Western  States.  We 
hope  for  much,  we  expect  much — have  we  not  a  right  to  expect 
much?  Let  the  standard  be  fixed  at  once,  so  that  the  proudest  in- 


172 

stitution  in  the  country  shall  not  be  ashamed  to  fraternize  with  us  as 
equals;  so  that  our  sons  shall  have  no  occasion,  through  aspirations 
for  higher  attainments  or  higher  honors,  to  leave  the  halls  of  our 
own  University  for  those  of  any  other  whatever.  We  call  upon  the 
Regents,  the  Faculty,  the  professors,  to  make  it  such  an  institution. 
But  to  make  it  and  keep  it  such,  much  care  and  attention  are  requi 
site.  The  Regents  must  be  vigilant  in  looking  to  the  capacity,  the 
attainments,  the  reputation,  the  character,  the  manners,  the  habits, 
the  physical  vigor,  the  intellectual  development,  of  those  whom  they 
shall  select  for  instructors. 

We  call  upon  the  Faculty  and  professors  in  the  University,  and 
doubt  not  that  our  appeal  will  meet  a  cordial  response,  to  bear  in 
mind  the  important  position  they  have  taken,  the  duties  of  vital  in 
terest  which  they  have  assumed  to  discharge,  the  intimate  relations 
they  bear  to  the  honor  or  dishonor,  the  weal  or  woe.  of  this  com 
monwealth.  It  is  but  reasonable  to  presume,  when  such  momentous 
results  hinge  on  their  action,  that  they  will  cheerfully  devote  their 
whole  time,  their  best  energies^,  their  undivided  attention,  to  instruct 
ing,  enlarging,  developing,  giving  energy  to  the  minds  and  intellects 
of  those  placed  in  their  charge.  We  expect  them  to  make  ourUni- 
yersity  a  distinguished  seat  of  science,  learning,  literature,  refinement 
and  taste — a  blessing  to  our  people,  a  proud  monument  to  them 
selves — an  honor  to  the  State  and  Nation. 

But  to  have  the  University  accomplish  all  its  high  destinies  the 
State  also  has  solemn  duties  to  perform;  it  must  faithfully  discharge 
the  solemn  trust  committed-to  it  by  the  general  government;  it  must 
preserve  strict  good  faith  with  the  University;  it  must  husband  its 
resources  and  revenues;  it  must,  in  no  case,  allow  political  consider 
ations  to  make  merchandize  of  the  interests  of  the  University,  and  of 
the  people's  birthright,  the  privilege  of  a  free  and  gratuitous  educa 
tion  of  their  sons  in  its  halls.  For  that  purpose  the  people  of  the 
nation  have  nobly  endowed  the  University;  for  that  purpose  and  that 
only,  let  that  endowment  be  appropriated  and  stand.  Let  the  hand, 
that  for  sinister  purposes  would  lay  hold  of  that  or  any  other  fund 
set  apart  to  the  education  of  our  youth,  be  palsied  in  the  touch;  let 
the  tongue  of  him  who  would  thus  betray  his  trust  and  his  country, 
eleavcto  the  roof  of  his  mouth. 

The  board  take  occasion  to  remark  upon  the  great  importance  of 
a  full  and  thorough  preliminary  preparation  of  the  students  before 
being  entered  at  the  University,  and  that  the  standard  of  scholarship 
required  of  those  who  enter  the  University,  should  be  elevated,  as  a 
prominent  means  of  elevating,  not  only  the  character  of  the  Univer 
sity  itself,  but  also  that  of  inferior  schools  throughout  the  State, 
which  look  to  it  as  a  model,  and  grade  their  literary  character  ac 
cording  to  the  rank  of  this,  the  leading  institution  of  the  State.  It 
was  very  apparent  from  the  examination  of  the  lower  classes,  that 
the  young  gentlemen  composing  those  classes,  had  entered  upon  their 
eommon  career  at  the  University,  with  very  unequal  degrees  of  pre 
paration. 

Some  evidently  had  been  but  ill  prepared  to  enter  upon  their  col 
lege  course,  and  encounter  its  severe  and  rigid  routine  of  study,  and 


173 

in  addition  to  the  discouragement  and  mortification  ever  attendant 
upon  inferior  scholarship,  and  the  danger  of  overtasking  themselves 
to  make  up  their  deficiencies,  would  realize  in  bwt  an  imperfect  de 
gree,  the  benefit  and  advantages  of  a  thorough  education.  This 
subject  can  hardly  receive  too  much  attention.  It  enters  largely 
into  the  essence  of  the  lives  and  fortunes  of  educated  men.  A 
crude  and  imperfect  preliminary  education,  of  which  the  student  is 
himself  probably  ignorant  at  the  first,  is  often  the  occasion  of  em 
bittering  his  hours  of  study,  breaking  his  spirits,  and  in  long  after 
years  is  fruitful  of  vain  regrets  that  his  happiness  and  fortunes  for 
life,  have  been  marred  through  the  ignorance  or  stupidity  of  his 
early  instructors.  The  evil  of  which  we  are  speaking  is  wide-spread 
in  the  Western  States.  It  is  a  matter  of  common  remark  in  the 
Eastern  Colleges,  in  reference  to  students  from  the  west.  It  is  an 
evil  which  cannot  be  too  promptly  remedied.  In  vain  do  you  fill 
your  professors'  chairs  with  men  of  the  highest  eminence,  if  the 
youth  who  resort  to  them  for  instruction,  must  be  fed  with  milk  in 
stead  of  meat.  In  vain  may  we  look  for  a  high  standard  of  attain 
ment  in  the  graduating  classes,  if  the  standard  of  preparation  for 
entering  upon  the  college  course  is  a  low  one — in  vain  shall  we  ex 
pect  to  see  the  Alumni  of  our  University,  when  they  meet  and  min 
gle  with,  or  confront  those  of  other  Universities,  stand  erect  with 
arched  brow  and  bold  front,  conscious  of  the  plentitude  of  their  in 
tellectual  stature  and  developement — if  the  student  is  to  spend  half 
his  time  at  the  University,  in  learning  what  he  should  have  known 
when  he  entered  it.  Let  parents  and  guardians,  if  they  wish  their 
sons  and  wards  to  reap  the  full  benefit  of  a  liberal  education,  see  well 
to  it  that  they  are  properly  and  sufficiently  prepared  at  the  outset, 
and  that  they  lose  as  little  time  as  possible  by  absence  during  the 
college  course.  It  is  said,  and  without  doubt,  truly,  that  many  por 
tions  of  the  State  are  destitute  of  proper  schools  and  seminaries  for 
training  and  preparing  students  for  the  University.  But  the  absence 
of  such  schools  and  seminaries,  however  prejudicial  and  deeply  felt 
in  the  University,  has  much  more  wide  spread  and  deplorable  re 
sults,  in  the  destitute  districts  themselves;  and  it  is  seen  in  the  very 
imperfect  education  and  lack  of  intelligence  in  the  more  favored,  and 
almost  absence  of  education  among  the  less  favored,  in  such  commu 
nities.  There,  also,  the  common  school,  (that  nursery  of  thought 
and  intellect,  which  we  should  all  assiduously  cherish,)  droops  and 
languishes,  and  the  munificent  provision  made  by  the  State,  for  the 
education  of  the  whole  rising  generation,  serves  little  other  purpose 
than  to  pay  blockhead  teachers  for  entailing  their  own  ignorance  and 
stupidity  upon  their  pupils.  What  an  evil — what  a  calamity — how 
widespread — how  diffusive — how  frightful.  How  can  it  be  reme 
died — how  prevented?  If  our  common  schools  are  to  work  their 
perfect  work  in  rearing  up  generation  after  generation  of  intelligent, 
educated  and  virtuous  men  and  women,  who  shall  be  ornaments  to 
society,  and  appreciate  and  perpetuate  the  blessings  and  privileges 
which  they  enjoy,  the  teachers  in  those  schools  must  be  themselves 
intelligent  and  properly  educated.  The  teachers  cannot  be  so  educa- 


ted  without  the  aid  of  good  grammar  schools,  academies,  seminaries, 
or  branches  of  the  University,  to  fill  the  wide  intei  veiling  space  be 
tween  the  commdn  school  and  the  University.  Schools  of  this  high 
order  should  be  found  in  every  county — yea,  as  far  as  may  be,  in 
every  town — that  they  may  be  accessible  to  the  whole  population, 
male  and  female.  In  New  England,  such  schools  and  seminaries 
are  found  in  almost  every  town  and  .village.  Is  it  wonderful  that  a 
population,  reared  under  such  auspices,  should  be  intelligent,  effec 
tive  and  prosperous  ? 

New  York  has  for  many  years  past,  emulated  New  England,  in 
its  liberal  and  varied  provisions  for  diffusing  education  and  knowledge 
among  the  masses  of  her  multitudinous  population.  She  has  also 
within  a  few  years  past,  established  a  State  Normal  School,  which 
has  excited  the  strongest  interest  and  countenance  throughout  that 
State.  Michigan  need  not  be  far  behind  her  elder  and  more  advan 
ced,  but  not  more  forward  sisters.  She  has  accessible  and  quite 
within  her  reach,  an  ample  fund  to  supply  the  wide  chasm  in  her 
educational  system,  now  found  to  exist  between  her  common  schools 
and  the  University.  It  is  not  by  abstracting-  from  either  the  common 
school  or  the  University  funds;  neither  of  these  are  more  ample  than 
are  needed  in  their  appropriate  and  respective  spheres,  and.  to  ac 
complish  the  objects  for  which  they  have  been  respectively  appro 
priated  and  designated  by  the  munificent  donor,  the  General  Govern 
ment.  But  we  have  certain  salt  spring  lands,  which  though  not  now 
subject  to  sale,  no  doubt  Congress  would  cheerfully  authorize  us  to 
sell  and  appropriate  for  this  purpose.  We  confidently  believe  that 
in  no  other  way  could  those  lands  be  so  wisely  or  usefully  appropri 
ated;  and  in  that  faith  we  have,  in  a  subjoined  resolution,  recom 
mended  that  the  Legislature  take  immediate  measures  to  appropri 
ate  the  State  salt  spring  lands  to  that  object.  No  other  appropria 
tion  of  those  lands  could  effect  such  wide-spread  and  continuing 
results — could  do  so  much  to  humanize  and  elevate  society  in  our 
midst — to  give  a  healthful  and  vigorous  tone  to  the  intellectual  de 
velopment  of  the  masses  of  our  community.  We  propose  that  they 
should  be  appropriated  to  the  support  and  assistance  of  a  State  nor 
mal  school,  branches  of  the  University,  academies,  high  schools  and 
other  seminaries  of  learning,  of  a  high  order,  throughout  the  State. 
A  large  fund  in  the  State  of  New  York,  is  so  distributed  and  appro 
priated  annually,  and  with  the  best  results.  The  normal  school  should 
be  a  model  institution,  for  the  training  and  preparation  of  teachers 
for  the  inferior  schools.  With  this  assistance  and  encouragement, 
the  branches  of  the  University  which  have  languished  or  become 
dormant,  would  be  speedily  revived — high  schools,  academies,  and 
other  seminaries  for  instruction  in  the  higher  branches  would  spring- 
up,  and  give  a  new  impulse  to  education  and  mind,  throughout  the 
State.  There  would  be  no  lack  of  suitable  schools  and  seminaries 
for  training  and  preparing  the  sons  of  our  soil  for  the  University,  in 
such  manner  that  they  may  there  pursue  the  liberal  arts,  with  pleas 
ure  to  themselves  and  credit  to  the  State;  and  thus  shall  a  race  of 
men  spring  up  from  our  midst,  who,  whether  in  the  pulpit  or  at  the 


175 

bar,  or  in  the  professor's  chair,  or  in  the  halls  of  Congress,  shall 
sustain  the  honor  of  the  State,  and  proudly  manifest  the  high  tone 
and  character  of  our  institutions  of  learning.  Such  demonstrations 
can  never  fail  of  producing  conviction.  And  it  is  thus  we  must  raise 
up,  educate  and  qualify  our  youth  for  public  life,  if  we  would  be  re 
spected  by  others,  or  successfully  maintain  our  own  rights  and  dig 
nity.  And  while  these  branches  of  the  University,  high  schools  and 
seminaries,  would  spring  up  thickly  throughout  the  State,  supplying 
the  University  liberally  with  students,  the  University  on  its  part, 
would  furnish  its  supply  of  finished  scholars  for  preceptors  and  in 
structors  in  those  branches.  Seminaries  and  high  schools,  which  in 
their  time,  would  raise  up,  train  and  prepare  large  numbers  of  com 
petent  and  highly  educated  teachers  for  the  common  schools,  which 
would  constantly  keep  that  first  and  most  important  department  of 
popular  education,  in  healthful  activity  and  vigor. 

Thus  the  reflex  influence  of  the  common  schools  on  the  Univer 
sity,  and  the  University  on  the  common  schools,  would  be  beauti 
fully  illustrated,  and  constantly  seen  and  felt.  JNTo  one,  because  his 
son  was  not  at  the  University,  would  feel  that  he  was  not  receiving 
any  benefit  from  it,  since  any  man  who  had  children  in  the  common 
scho  ol,  would  be  receiving  an  annual  installment  from  the  University 
fund. 

In  the  intermediate  schools  and  seminaries,  also,  our  youth  in 
large  numbers,  whose  circumstances  would  not  permit  them  to  en 
joy  the  higher  instruction  of  the  University,  (Scot-free,  as  it  is  to  all 
the  sons  of  Michigan,  who  will  come  and  partake  of  it,)  might  ob 
tain,  if  not  a  finished,  certainly  a  highly  valuable  and  practical  edu 
cation  in  almost  all  departments  of  instruction — and  these  privileges 
would  be  extended  alike  to  male  and  female.  Education  of  a  higher 
order  and  refinement  would  thus  be  diffused  through  our  whole  pop 
ulation.  What  a  contrast  would  such  a  picture  present  to  the  state 
of  things  we  now  see  around  us.  Then  might  the  Peninsular  State 
boast  a  system  of  public  and  popular  education  within  her  limits 
more  perfect  in  itself,  more  munificently  endowed  and  more  liberally 
administered  than  any  other  in  these  United  States. 

A  few  years  of  progress  and  development,  under  such  a  system, 
would  make  Michigan  one  of  the  noblest  States  of  the  Union. 

LEGISLATION. 

Various  propositions  came  before  the  Legislature  for  legislation 
relating  to  schools,  among  which  was  one  for  establishing  a  se 
parate  department  at  the  University  for  teachers;  also  for  providing 
for  the  instruction  of  the  deaf,  dumb  and  blind;  also  for  amending 
the  laws  so  as  take  off  all  restrictions  as  to  the  raising  of  money  for 
building  school  houses;  for  establishing  temporary  Normal  schools 
or  teachers'  institutes;  for  a  change  of  the  law  so  that  the  mill  tax 
might  be  raised  by  vote  of  townships.  The  Senate  passed  a  bill  pro- 


viding  that  one  of  the  branches  of  the  University  should  be  estab 
lished  as  a  State  Normal  school;  but  none  of  these  became  laws,  ex 
cept  that  providing  for  an  asylum  for  the  deaf  and  dumb.  A  char 
ter  was  granted  to  Howell  Academy;  to  Leoni  theological  institute* 
to  Leoni  seminary;  to  Olivet  institute. 

The  school  law  was  amended  so  that  the  qualified  voters  of  any 
district  might,  at  their  annual  meeting,  raise  by  tax  upon  the  taxable 
property  of  the  district,  a  sum  not  exceeding  a  dollar  a  scholar  for 
every  scholar  in  the  district  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen 
year,  for  the  support  of  schools,  to  be  levied  and  collected  like  other 
township  taxes. 


1849. 

EXTRACT  FROM  GOV.  RANSOM'S    MESSAGE 

The  laws  by  which  our  common  schools  are  regulated,  it  is  believed, 
require  no  change.  None  perhaps  could  be  devised  which  would 
more  effectually  secure  the  great  object  in  view,  than  those  now  in 
force.  The  report  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  in 
which  most  of  the  important  and  interesting  topics  connected  with 
our  educational  system  are  fully  discussed,  will  be  laid  before  you 
in  due  time. 

No  subject  should  more  earnestly  engage  your  attention  than  that 
of  common  school  education. 

The  number  of  children  reported  between  the  ages  of  four  and 
eighteen  years,  is  H7,95S,  being  9,822  more  than  have  been  re 
turned  in  any  previous  year.  The  whole  number"  that  have  attended 
common  schools  during  the  year  is  98,044,  nine  thousand  nine  hun 
dred  and  sixty-four  more  than  attended  last  year. 

The  amount  of  the  primary  school  interest  fund  apportioned  among 
the  several  counties  and  townships  of  the  State  for  the  past  year,  was 
$32,605  20,  thirty  cents  to  each  child  reported  between  the  ages  of 
four  and  eighteen  years. 

The  amount  of  the  mill  tax  for  the  township  libraries,  and  the  sup 
port  of  schools,  was  $15,020  44,  which  i's  more  than  double  the 
amount  heretofore  raised  for  that  purpose  in  any  one  year. 

7'he  amount  of  money  raised  by  vote  of  the  people  for  the  support 
of  schools  at  the  last  annual  township  meetings  was  $11,346  11, 
nearly  three  times  the  amount  hitherto  raised  for  such  purposes. 

The  amount  of  money  actually  distributed  among  the  several  coun 
ties  and  townships  of  the  State,  for  the  support  of  schools  during  the 
past  year,  from  the  three  sources  mentioned,  was  $11,970  14  mart 
than  for  any  proceeding  year. 


177 

The  sum  total  of  all  school  lands  sold  up  to  this  time,  reported  by 
the  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office,  was  111,126  acrts.  Over 
one-fourth  of  this  had  been  sold  during  the  last  two  years. 

The  total  amount  of  all  University  lands  sold  up  to  this  date  waa 
20,309.54  acres,  which  taken  from  the  whole  amount  selected  (44, - 
416.31  acres,)  left  a  balance  on  hand  subject  to  sale  of  24,106.77 
acres. 

REPORT  OF  SUPERINTENDENT. 

The  report  of  the  Superintendent  states  that  during  the  current 
year,  he  had  spent  the  greater  portion  of  the  time  in  active  labors 
abroad,  attending  educational  meetings,  conducting  teachers'  insti 
tutes,  and  co-operating  with  the  friends  of  education.  He  speaks  of 
these  labors  as  being  highly  useful,  and  that  increased  interest  had 
been  aroused  by  these  means,  by  the  labors  and  zeal  of  the  Christian 
ministry,  by  educational  societies,  and  by  the  influence  of  the  press. 
He  again  recommends  the  establishment  of  an  educational  journal. 

In  relation  to  that  part  of  the  system  which  embraces  the  duties 
of  county  clerks,  he  observes  that  these  officers  have  repeatedly  ex 
pressed  the  hope  that  the  Legislature  would  provide  for  the  regular 
annual  distribution  of  the  reports  of  this  office,  to  county  clerks 
school  inspectors,  and  directors  of  school  districts.  It  was  thought 
to  be  more  necessary  inasmuch  as  in  the  absence  of  an  educational 
periodical,  the  annual  reports  .constitute  the  principal  and  well  nigh 
the  only  medium  through  which  the  Superintendent  could  commu 
nicate  with  local  officers,  as  well  as  the  source  from  which  they  hope 
to  derive  information  in  relation  to  the  wishes  and  recommendations 
of  the  Superintendent,  and  the  progress  of  education  in  different 
parts  of  the  State.  The  following  extract  shows  the  progress  of  the 
schools. 

STATISTICAL  INFORMATION. 

Under  this  head,  in  the  reports  from  this  department  for  former 
years,  are  statements  which  show  a  marked  improvement,  from  year 
to  year,  in  the  condition  of  our  schools,  the  number  of  scholars  that 
attend  them,  the  number  of  visits  they  receive  from  district  and  town 
ship  school  officers,  the  number  and  size  of  township  libraries,  the 
extent  of  their  circulation,  etc.,  etc. 

By  examining  ihe  reports  received  at  this  office  for  the  last  school 
yerir.  and  comparing  them  with  the  reports  for  preceeding  years,  it 
will  be  seen  that  our  system  of  public  instruction  is  still  gaining  upon 
the  confidence  of  the  public  ;md  rapidly  increasing  in  usefulness. 
23 


178 

The  number  of  townships  from  which  reports  have  been  received 
for  the  past  school  year,  is  442 — 17  more  than  reported  the  preceed- 
ing  year.  The  number  of  school  districts  reported,  is  3,671,  vrhich 
is  129  more  than  have  reported  in  any  former  year.  Of  this  number, 
2,548  have  maintained  schools  taught  by  qualified  teachers,  the 
constitutional  term.  This  shows  an  increase  of  177  over  former 
years.  The  number  of  children  reported  between  the  ages  of  four 
and  eighteen  years,  is  117,952,  the  same  being  9,822  more  than 
have  been  reported  for  any  former  year.  The  whole  number  that 
have  attended  school  during  the  year,  is  98,044,  which  shows  an 
advance  of  9,964  over  all  former  years. 

While  there  has  been  an  increase  in  the  wages  paid  "  qualified 
teachers,"  there  has,  at  the  same  time,  been  a  decrease  in  the  number 
of  months  the  schools  of  the  State  have  been  taugnt  by  unqualified 
teachers,  amounting,  in  the  aggregate,  to  more  than  eleven  years:;  and 
a  corresponding  decrease  in  the  wages  paid  them. 

The  interest  of  the  primary  school  fund  apportioned  to  the  several 
counties  and  townships  of  the  State  in  May  last,  was  $32,605  20, 
the  same  being  30  cents  to  every  child  reported  within  the  legal 
ages,  and  an  increase  over  former  years  of  $1,330  46.  For  the 
preceding  year,  the  apportionment  was  33  cents  to  every  child  re 
ported  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years.  This  shows  a 
falling  off  of  two  cents  in  the  amount  apportioned  to  each  scholar, 
which  was  caused  by  a  greater  proportionate  increase  in  the  number 
of  scholars,  than  in  the  amount  apportioned  from  this  fund — a  cir 
cumstance  which  it  is  not  probable  will  ever  occur  again;  for  there 
can  be  but  little  doubt  that  the  annual  increase  of  the  primary  school 
interest  fund  will  be  eight  or  ten  thousand  dollars  a  year  for  several 
years  to  come. 

The  amount  of  the  mill  tax  for  township  libraries  and  the  support 
of  schools,  is  $15,020  44,  which  is  more  than  twice  the  amount 
heretofore  raised  in  any  one  year. 

The  amount  of  tax  voted  by  the  people  for  the  support  of  schools, 
at  the  last  annual  township  meetings,  is  Si  1,346  11,  which  is  nearly 
three  times  the  amount  heretofore  raised  for  said  purpose. 

The  amount  of  public  money  actually  distributed  among  the  sev 
eral  counties  and  townships  of  the  State  for  the  support  of  schools 
during  the  past  year,  from  the  three  sources  just  named,  is  $11.970- 
14  more  than  for  any  former  year. 

It  was  stated  in  the  last  annual  report  from  this  Department,  that 
while  there  had  been  a  large  increase  in  the  number  of  scholars  at 
tending  common  schools,  there  had  been  a  corresponding  decrease  in 
the  number  attending  select  schools.  This  fact  shows  that  while  our 
common  schools  are  gaining  rapidly  upon  the  confidence  of  the  pub 
lic,  our  select  schools  are  losing  patronage. 

This  two-fold  method  of  showing  the  superiority  of  common  schools 
when  judiciously  managed  and  properly  improved,  over  select 
schools  as  they  ordinarily  exist,  is  now  still  more  manifest  than  ever 
before. 


179 

During  the  last  ye-ar,  the  increase  in  the  number  attending  common 
schools  has  been  nearly  ten  t/tousand,  as  we  have  already  seen;  and 
the  decrease  in  the  number  attending  select  schools,  has  been  upwards 
of  one  hundred. 

The  reports  show  that  there  are  245  township  libraries  in  the  State, 
containing  in  all,  58,203  volumes,  which  is  an  increase  of  45  town 
ships,  and  14/277  volumes,  during  the  past  year. 

Amendments  to  the  school  laws  were  proposed,  in  relation  to  the 
supply  of  fuel,  so  as  to  authorize  the  districts  to  vote  a  tax  therefor; 
it  was  recommended  that  districts  should  be  authorized,  where  there 
were  one  hundred  or  more  scholars,  to  raise  any  amount  of  tax  they 
please  for  the  purchase  of  apparatus,  such  a  provision  being,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  Superintendent,  necessary  to  meet  the  wants  of  UNION 
SCHOOLS.  It  was  further  recommended  that  section  137  of  the  law, 
should  be  repealed.  It  was  also  the  recommendation  of  the  Super 
intendent,  that  with  our  age  as  a  State,  and  the  advancement  we  had 
made  in  the  department  of  Public  Instruction,  that  teachers'  insti 
tutes,  under  the  circumstances,  were  preferable,  to  the  establishment 
of  a  single  State  normal  school.  For  the  holding  of  such  institutes* 
it  was  suggested  that  the  expenses  attending  them  should  be  provi 
ded  for.  The  Superintendent  (Mr.  Mayhew,)  says: 

Some  have  proposed  raising  it  by  contributions  from  the  citizens  of 
places  where  sessions  may  be  held.  But  this  would  be  a  heavy  tax; 
and  especially  where  the  citizens  of  a  place  offer  to  board  the  teach 
ers  in  attendance.  Gratuitous  board,  as  has  been  offered  in  several 
places,  is  all  that  could  be  desired,  and  more  than  could  ordinarily 
be  expected.  Others  have  proposed  that  the  teachers  in  attendance 
be  required  to  pay  a  specific  sum.  But  this  might  exclude  many- 
worthy  persons  who  are  unable  to  spare  the  necessary  amount  from 
the  small  sum  they  have  received  for  their  services  as  teachers. 
Others  still  propose  to  raise  the  necessary  sum  to  meet  the  expense 
of  maintaining  an  Institute  in  each  county,  by  a  county  tax.  But  if 
this  method  were  desirable,  it  is  not  practicable.  The  number  of 
teachers  that  would  attend  would  be  hardly  sufficient  to  justify  such 
an  undertaking  in  some  of  the  new  counties.  It  would  moreover  be 
difficult,  if  not  impossible  to  secure  the  services  of  a  sufficient  num 
ber  of  competent  persons  to  carry  forward  so  many  Institutes  at  the 
same  time.  The  plan  proposed  is  a  medium  between  county  insti 
tutes  and  a  State  normal  school,  combining  to  a  great  degree  the 
advantages  of  both,  without  the  inconveniences  of  either.  I  would 
recommend  that  the  expense  of  providing  a  board  of  instruction,  be 
met  in  this  wriy:  Authorize  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction 
to  draw  a  warrant  upon  the  State  Treasurer,  for  the  necessary  sum, 
to  be  paid  from  the  annual  income  of  the  primary  school  fund. 


180 

A  circular  was  issued,  proposing  the  holding  of  a  scries  of  insti 
tutes  very  nearly  on  this  plan,  in  reply  to  which,  the  Superintendent 
received  very  encouraging  communications.  Several  sessions  were 
subsequently  held.  Th^  Superintendent  thus  speaks  of  UNIOS 
SCHOOLS: 

This  deservedly  popular,  and  eminently  useful  form  of  common 
school  organization,  was  dwelt  upon  at  considerable  length,  in  the 
last  annual  report  from  this  department,  commencing  at  the  one 
hundred  and  tirst  page.  Their  nature  and  advantages  are  there 
somewhat  fully  presented.  This  class  of  institutions,  which  maybe 
made  to  constitute  a  connecting  link  between  the  ordinary  common 
school  and  the  State  University,  is  fast  gaining  upon  the  confidence 
of  the  public.  Those  already  established,  have  generally  surpassed 
the  expectations  of  their  founders.  Some  of  them  have  already  at 
tained  a  standing  rarely  equalled  by  the  academical  institutions  of 
the  older  States.  Large,  commodious,  and  beautiful  edifices  have 
been  erected,  in  quite  a  number  of  villages,  for  the  accommodation 
of  these  schools.  These  school  houses  frequently  occupy  the  most 
eligible  sites  in  the  villages  where  they  are  located.  I  am  happy  in 
being  able  to  state,  in  this  connection,  that  the  late  capitol  of  our 
State  having  been  fitted  up  at  much  expense,  was,  in  June  last,  opened 
as  a  common  school  house;  and  that,  in  that  house,  is  maintained  a 
free  school,  which  constitutes  the  pride  and  ornament  of  the  city  of 
the  Straits. 

The  Superintendent  concludes  this,  his  las',  report  to  the  Legisla 
ture,  as  follows: 

The  citizens  of  our  State  m«y  well  be  proud  of  the  unparalleled 
success  of  our  system  of  public  instruction.  The  doors  of  our  im 
proved,  and  rapidly  improving  common  schools,  are  open  to  all.  The 
number  in  attendance  at  these  institutions,  increases  several  thousand 
from  year  to  year.  In  round  numbers,  ten  thousand  more  of  the 
youth  of  our  State  drank  at  these  fountains  of  intellectual  and  moral 
culture — of  domestic  and  social  happiness — of  State  and  national 
prosperity — during  the  last  year,  than  in  any  former  year.  At  the 
same  time,  the  blessings  of  our  State  University,  which,  like  our 
common  schools  is  alike  open  to  all,  are  sought  and  enjoyed  by  an 
increasing  number  of  the  young  men  of  our  State,  who  nvw,  at 
home,  enjoy  well-nigh  all  the  literary  privileges  afforded  in  the  older 
States. 

REPORT   OF  REGENTS. 

This  report  embraced  the  condition  of  the  UNIVERSITY,  as  to  ita 
expenditures,  in  detailed  nnd  tabular  form,  the  wholf%amount  ex 
pended  for  building  purposes,  from  January  8th,  1847,  to  October 
3d,  1S4B,  being  $16,350  00. 


181 

MEDICAL    DEPARTMENT. 

The  Board  announce  that  incipient  measures  had  been  adopted 
for  the  organization  of  a  MEDICAL  DEPARTMENT,  by  constituting  three 
professorships,  viz:  one  of  ANATOMY,  charged  with  the  duties  also  ap 
pertaining  to  special  and  surgical  ANATOMY — one  of  MATERIA  MEDICA, 
charged  also  with  the  duties  appertaining  to  PHARMACY  and  MEDICAL 
JURISPRUDENCE. — and  one  of  the  PRACTICE  OF  PHYSIC,  charged  also 
with  recitations  in  obstetrics  and  diseases  of  women  and  children. 
Dr.  DOUGLASS  had  been  designated  to  fill  the  professorship  of  MATE  - 
RIA  MEDICA,  and  Dr.  ABRAM  SAGKK  that  of  the  theory  and  practice 
of  medicine,  but  without  any  additional  expense  to  the  University. 

The  number  of  students  in  the  department  of  literature,  was  thir 
ty-eight.  The  estimated  receipts  of  the  University  were  $13,000  00 
for  the  next  year.  The  Board  remark  that  the  financial  system  of 
the  University  had  been  matured  by  the  experience  of  past  years, 
and  seemed  now  to  be  conducted  with  as  rigid  a  regard  to  economy 
as  the  interests  of  the  several  departments  will  allow. 

The  report  of  the  FACULTY  embraced  a  new  code  of  laws  for  the 
local  government.  They  say: 

On  the  introduction  and  enforcement  of  a  new  code  of  laws,  there 
might  naturally  be  expected  some  friction,  yet  the  Faculty  are  happy 
in  being  able  to  assure  the  Board  that  the  enforcement  of  these  laws 
has  been  wholesome,  and  unattended  by  any  serious  difficulty.  Al 
though  one  dismission,  and  a  few  cases  of  suspension  have  occurred 
during  the  year,  our  quiet  has  not  been  disturbed  by  any  rebellious 
spirit,  nor  by  any  very  high  misdemeanors.  The  Faculty  will,  how 
ever,  take  the  liberty  of  suggesting  a  few  amendments  of  the  existing 
code  of  laws,  principally  the  result  of  experience.  They  beg  leave, 
also,  to  recommend  a  slightly  modified  course  of  studies.  '1  he  sug 
gested  amendments  will  be  found  in  the  accompanying  copies  of  the 
catalogue  and  statutes. 

As  some  difference  of  opinion  has  existed  in  the  Board,  in  respect 
to  the  propriety  of  a  law  prohibiting  certain  societies  in  the  Univer 
sity,  the  Faculty  herewith  present  for  your  consideration  a  special 
report  on  that  subject,  accompanied  by  a  correspondence  with  the 
presidents  of  the  principal  colleges  in  our  country. 

If  the  Board  will  appropriate  means  for  carrying  out  their  inten 
tions  in  regard  to  prizes,  as  expressed  in  the  last  section  of  the  laws, 
the  Faculty  will  announce  the  subjects  for  the  present  graduating 
class. 

We  also  ask  to  be  authorized  by  the  Board  to  expend  the  whole 
amount  of  the  special  appropriation  of  one  hundred  dollars,  to  be 
made  this  year,  we  presume,  as  last,  in  the  increase  of  the  library,  in 


182 

the  departments  belonging  to  the  several  professors;  except  so  much 
as  shall  be  necessary  for  the  purchase  of  Silliman's  Journal,  and  of 
the  four  reprints  of  foreign  journals. 

The  course  of  study  bus  been  pursued  and  accomplished  in  the 
several  departments,  except  that  of  languages.  Here,  the  fiilure  has 
resulted  from  the  impossibility  of  accomplishing  the  whole,  under 
the  existing  arrangement. 

REPORT  OF  BOARD   OF  VISITORS. 

This  report,  signed  by  Rev.  Dr.  DUFFIELD,  as  chairman  of  the 
board,  is  so  valuable  in  its  suggestions  and  statements,  that  notwith 
standing  its  length,  it  is  deemed  essential  to  the  objects  of  this  histor 
ical  sketch  of  the  affairs  of  the  University  to  give  it  in  full: 

The  organic  law  "of  the  University  (of  the  State  of  Michigan)  and 
its  branches,"  agreeably  to  whose  provisions  we  have  been  appointed 
by  you,  during  this  current  year,  as  "a  board  of  visitors,  declares, 
that  our  "duty  shall  be,  to  make  a  personal  examination  into  the  State 
of  the  University  in  all  its  departments,  and  report  the  result  to  the 
Superintendent  suggesting  such  improvements  as  (we)  may  deem 
important." — Sec.  15. 

In  pursuance  of  your  request,  a  majority  of  the  board  of  visitors 
repaired,  in  July  last,  at  the  time  named,  to  the  University  in  Ann 
Arbor;  and,  having  made  their  examination  to  some  extent,  in  the 
absence  of  two  members  of  the  same,  adjourned  to  hold  a  future 
meeting  in  the  same  place;  which,  after  due  notice  given,  was  ac 
cordingly  done;  and  the  following  report  adopted,  by  ihe  members 
present:  • 

The  departments  of  the  University,  as  prescribed  by  the  organic 
law  are — FIRST,  "of  literature,  science,  and  arts;  SECOND,  "of  law;'* 
and  THIRD,  "of  medicine."  In  the  first  department,  the  law  contem 
plates  FIFTEEN  professorships,  viz:  one  each,  and  severally — 1st,  of 
ancient  languages;  2J,  of  modern  languages;  3d,  of  rhetoric  and 
oratory;  4th,  of  the  philosophy  of  history  and  logic;  5th,  of  the  phi 
losophy  of  the  human  mind;  6;.h,  of  moral  philosophy;  7th  of  na 
tural  theology;  9th  of  mathematics;  10th  of  natural  philosophy; 
lltb,  of  chemistry:  12th,  of  geology  and  mineralogy;  13ih  of  bot 
any  and  zoology;  14th,  of  line  arts;  15th  of  civil  engineering  and 
drawing. 

This  department  has  been  organized  since  1811,  and  has  not  yet 
been  perfected;  but  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  organic  law, 
the  professorships  have  been  created,  as  the  number  of  students,  their 
progress  in  study,  and  other  exigences  required.  Seven  professors 
h!ive.  been  appointed,  who  discharge  the  duties  of  eleven  professor 
ships;  viz: 

1.  GEO.  P.  WILLIAMS,  professor  of  natural  philosophy  and  math 
ematics. 

2    ABRAHAM  SAQER.  professor  of  botany  and  zoology. 

3.  ANDREW  TEN  BROOK,  professor  of  moral  and  intellectual  phi 
losophy. 


188 

4.  DANIEL  D.  WHEEDON,  professor  of  logic,  rhetoric  and  history. 

5.  JOHN  HOLMES  AGNEW,  professor  of  Latin  and  Greek  languages. 

6.  SILAS   H    DOUGLASS,   professor  of  chemistry,  mineralogy  and 
geology. 

7.  Louis  FARQUELLE,  professor  of  modern  languages. 

The  examination  of  the  students,  which  we  witnessed  to  some  ex 
tent,  on  two  different  occasions,  furnished  evidence  of  the  zeal,  fidel 
ity  and  ability  of  the  professors,  .in  their  respective  departments 
of  science,  and  of  the  success  and  diligence  of  the  students,  gener 
ally. 

The  resources  of  the  University,  and  the  pressing  exigencies  in 
this  early  stage  of  its  organization,  will  not  admit,  at  present,  of  the 
appointment  of  any  greater  number  of  professors;  nor  is  it,  with  the 
present  number  of  students,  at  all  necessary — that  number  ranging 
somewhere  between  eighty  and  ninety.  The  Regents  have  wisely 
arranged  the  combination  of  professorships,  and  distributed  the  du 
ties  of  the  same  among  the  existing  professors,  so  as  to  embrace  the 
entire  range  of  studies  pursued  in  our  best  conducted  eastern  colle 
ges,  with  the  exception  of  the  subject  of  political  economy.  It  de 
serves  to  be  particularly  noticed,  that  they  have  introduced  a  system 
of  extensive  and  efficient  study  in  the  modern  languages,  running 
through  the  whole  course,  which  will  make  all  the  students  ac 
quainted  with  most  of  the  modern  languages  of  continental  Europe, 
and  particularly  the  French,  Spanish,  Italian  and  German.  In  eas 
tern  colleges,  the  modern  languages  are  but  an  incidental  study,  du 
ring  one  or  two  terms  of  certain  classes;  and  that,  by  students  only 
who  elect  them  in  preference  to  other  branches.  In  this  respect  our 
University  possesses  superior  privileges;  and  meets,  more  extensively 
and  efficiently,  the  wants  of  our  educated  youth,  than  any  of  our 
older  colleges.  It  is  a  new  feature  in  college  studies,  and  particu 
larly  appropriate  to  our  Western  States,  filling  up  with  a  foreign 
population  from  nearly  all  the  different  nations  of  Europe. 

It  is  suggested,  whether  a  much  more  practicable  and  economical 
permanent  arrangement,  than  that  contemplated  by  the  orgnnic  law, 
and  that  which  the  Pvegents  have  thus  far.  "in  the  first  organiza 
tion"  adopted,  is  not  in  every  way  preferable;  anfl  therefore,  wheth 
er  such  amendments  might  not  be  made  to  the  statute,  as  shall  give 
to  them  full  power  to  provide,  at  any  time  hereafter,  for  the  full 
range  of  study  contempkhed  in  it,  without  employing  more  profess 
ors  thm  may  be  actually  needed.  The  duties  of  several  of  the 
professorships,  may  occasionally  be  better  distributed  and  provided 
for,  at  the  discretion  of  the  Board  of  llegents,  who  may  consult  the 
convenience,  qualifications  and  taste  of  the  different  professors  whom 
they  may  elect,  and  the  relative  importance  and  value  of  the  branch 
es  of  study,  than  by  being  required  to  appoint  so  many  distinct  pro- 
fessors,  and  one  severally  for  each. 

It  is  suggested,  also,  whether  the  employment  of  tutors  might  not 
be  provided  for.  so  as  to  meet  certain  interests  of  education  and  gov- 
ernmem,  as  efficiency,  and  more  economically  than  by  the  multipli 
cation  of  professors.  Where  the  duties  of  instructors  must  be  dis- 


1U4 

charged  by  means  of  public  lectures,  it  is  essential  that  competent- 
professors  should  be  secured  for  that  purpose.  But  where  the  na 
ture  and  routine  of  study  require  a  closer  inspection,  and  severer 
drill  and  discipline  of  mind,  than  are  requisite  in  the  natural  sciences, 
as  in  the  languages  and  mathematics,  somewhat  of  the  labor,  espe 
cially  in  the  interior  classes,  may  be  wisely  and  advantageously 
allotted  to  tutors,  while  the  professors'  time  may  be  occupied  with  the 
higher,  more  difficult,  more  erudite,  and  more  abstruse  studies,  ap 
propriate  to  the  more  matured  years  and  judgment  of  the  superior 
classes. 

The  general  experience  of  Colleges,  if  not  the  universal  voice  of 
those  whose  students  reside  not  in  parent's  houses,  commends,  both 
for  economy  and  efficiency,  the  employment  of  young  unmarried 
men,  recently  graduated,  who,  being  associated  with  the  professors. 
may  render  important  services,  in  various  departments  of  science, 
and  for  general  purposes  of  necessary  government.  There  is  no  tu 
tor  at  present  associated  with  the  Faculty.  The  consequence  is,  that 
the  professors,  having  families,  and  separated  in  their  dwellings  from 
the  students,  are  totally  unable  to  exercise  the  necessary  surveillance 
for  all  purposes  of  moral  and  physical  safety  and  welfare. 

The  Board  of  Regents  have  wisely  abstained  from  requiring,  as  is 
done  in  other  colleges,  the  students  to  board  in  commons.  They 
have  left  each  at  liberty  to  procure,  in  respectable  families  in  the  vil 
lage,  such  accommodations  in  this  respect,  as  may  best  suit  their 
means  and  inclinations.  When  students  come  from  abroad,  and  have 
no  guardians  and  friends  with  whom  to  lodge,  in  the  village,  they 
are  congregated  in  buildings  erected  for  the  purpose  of  affording 
conveniences  for  dormitories  and  studies.  Two  large  edifices,  four 
stories  high,  have  been  constructed  for  this  purpose,  and  the  great 
body  of  the  students  are  lodged  in  them.  These  buildings  are  with 
out  any  officer  of  college  residing  or  lodging  in  them.  There  is  no 
one  whatever,  dwelling  in  any  of  the  suites  of  dormitories,  to  watch 
over  and  guard,  during  the  hours  of  evening  and  night,  the  general 
interests  of  a  large  number  of  youth. 

In  all  college^  there  are  many  young  men,  especially  in  the  two 
superior  classes,  whose  sense  of  propriety,  honor  and  duty,  will  al 
ways  be  sufficient  to  restrain  and  direct  them.  But  perhaps  a  large 
number  will  most  frequently  be  found  in  the  inferior  classes,  whose 
tender  years  and  limited  experience,  often  render  them  liable  to  im 
position  and  severhies  attempted  by  others  older  than  themselves. 
Moreover,  there  is  a  ready,  easy  and  frequent  opportunity  of  access 
to  instructors,  both  for  purposes  of  directing  and  facilitating  study, 
and  of  consultation  in  other  matters,  which  it  is  important  should  be 
furnished  in  official  guardians,  and  not  be  left  at  hazzard,  and  which 
can  only  be  fully  secured  by  the  appointment  of  suitable  tutors  to 
take  cognizance  night  and  day,  of  the  youth  lodging  in  the  several 
sections  of  the  dormitory  buildings  subjected  to  their  care. 

The  buildings  which  have  been  erected  by  the  Regents  for  dormi 
tory  purposes,  are  admirably  finished,  after  the  most  approved  plan, 
the  result  of  long  experience  and  observation  on  the  part  of  college 


185 

Should  the  appropriate  buildings  be  erected  for  lecture  and  recita 
tion  rooms,  agreeably  to  the  plan  of  the  Regents,  and  the  present 
edifices,  conformably  with  the  original  design  of  their  construction, 
be  wholly  occupied  for  dormitory  uses,  each  of  the  two  stately  edifi 
ces  now  on  the  ground,  would  afford  just  such  ranges -or  suites  of 
rooms  as  four  double  four  story  houses  would  furnish,  viz:  16  study 
rooms,  and  32  separate  chambers — in  all,  64  of  the  former,  and  128 
of  the  latter,  with  necessary  wood.,  and  other  closets.  One-fourth 
of  each  building,  however,  of  necessity  has  been  appropriated  for 
lecture  rooms,  recitation  rooms,  chapel  library,  mineralogical  cabinet, 
and  society  halls.  The  buildings  have  been  sc  constructed,  that 
there  is  no  possible  communication  from  one  section  to  the  other,  al 
though  both  are  included  under  the  same  roof,  without  having  to  pass 
outside.  The  studies  and  chambers  in  each  section  all  communicate 
with  one  common  stair-way,  commencing  on  the  entry  of  the  lower 
floor.  A  tutor  for  each  section  containing  16  studies  and  3*2  cham 
bers — should  he  take  a  student  into  his  own  apartment  with  him. 
and  having  his  room  on  the  first  floor,  at  the  commencement  of  the 
stair-way,  would  have  the  watch  and  guard  of  thirty-one  young 
men.  He  would  thus  prevent  the  ingress  of  improper  persons  to  the 
building,  and  the  egress  of  the  students  at  improper  hours  and  for 
improper  purposes,  while  a  much  more  efficient  drilling  in  their  stud 
ies,  of  the  inferior  classes  might  be  secured.  The  want  of  such  a 
class  of  offices,  must  necessarily  operate  to  the  detriment  of  the  stu 
dents,  both  in  respect  of  study  and  the  necessary  surveillance.  The 
Faculty  have  earnestly  recommended  to  the  Board  the  adoption  of 
this  feature  into  their  system,  and  we  accord  with  them  in  their  sug 
gestions  in  this  respect.  If  the  Regents  have  not  power,  under  the 
existing  organic  law,  to  appoint  such  officers,  it  would  be  proper  that 
it  be  so  amended  as  to  authorize  them  to  make  such  arrangements, 
economical  and  otherwise,  as  may  in  this  respect  be  found  most  ad- 
van  tttgeous. 

Beside  the  fifteen  professorships  contemplated  m  the  organic  law, 
it  provides  also  for  the  appointment  of  a  chancellor.  This  officer 
has  not  been  appointed,  and  for  reasons  which  we  deem  abundantly 
sufficient.  The  law  defines  not,  nor  in  any  degree  aids  in  determin 
ing  what  are  the  powers  and  duties  of  the  chancellor.  If  the  im 
port  of  the  name  and  the  usages  of  the  English  institutions,  whence 
the  title  has  been  borrowed,  or  the  nature  of  courts  of  chancery,  in 
which  the  chief  judge  is  called  chancellor,  are  to  be  taken  into  view 
in  estimating  his  duties,  there  appears  to  be  no  ground  of  analogy 
that  would  enable  us  to  do  so. 

A  chancellor  is  supposed  to  have  originally  been  a  notary  or  scribe 
under  the  Roman  Emperor,  named  CANCELLARIUS,  because  he  sat 
behind  a  lattice,  balisteror  railing,  called  CANCELLUS,  to  avoid  being- 
crowded  by  the  people.  Naude  says  it  was  the  Emperor  himself 
who  feat  in  the  "  Chancel,"  and  rendered  justice  from  within,  while 
the  chancellor  attended  at  the  door  of  the  same,  and  thence  obtained 
his  title.  Others  allege  that  it  is  derived  from  the  word  CANCELLAKK, 
signifying  to  erase  or  cross  out,  and  that  he  took  his  name  from  the 
24 


fact,  that,  through  him,  all  letters,  addresses,  petitions,  are  passed  to 
the  king,  and  being  first  examined,  were  cancelled  by  him,  if  amiss. 
Coke  says  he  had  his  title,  because  all  patents,  commissions  and  war 
rants  coming-  from  the  king  were  examined  and  cancelled  by  him, 
when  granted  contrary  to  law.  Others,  b^c-mse  he  cancelled  and 
annulled  the  sentences  of  oiher  courts.  Others,  still,  have  conjec 
tured  different  reasons  for  the  appellation;  but  it  is  certain  that  the 
name  of  chancellor  was  known  in  ihe  courts  of  the  Roman  Emperors, 
and  denoted  a  chief  scribe  or  secretary,  invested  with  judiciary  pow 
ers,  and  a  general  superintendency  over  the  other  officers.  Gibbon 
has  noticed  that  under  the  Emperor  Carinus,  one  of  his  door-keep 
ers,  with  whom  he  entrusted  the  government  of  the  city,  was  denom 
inated  Cancellarius,  from  which  humble  original,  he  says,  the  appel 
lation  of  chancellor,  has,  by  a  singular  fortune,  risen  into  the  title  of 
the  first  great  office  of  state  in  the  monarchies  of  Europe.  From 
the  Roman  Empire  it  passed  into  the  Roman  church,  and  hence  every 
bishop  has  his  chancellor,  the  principal  judge  of  his  consistory. 

The  modern  nations  of  Europe,  which  grew  up  on  the  ruins  of  the 
Roman  empire,  have  nearly  all  preserved  its  chancellor,  with  differ 
ent  jurisdictions  and  dignities,  according  to  their  constitutions.  la 
all  he  seems  to  have  had  supervision  of  all  charters,  letters  patent, 
and  such  other  instruments  of  the  crown,  as  were  authenticated  in 
the  most  solemn  manner;  and  from  the  time  that  seals  came  into  use, 
to  have  had  the  custody  of  '-the  king's  seal,"  just  as  he  was  said, 
while  an  ecclesiastical  officer  ne--ir  his  person,  for  his  aid  in  casuistry, 
to  have  had  "the  keeping  of  the  king's  conscience."  The  Lord  High 
Chancellor  of  England  is  the  first  dignitary  after  the  king  and  prin 
ces  of  the  realm,  being  the  chief  administrator  of  justice  near  the 
sovereign,  judge  of  the  court  of  chancery,  having  the  appointing 
power  of  all  the  justices  of  the  peace  in  the  kingdom,  being  general 
guardian  of  all  infants,  idiots,  and  lunatics,  and  having  the  general 
superintendence  of  charitable  uses,  and  being  assisted  by  twelve 
coadjuiors,  or  infeiior  officers,  once  called  Clerici,  as  being  m  '-holy 
orders,"  but  were  musters  in  chancery,  and  the  muster  of  the  rolls. 

The  chancellor  of  an  University,  is  lie  who  seals  the  diplomas  or 
letters  of  degrees,  provisions,  &c.,  given  the  University.  The  chan 
cellor  of  Oxford  is  their  chief  magistrate,  elected  by  the  students 
themselves.  His  office  durante  vita  is,  to  govern  the  University, 
preserve  nnd  defend  its  rights  and  privileges,  convoke  assemblies, 
and  do  justice  among  the  members  of  his  jurisdiction.  Under  him 
is  the  vice  chancellor,  nominated  by  him,  and  elected  by  the  Univer 
sity  in  convocation,  whose  business  is  strictly  vicarious — acting  in  the 
absence  of  the  principal.  Four  por  vice  chancellors  are  chosen  by 
him  out  of  the  heads  of  colleges,  to  one  of  whom  he  deputes  his 
power  in  his  hbsence. 

The  chancellor  of  Cambridge  is  in  most  respects  like  that  of  Ox 
ford,  only  he  holds  not  his  office  durantt  vita  but  may  be  elected 
every  two  years.  The  vice  chancellor  is  chosen  annually,  by  the 
collegiate  sen  «te,  out  of  two  persons  nominated  by  the  heads  of  tho 
several  colleges  and  halls.  The  word  University,  is  a  collective  term 


187 

applied  to  an  assemblage  of  several  colleges  established  in  a  city  or 
town,  having  faculties  of  theology,  law,  medicine  and  the  arts  and 
sciences.  In  Oxford  there  are  twenty  distinct  endowed  corporations, 
termed  colleges,  and  five  are  called  halls,  or  buildings  appropriated 
for  the  residence  of  students.  In  Cambridge  there  are  thirteen  col 
leges,  and  four  hails.  Over  the  several  faculties  and  officers  of  these 
different  colleges,  the  officer  called  chancellor,  is  the  supreme  judge 
and  administrator  in  the  University,  or  cluster  of  colleges. 

There  is  nothing  answerable  to  this  state  of  things  in  our  Ameri 
can  institutions,  and  the  word  University  is  used  rather  by  accom 
modation  or  anticipation,  tvhere  separate  faculties  for  law,  medicine, 
theology  and  science  exist,  or  may  be  contemplated.  The  original 
law  of  our  institution  contemplates  the  organization  of  three  distinct 
colleges. 

The  government  of  our  American  colleges  needs  no  such  office  as 
a  chancellor.  It  is  a  title  totally  unsuited  to  democratic  simplicity. 
Such  an  officer,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Regents,  with  such  a  title  and 
no  well  defined  duties,  would  either  be  a  perfect  sinecure,  or  excite 
jealousies  and  prove  a  cumbrous  clog  in  the  operations  of  our  Uni- 
sity.  We  cordially  approve  of  the  policy  and  views  of  the  Board, 
therefore,  in  abstaining  from  the  appointment  of  a  chancellor. 

The  Faculty  of  the  arts  and  sciences,  comprises  the  existing  pro 
fessors  actually  engaged  in  the  business  of  instruction;  several  of  the 
same  being  occupied  in  this  way  only  a  portion  of  each  year.  From 
the  professors  engaged  regularly  in  the  business  of  instruction  du 
ring  the  whole  year,  one,  according  to  an  established  law  of  rotation, 
becomes  the  president  of  the  Faculty,  and  the  acting  principal  of  the 
University  for  one  year;  performing  all  the  duties — in  the  way  of 
convoking  the  Faculty,  presiding  at  its  meetings  and  administering 
the  government — which  are  commonly  discharged  by  what  are  called 
the  president  of  the  college.  Thus  far,  the  experience  of  our  Uni 
versity  commends  the  wisdom  of  the  Regents.  A  similar  arrange 
ment,  we  understand,  exists  in  the  University  of  Virginia.  We 
therefore  suggest,  that  the  organic  law  be  amended,  so  as  to  strike 
from  it  the  exceptionable,  and  somewhat  monarchical  feature  of  a 
chancellor,  as  contemplated  by  its  existing  provisions,  find  extend  to 
the  Regents  the  appointment  of  officers,  and  the  arrangement  and 
distribution  of  their  duties.  The  direct  responsibilities  and  practical 
•wisdom,  the  constant  watch  and  minute  knowledge  of  the  wants  and 
interests  of  the  institution,  which  pertains  to  the  Regents,  qualify 
them  for  this  much  better  than  any  theoretic  legislation  can  do. 

At  the  same  time,  and  appropriately  in  this  connection,  we  ti-ke 
occasion  to  suggest  a  general  revision  of  the  organic  1  >w,  and  such 
further  legislation  as  may  have  been  rendered  necessary  or  desirable 
by  the  past  experience  of  the  Board,  and  imy  be  best  caculated  to 
promote  and  secure  the  uniform,  persevering  »nd  regular  adminis 
tration  of  a  system  thus  far  so  happily  designed,  and  developing  it 
self  so  advantageously  and  successfully.  The  knowledge  which, 
through  their  observations  and  experience  the  Regents  — who  have 
been  constantly  and  actively  engaged  in  the  management  and  pro- 


188 

secution  ot  the  interests  of  the  University,  and  thus  bettor  enabled 
to  acquire — will  possess  a  practical  value  superior  to  all  that  may 
be  had  by  those  who  merely  look  on  from  a  distance,  and  are  not 
particularly  and  personally  conversant  with  its  affairs.  The  Univer 
sity  is  a  blessing  and  an  honor  to  our  State.  We  may  well  be  proud 
ot  it.  it  gives  us  a  name  abroad,  and  is  already  affording  rich  hopes 
of  promised  good  to  be  very  speedily  reaped  among  ourselves,  in 
the  high  tone  of  education,  that  will  characterize,  at  no  distant  day. 
the  young  men  passing  from  it  into  actual  life.  Its  influence  is  al 
ready  felt  on  the  other  side  of  the  globe.  We  know  not  that  there 
is,  in  sny  other  State  in  the  confederacy,  an  institution  which  fur 
nishes,  as  does  our  University,  such  an  amount  and  means  of  instruc 
tion,  free  of  all  charge.  As  in  our  admirable  system  of  free  schools, 
so  is  it  in  our  University,  instruction  "without  money  and  without 
price"  is  provided  for  ony  and  every  youth  that  enters  it.  While 
the  price  of  board,  which  varies  from  $1  25  to  $1  75  per  week, 
can  be  had  in  families  in  the  village,  and  opportunities  are  afforded 
to  those  that  are  necessitated  to  teach,  or  labor,  or  industriously  oc 
cupy  themselves  for  a  portion  of  their  time,  in  order  to  meet  their 
expenses  of  boarding  and  clothing,  &c.,  few,  if  any  of  our  young 
men,  desirous  of  receiving  a  liberal  education,  need  be  deterred  from 
seeking  it.  If  the  standard  of  education  in  our  schools  should  be 
elevated,  BO  as  to  embrace  the  full  course  of  ordinary  high  schools 
or  academical  study,  comprising  the  Latin  and  Greek  languages,  and 
such  branches  of  mathematics  as  are  included  in  the  preparations  for 
entering  college — which  extension  and  improvement  we  hope  shortly 
to  see  accomplished  by  means  of  "Union  Schools,"  and  of  the  in 
terest,  that  you,  eir,  as  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  have- 
been  instrumental  in  exciting — we  may  expect  very  soon  to  see  a 
much  larger  proportion  of  our  youth  availing  themselves  of  the  ad 
vantages  afforded  by  the  University  for  the  procurement  of  a  liberal 
education.  A  monopoly  of  learning  should,  by  all  means  be  guarded 
against,  and  that  as  seduously  as  any  of  the  monopolies  toward  which 
the  tide  of  popular  prejudice  is  justly  directed.  But  this  can  only 
be  done  by  fostering  our  University,  and  endeavoring  to  diffuse  the 
benefits  it  affords,  and  place  them  equally  within  the  reach  of  all 
May  nothing  occur  to  embarrass  or  frustrate  the  plans  of  the  Re 
gents  thus  far  so  successfully  prosecuted. 

It  is  a  happy  circumstance,  that  since  the  commencement  of  the 
labors  of  the  Regents,  nearly  cotemporaneously  with  the  organiza 
tion  of  our  State  itself,  there  has  not  been  any  thing  to  distract  public 
attention,  to  excite  political  or  denominational  jealousies,  or  to  secure 
unwise  interference  with  the  management  of  its  concerns  by  its  offi 
cially  constituted  guardians.  The  transactions  of  the  Board  have 
been  free  from  sectarian  influences,  and  the  wise  and  judicious  course 
pursued  by  the  Regents,  in  selecting,  as  far  as  possible,  their  profes 
sors  from  different  religious  denominations,  and  in  appointing  those 
who  would  be  generally  acceptable  to  the  community,  has  conciliated 
general  confidence.  It  is  also  a  theme  for  congratulation,  that — while 
in  other  States,  where  Legislative  interference,  prompted  by  political 


189 

i 

and  religious  jealousies,  has  dictated  to  and  controlled  those  who 
have  been  immediately  and  personally  responsible  as  Regents  or  di 
rectors,  or  trustees  of  some  institutions  receiving  State  patronage, 
and  while  the  history  oi'  such  colleges  has  been  but  a  series  of  dis 
asters  and  confusion,  revolution  and  disorganization,  rendering  them 
someiimes  a  by-word  and  reproach,  and  necessitating  religious  de 
nominations  to  orgmize,  endow  and  patronize  their  own  peculiar 
means  for  the  education  and  preservation  of  their  youth — the  Uni 
versity  of  Michigan  has  been  subjected  to  no  such  hostile  influences, 
The  guardian  genius  of  Christianity,  broad  and  free — noble  and 
grand  as  the  Bible,  has  nevertheless  been  cherished  and  uppreciated; 
and  the  Regents  have  been  permitted,  unmolested,  to  develope  their 
measures  for  the  education  of  our  youth. 

The  several  chief  magistrates  of  our  commonwealth,  who,  by  the 
organic  law.  are  ex-ofticio  presidents  of  the  Board  of  Regents,  have 
manifested  a  liberal  and  disinterested  regard  for  the  best  welfare  of  th« 
interests'  of  education,  following  the  example  of  Governor  Mason, 
who  devoted  much  of  his  time  and  thought  to  the  University,  and 
contributed,  by  his  zeal  and  his  enlarged  views  of  the  wants  of  our 
State  in  ihis  respect,  to  give  character  and  shape  to  the  early  move- 
rnents,  and  the  very  laborious  efforts  of  the  Regents  in  the  initiatory 
processes  of  its  organization.  The  relation  of  our  University  to  the 
State  is  somewhat  peculiar,  and  different  from  some  of  the  State  in 
stitutions  whose  history  has  been  so  disastrous.  The  State  being  con* 
stitmed  ih«  trustees  in  fact,  to  promote  the  great  ends  of  the  Fede 
ral  Government,  in  their  liberal  endowment  of  the  University,  by  the 
grant  of  seventy-two  sections  of  land,  have  endeavored  to  execute 
that  trust,  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  organic  law  enacted  for 
this  purpose,  by  means  of  a  certain  number  of  gentlemen,  twelve  in 
all.  to  be  appointed  by  the  Governor,  with  the  consent  and  approba 
tion  of  the  Senate,  associating  with  them  the  Governor.  Lieutenant 
Governor,  the  chancellor  of  the  State,  and  the  presiding  judges  of 
the  several  district  courts  asex-officio  members  of  the  Bo^rd.  The 
members  of  the  Board  of  Regents,  appointed  by  the  Governor  and 
Senate,  serve  for  four  years,  three  only  being  appointed  each  year. 
Their  duties  have  been  discharged  without  fee  or  reward;  and  on 
them  mainly  has,  been  devolved  the  chief  care  and  labor  of  carrying 
out  the  necessary  details,  and  of  executing  the  plans  of  the  Board. 
The  sale  of  the  1  »nds,  the  investing  of  the  proceeds,  the  collecting  the 
interest,  and  the  general  management  of  its  fiscal  concerns,  nre  con 
fided  by  existing  laws  to  the  commissioner  of  the  State  land  office 
and  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  and  the  avails  thereof 
reach  the  Board  through  the  State  Treasurer.  What  the  resources 
of  the  Ho  ird  will  be,  from  year  to  year,  they  cnn  never  tell  directly 
themselves,  having  no  officer  of  their  own.  or  responsible  to  them, 
whom  they  m;»y  direct,  to  give  them  information,  they  are,  always  and 
wholly  (It-pendent  for  it.  on  the  State  officers,  viz:  the  Treasurer  and 
Superintendent,  who  by  writing  furnish  it  This  has  bet -n,  and  may 
yet  be  more  seriously,  the  occasion  of  embarrassment.  The  Bo;srd 
having  sometimes  been  led  to  expect  that  means  would  be  at  their 


190 

disposal,  sufficient  to  justify  them  in  incurring  various  expenses  ne 
cessary  for  the  extension  of  their  system  of  instruction,  eventually 
<have  been  disappointed. 

There  is  a  building  necessary  for  a  laboratory  and  the  delivery  of 
chemical  and  other  lectures,  which  it  was  supposed,  a  year  ago,  the 
funds  available  would  be  adequate  to  meet;  and  an  appropriation 
was  prospectively  made  accordingly.  But  the  actual  state  of  the  fi 
nances,  as  paid  into  the  treasury  of  the  Board  rendered  it  necessary 
to  suspend  furtner  operations.  Happily,  the  prospective  deficiency 
was  suspected  and  discovered  by  the  fiscal  officers  of  the  Board,  be 
fore  the  contracts  authorized  had  been  made  by  the  committee  ap 
pointed  for  the  purpose. 

It  is  greatly  to  the  credit  of  the  Board,  that,  placed  as  they  are  by 
the  organic  law,  in  this  anomalous,  and  sometimes  perplexing  condi 
tion,  they  have,  nevertheless,  thus  far,  so  judiciously  conducted  the 
disbursement  of  moneys  put  into  their  hands — that  they  have  erect 
ed  four  houses  for  professors'  dwellings,  two  large,  handsome  and 
commodious  halls,  four  stories  high,  for  dormitory  purposes  and  for 
students — for  a  season,  reared  and  fostered  branches,  till  they  were 
able  to  sustain  themselves, — organized  a  Faculty,  and  sustained  the 
professors — while  the  debt  incurred  in  1838,  by  the  loan  of  $100,- 
000  on  State  bonds  granted  for  that  purpose  by  the  Legislature,  has 
been  so  far  reduced,  by  the  payment  and  discharge  of  principal, 
agreeably  to  a  wise  specific  legislation  for  the  redemption  of  said 
bonds,  so  as  to  leave  but  about  $'20,000  remaining,  to  be  liquidated. 

It  is  suggested  whether  some  change  in  the  organic  laws,  on  the 
subject  of  the  University  funds,  might  not  be  beneficially  made  on  a 
revision  of  the  same,  by  the  competent  authorities.  The  future  and 
permanent  welfare  of  the  University  depends  upon  the  prudent  and 
careful  management  of  its  funds.  It  would  seem  but  reasonable, 
that  the  Regents,  who  are  held  immediately  responsible  to  the  public 
in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  interests  of  the  University,  should 
have  some  way  of  being  heard  and  acting  in  relation  to  the  preser 
vation  and  promotion  of  its  financial  interests. 

There  are  certain  interests  of  the  University  that  require  speedy 
-attention.  There  is  no  philosophical  apparatus,  nor  are  there  any 
mathematical  instruments  at  all  appropriate  to  the  wants  of  the  insti 
tution.  There  is  not  a  telescope,  or  sextant,  or  orrery,  or  transit  in 
strument,  or  any  whatever  for  astronomical  uses  or  celestial  observa 
tions,  belonging  to  the  Board;  nor  have  they  any  of  the  important 
and  necessary  means  and  facilities  for  demonstrating  and  illustrating 
the  great  laws  of  electricity,  of  galvanism,  of  magnetism,  of  pneu 
matics,  of  hydraulics,  of  hydrostatics,  of  optics,  and  of  the  mechanic 
powers,  except  a  few  limited  appliances,  that  have  been  picked  up  by 
the  merest  accident.  Not  an  instrument,  even,  -or  meteorological 
purposes,  is  to  be  found  in  their  inventory,  notwithstanding  the  sub 
ject  is  becoming  every  year  one  of  increasing  interest  to  the  scholar 
and  practical  man,  and  awakens  the  attention  of  our  national  and  other 
Legislatures. 

The  organic  law  authorizes  the  Board  "  to  expend  as  much  of  the 


191 

interest  arising  from  the  University  fund,  as  may  be  necessary  for  the 
purchase  of  philosophical  and  other  apparatus,  a  library,  and  cabinet 
of  natural  history,"  <fec. — -Sec.  18.  A  mineralogical  cabinet,  and  to 
some  extent,  geological  collection,  of  great  value,  have  been  procu 
red.  There  is  also  a  tolerable  collection  in  other  departments  of  nat 
ural  history;  and  especially  of  the  birds,  animals,  reptiles  and  flow 
ers  of  our  own  State.  A  valuable  and  extensive  library,  too,  has 
been  procured,  which  is  rich  in  historical  collections,  but  which  is 
deficient  in  classical  literature,  in  that  of  the  modern  languages  of 
Europe,  in  standard  works  of  philosophy,  and  of  the  various  exact 
and  physical  sciences,  with  the  exception  of  geology  and  mineralogy, 
and  in  other  important,  especially  modern  publications,  that  should 
be  within  the  precincts  of  every  college. 

The  organic  law  provides  for  the  appropriation  of  the  initiatory 
fees  of  the  students,  which  is  the  only  charge  allowed  to  be  made  of 
them,  for  the  necessary  repairs  of  buildings,  and  for  the  increase  of 
the  library.  Hitherto,  little  or  nothing  available,  or  of  much  ac 
count,  has  been  derived  from  this  source,  for  the  increase  of  the  li 
brary  . 

The  surplusage  of  the  last  two  years  in  the  revenue  of  the  Board, 
has  been  absorbed  by  the  erection  of  an  additional  suite  of  dormito 
ries,  which  had  become  indispensably  necessary  for  the  accommoda 
tion  of  students,  and  which  has  been  provided  in  anew  symmetrical, 
substantially  built,  and  well  finished  edifice,  corresponding  with  the 
one  previously  on  the  ground.  That  of  the  coming  year  will  be  ab 
sorbed,  in  all  probability,  by  the  erection  of  a  chemical  laboratory, 
and  lecture  rooms,  connected  with  it,  which  have  become  as  indispen 
sably  necessary.  But  it  is  suggested,  that  however  important  such 
demands  may  be,  the  interests  of  the  University  require  the  procure 
ment  of  a  philosophical  and  other  apparatus  as  speedily  as  possible. 

The  building  about  to  be  erected  is  intended  to  afford  accommoda 
tions  for,  and  facilitate  the  operations  of  a  Faculty  for  a  medical 
school  or  college,  which,  during  this  current  year  the  Board  have 
undertaken  to  organize.  In  as  economical  a  method  as  practicable, 
the  professors  of  chemistry  and  geology,  mineralogy,  and  of  botany 
and  zoology,  in  the  college  of  literature,  science  and  arts,  luve  been 
appointed  to  professorships  in  the  medical  college,  of  which  they 
now  form  the  Faculty.  The  former  assumes  the  title,  and  performs 
the  duties  also,  of  professor  of  materia  medica,  of  professor  of  phar 
macy  and  medical  jurisprudence;  the  latter  of  professor  of  the  theo 
ry  and  practice  of  medicine,  and  performs  the  duties  also,  of  profes 
sor  of  obstetrics,  and  the  diseases  of  women  and  children.  A  third, 
it  is  expected  will  be  appointed  as  soon  as  arrangements  can  be  com 
pleted  for  opening  this  department.  The  organic  law  contemplates 
six  professorships  in  this  college:  1st,  one  of  anatomy;  2d,  of  sur 
gery;  3d,  of  pathology  and  physiology;  4th,  of  the  practice  of  phy 
sic;  5th,  of  obstetrics  and  the  diseases  of  women  and  children;  6th, 
of  materia  medica  and  pharmacy,  and  medical  jurisprudence.  The 
professor  to  be  appointed  next  will  assume  the  title  of  professor  of 


anatomy  and  discharge  the  duties  of  professor  of  -spinal  and  surgiaal 
anatomy. 

The  Regents  have  had  regard  to  the  provision  of  the  organic  iaw, 
in  this  as  well  as  the  other  department,  which  directs  them  so  to  ar 
range  the  professorships  as  to  appoint  such  a  number  only  as  the 
wants  of  the  institution  shall  require.  By  the  organization  of  this 
department,  it.  is  expected  at  an  early  period  to  afford  advantages  at 
home,  to  at  least  one  hundred  youth  of  our  own  State,  who  it  is  esti 
mated  have  to  seek  them  annually  abroad  in  the  prosecution  of  their 
medical  studies. 

The  board  ot  visitors  are  happy,  in  the  conclusion  of  their  report, 
to  express  their  entire  approbation  of  the  zeal  and  fidelity  with  which 
the  Regents  and  Faculty  execute  the  high  trusts  reposed  in  them. 
The  watchful  preservation  of  its  funds — the  prudent  management  of 
its  affairs,  by  gentlemen  that  appreciate  the  value  of  a  liberal  educa 
tion,  and  in  their  patriotism  and  religion  rise  above  the  jealousies 
and  prejudices  of  sect  and  party,  the  steady  and  uniform  persever 
ance  in  carrying  out  and  perfecting  the  system  already  adopted — and 
the  blessing  of  a  benignant  Providence,  will  not  fail,  at  no  distant 
day,  not  only  to  render  the  University  of  Michigan,  of  inestimable 
benefit  to  our  State,  but  to  make  it  rank  among  the  highest  and  old 
est  of  the  literary  institutions  of  our  country,  in  respect  to  the  extent, 
liberality,  elevated  standard  and  efficiency  of  its  course  of  study,  the 
talent  and  reputation  of  its  Faculty,  the  character  and  usefulness  of 
its  students,  the  industry  and  disinterestedness  of  its  Regents,  and 
the  wisdom  and  care  of  a  fostering  legislature. 

INCORPORATED    INSTITUTIONS. 

This  class  of  literary  institutions  had  not  previously  received  the 
notices  of  the  Superintendents  in  their  annual  reports.  The  Super 
intendent  this  year,  says  of  them:  "that  by  examining  the  session 
laws  as  far  back  as  1841,  there  appears  to  be  seventeen  in  number." 
Five  of  them  were  subject  to  visitation  by  the  Superintendent,  and 
were  required  to  make  an  annual  report  to  him.  Three  were  re 
quired  to  make  an  annual  report,  and  eight  neither  subject  to  visita 
tion  nor  required  by  their  charters  to  make  a  report.  One  it  was 
made  the  duty  of  the  Superintendent  once  in  each  year,  to  attend 
the  examinations  of,  and  to  report  its  condition  and  prospects  to  the 
Legislature.  No  reports  had  been  received  from  any  of  them,  with 
the  exception  of  Michigan  Central  College,  which  institution  was 
represented  to  be  in  a  flourishing  condition,  owning  real  estate,  with 
two  college  buildings  substantially  built  of  two  stories,  containing 
rooms  for  recitations,  apparatus,  libraries  <fec.,  and  for  the  accommo 
dation  of  from  forty  to  fifty  students,  and  possessing  ft  library  of 


193 

1,500  volumes  valued  at  Si, 200,  and  a  chemical  and  philosophical 
apparatus  worth  81,000.  The  course  of  study  embraced  college, 
preparatory,  English  or  teacher's  course,  and  ladies  course. 

The  plan  of  the  institution  embraced  sooner  or  later  the  following 
professorships:  a  president  and  professor  of  moral  philosophy,  a  pro 
fessor  of  philosophy  and  logic,  one  of  ancient  languages,  one  of 
modern,  one  of  mathematics  and  natural  philosophy,  one  of  rhetoric 
and  belles  letters,  one  of  political  economy,  one  of  chemistry,  bota 
ny  and  physiology,  one  of  geology  and  mineralogy,  and  a  principal 
of  the  preparatory  department.  Of  these,  six  had  been  chosen  and 
accepted  their  appointments,  and  a  lady  eminently  qualified  was  at 
the  head  of  the  female  department. 

LEGISLATION. 

A  petition  was  presented  to  the  Legislature  from  an  incorporated 
institution  asking  a  loan  from  the  school  fund,  and  a  report  adverse 
to  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners,  was  made  by  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  on  education,  Dr.  0.  C.  COMSTOCK,  stating  the  settled  pol 
icy  of  the  State  to  be  against  the  principle  of  loaning  the  fund  or  rev 
enue  derived  from  it. 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  Regents  through  the  ex 
ecutive  committee,  J.  Kearsley,  Esq.,  Hon.  E.  Farnsworth,  Hon.  J. 
Goodwin  and  Dr.  Pitcher,  asking  the  passage  of  a  law  requiring  the 
commissioner  of  the  land  office  to  report  the  sales  of  the  University 
lands.  They  say: 

The  Regents  are  required  by  law  to  make  an  annual  report,  and 
the  public  has  a  right  to  expect  a  correct  account  of  the  University 
receipts  and  expenditures,  in  such  report.  Yet  under  existing  laws, 
the  Regents  have  no  official  information  of  what  University  lands 
have  been  located — whether  the  whole  of  the  grant  or  not — how 
much  has  been  sold  and  at  what  prices — how  the  money  has  been 
disposed  of,  and  what  may  be  expected  or  relied  upon  in  future. 

The  Regents  now  receive,  like  a  child  under  guardianship,  what 
the  State  authorities  give  them,  and  are  compelled  for  want  of  any 
thing  else,  to  make  this  the  basis  of  action,  without  knowing  officially 
how  the  fund  itself  is  managed  or  the  income  derived,  and  without 
the  information  that  is  necessary  to  make  the  financial  entries  of  the 
State  and  University  treasury  a  counter-check  and  corrective  of  each 
other. 

We  believe  that  we  should  have  the  means  always  within  our  own 
control  of  showing  to  the  country  what  has  been  done  with  the  Uni 
versity  lands.  We  believe  it  was  the  purpose  of  the  law  to  confer 

25 


194 

upon  the  Regents  a  higher  and  more  important  trust  than  the  mere 
expenditure  of  money  placed  in  their  hands  by  the  State.  We  feel 
that  it  is  required  of  us  to  know  the  actual  income  and  insist  upon 
its  rightful  appropriation,  and  we  then  ask  the  means  of  doing  ac 
curately  and  authoritatively  our  whole  duty  as  Regents.  This  can- 
noi  be  done,  as  we  believe,  under  existing  laws,  and  we  therefore 
present  our  views  to  the  Legislature,  and  ask  such  action  as  will  best 
secure  the  faithful  execution  of  the  important  trust  committed  to  the 
government  of  Regents  in  making  the  University  grant  most  availa 
ble  to  the  cause  of  education. 

At  this  session,  the  present  incumbent  was  nominated  and  con 
firmed  as  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction.  Its  legislation  gave 
to  Michigan  an  act  for  the  establishment  of  a  STATE  NORMAL  SCHOOL, 
providing  for  its  endowment,  and  building  and  other  purposes,  twenty- 
five  sections  of  salt  spring  lands.  Its  object  was  defined  to  be  the 
instruction  of  persons,  both  male  and  female,  in  the  ART  OF  TEACH 
ING,  and  in  all  the  various  branches  that  pertain  to  a  good  common 
school  education;  also  to  give  instruction  in  the  MECHANIC  ARTS,  and 
in  the  ARTS  OF  HUSBANDRY  and  AGRICULTURAL  CHEMISTRY,  in  the 
FUNDAMENTAL  LAWS  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES,  and  in  what  regards  THE 
RIGHTS  AND  DUTIES  OF  CITIZENS.  It  was  placed  under  the  direction 
of  a  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION,  three  of  whom  were  to  be  appointed  by 
the  Governor  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate.  The 
Lieut.  Governor  and  Superintendent  were  to  be  members  by  virtue 
of  their  office,  and  the  latter  to  be  Secretary  of  the  Board,  and  to 
communicate  such  reports  to  the  Legislature  as  were  required.  This 
act  was  subsequently  amended  and  consolidated. 

The  powers  of  school  district  boards  were  enlarged  by  an  act  ap 
proved  March  31,  1839.  OAKLAND  FEMALE  SEMINARY  was  incorpo 
rated;  also  the  Tecumseh  Literary  Institute.  A  joint  resolution  was 
passed  authorizing  a  sufficient  number  of  the  last  report  of  the  Su 
perintendent  to  be  printed  to  enable  the  county  clerks  to  distribute 
copies  to  the  boards  of  school  inspectors  and  directors  of  districts. 
Two  fractional  school  districts  were  dissolved,  and  local  legislation 
had  for  various  separate  school  districts.  The  primary  school  law, 
in  its  general  provisions,  remained  unaltered. 


195 
1850. 

EXTRACT  FROM  GOV.  BARRIES  MESSAGE. 

The  University  is  represented  to  be  in  a  prosperous  condition. 
Its  catalogue  presents  a  list  of  7  professors  and  72  students.  In 
addition  to  the  department  of  science  and  arts,  the  board  of  regents 
have  organized  a  department  of  medicine,  in  which  a  course  of  in 
struction  will  commence  in  the  Autumn  of  the  present  year.  A 
laboratory  has  been  built  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  University 
grounds,  and  is  designed  to  accommodate  the  medical  department, 
for  which  purpose  it  is  amply  sufficient.  The  receipts  for  the  pres 
ent  year  are  estimated  at  $12,000  00,  of  which  $1,000  are  from 
room  rents  and  admission  fees,  and  $11,000  00  from  the  University 
interest  fund.  The  board  of  visitors  recommend  the  re-establish 
ment  of  branches  as  soon  as  the  condition  of  the  funds  will  permit. 

The  whole  necessary  aunual  expense  of  a  student  in  this  institu 
tion  does  not  exceed  $100,  and  by  practice  of  strict  economy,  may 
be  reduced  to  $70.  Tuition  is  gratuitous,  and  a  small  sum  only 
required  for  room  rent  and  admission  fees.  While  the  expenses  are 
so  moderate,  it  is  believed  the  advantages  offered  to  students  in  the 
University  of  Michigan  are  scarcely  excelled  in  similar  institutions, 
longer  established  and  more  favorably  known. 

The  system  of  common  school  education,  adopted  in  the  State, 
continues  to  produce  favorable  results.  No  essential  change  in  its 
provisions  are  at  this  time  deemed  necessary  or  advisable. 

The  number  of  children  reported,  between  the  ages  of  four  and 
eighteen  years,  is  125/218,  and  the  whole  number  that  have  attend 
ed  primary  schools  the  past  year  is  102,871. 

The  amount  of  money  appropriated  from  the  primary  school  in 
terest  fund,  is  $39,382  95,  and  the  amount  of  mill  tax,  $17,830  13. 
The  whole  amount  raised  for  all  purposes,  including  the  mill  tax 
and  taxes  for  the  construction  and  repair  of  school  houses,  was 
$73,804  97,  which  added  to  the  sum  distributed  from  the  school  in- 
tesest  fund,  makes  the  large  amount  of  $113,187  92  expended  in 
the  State  the  past  year  for  the  promotion  of  common  school  educa 
tion. 

The  board  of  trustees  of  the  Michigan  asylum  for  the  education 
of  the  deaf  and  dumb  and  blind,  and  of  the  asylum  for  the  insane, 
report  that  they  have  located  the  former  at  Flint,  in  the  county  of 
Genesee,  and  the  latter  at  Kalamazoo,  in  the  county  of  Kalamazoo, 
and  from  the  citizens  of  those  counties  respectively,  have  received 
donations  of  $3,000  and  $1,500  in  aid  of  the  institutions,  and  also 
lands  suitable  for  the  erection  of  requisite  buildings. 

The  board  of  trustees  also  report  that  as  the  proceeds  of  the  sale 
of  the  salt  spring  lands  granted,  and  the  donations  made,  will  all  be 
required  for  the  erection  of  necessary  buildings,  these  institutions, 
having  strong  claims  upon  public  bounty,  will  still  be  destitute  of 
sufficient  endowments  to  afford  that  degree  of  usefulness  desired  and 
expected  from  their  establishment. 


196 

The  government  of  these  asylums  is  vested  in  a  board  of  trustees 
consisting  of  five  members  elected  annually  by  the  legislature  in 
joint  convention. 

The  board  of  education,  under  the  law  establishing  a  State  Nor 
mal  school,  early  in  the  year,  selected  twenty-five  sections  of  land 
granted  for  that  purpose,  but  of  the  selections  made  twelve  sections 
were  lands  erroneously  confirmed  to  the  State.  *  *  * 

The  Normal  school  has  been  located  at  Ypsilanti,  in  the  county  of 
Washtenaw,  upon  condition  that  the  sum  of  $17,000,  subscribed  by 
its  citizens,  be  satisfactorily  secured  ;  of  which  sum  $7,000  may  be 
discharged  by  conveyance  in  trust  to  the  board  of  a  site  and  build 
ing  thereon,  designed  and  deemed  suitable  for  the  purpose  of  the 
school. 

REPORT  OF  SUPERINTENDENT. 

This  report  embraces  the  following  subjects:  the  condition  of  the 
University,  the  statute  duties  of  the  office,  a  list  of  the  literary  in 
stitutions  incorporated  since  the  organization  of  the  State  govern 
ment,  the  correspondence  of  the  the  office,  the  Normal  school,  free 
schools,  and  a  partial  sketch  of  the  history  of  the  school  fund,  and  the 
usual  reports  of  the  Regents  and  visitors  for  the  year.  The  branches 
were  commended  to  the  Legislature  as  an  important  part  of  our  ed 
ucational  system.  The  great  defect  of  the  system  was  believed  to 
be  the  want  of  an  intermediate  grade  of  institutions  between  the 
University  and  the  primary  schools.  It  was  suggested  whether 
some  aid  might  not  be  afforded  to  incorporated  literary  institutions' 
without  detriment  to  the  University,  upon  their  preparing  students 
for  admission  to  it.  It  was  also  believed  that  UNION  SCHOOLS  might 
probably  at  a  future  time  supply  in  some  degree  the  deficiency  now 
felt  in  the  system.  As  an  important  object  connected  with  the  pro 
motion  of  science,  it  was  recommended  that  METEOROGICAL  OBSER 
VATIONS  under  the  system  adopted  by  the  Smithsonian  institute, 
should  be  made  at  the  University.  A  system  of  observations  had 
been  established  in  the  University  of  the  State  of  New  York  and  in 
their  academies.  It  was  conceived  to  be  an  object  of  importance  to 
the  State,  situated  as  it  was,  in  a  region  of  country  bordering  upon 
the  great  Lakes,  where  such  observations  would  add  to  the  common 
stock  of  knowledge  and  lead  to  important  results  connected  with 
agriculture  and  commerce,  and  it  had  been  enjoined  upon  the  Legis 
lature  to  foster  scientifical  improvement. 


197 

The  amount  of  school  moneys  apportioned  to  the  townships  this 
year,  was  $39,057  67.  The  whole  number  of  children  apportioned 
to,  118,223. 

The  official  correspondence  of  the  office  was  reported  as  increasing 
in  volume  and  importance,  and  it  was  urgently  recommended  to  the 
Legislature  to  make  the  decisions  of  the  Superintendent  in  cases 
arising  under  the  school  law,  final. 

The  importance  of  teachers'  institutes  was  acknowledged  as  an 
efficient  means  of  improvement  among  teachers.  A  list  of  books 
which  formed  the  nucleus  of  a  library  for  the  office  of  Superinten 
dent  was  reported,  and  a  list  of  text  and  library  books  recommended 
to  schools  and  school  districts.  A  change  was  recommended  in  the 
system  of  reports — providing  for  the  transmission  of  the  reports  of 
school  inspectors  directly  to  the  Superintendent.  Previous  to  this 
time,  the  reports  of  these  officers  were  transmitted  to  the  county 
clerks,  whose  duty  it  was  to  make  abstracts  of  the  same  and  forward 
to  the  Superintendent.  This  officer  had  no  means  heretofore  of  in 
specting  ttfem,  while  for  years  complaint  had  been  general,  that  they 
were  defective  and  loosely  made  out.  Errors  of  magnitude  were 
discovered  relating  to  reports  of  fractional  districts,  which  had  been 
alluded  to  during  the  administration  of  the  office  by  Franklin  Saw 
yer,  Jr.,  but  for  which  no  remedy  had  been  provided.  Instances 
were  given  showing  the  practical  operation  of  the  law,  and  as  nearly 
as  could  be  ascertained  an  inequality  in  the  distribution  was  unjustly 
taking  place  to  the  amount  of  over  $2,000  annually. 

Although  the  doctrine  had  been  substantially  recognized  in  the 
State  that  the  "property  of  the  citizens  should  educate  its  children," 
the  expediency  of  adopting  a  system  of  FREE  SCHOOLS  was  suggested 
as  a  subject  for  consideration. 

The  whole  number  of  townships  reporting  was 448 

"  "  districts  "  2,536 

"  "     children  attending  school 102,871 

"  "         "         drawing  public  money 125,218 

Number  of  volumes  in  township  libraries 67,877 

"       of  qualified  male  teachers 1,435 

«  «  female      "      2,618 

Arerage  wages  to  male  teachers $14  00 


19S 

Average  wages  to  female     "       $6  00 

*'     months  schools  taught 5 

Amount  paid  in  rate  bills $29,7 1788 

"       raised  for  school  houses,  repairs  and  sites, 51,085  26 

REPORT  OF  THE  REGENTS. 

The  number  of  students  in  the  University  was  84.  The  estimated 
expenses  for  the  year,  $11,289  41.  Estimated  receipts,  $12,000. 
The  Regents  announced  that  the  edifice  designed  for  a  MEDICAL  DE 
PARTMENT  was  nearly  completed,  so  that  at  no  distant  period  the 
pressing  claims  and  necessities  of  the  State  in  this  respect  would  be 
supplied.  The  building  committee  report  outstanding  items  of  in 
debtedness  amounting  to  $700. 

UNIVERSITY    INTEREST    FUND. 

There  was  received  to  the  credit  of  the  University  interest  fund  for 

the  last  six  fiscal  years,  as  follows: 

In  1843 $5,427  03 

"1844 8,752  90 

"1845 9,467  99 

"  1846 10,013  51 

"  1847 11,077  19 

"  1848. 10,829  44 

REPORT  OF  BOARD  OF  VISITORS. 

This  board  consisted  of  the  following  gentlemen:  Isaac  E.  Crary, 
A.  M.,  Ross  Wilkins,  A.  M.,  David  Noble,  A.  M.,  Rev.  Joseph  Pen 
ney,  D.  D.,  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Graves,  A.  M.  The  following  extract 
embraces  their  views  in  relation  to  the  University: 

To  FRANCIS  W.  SHEARMAN,  Esq., 

Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction: 

SIR — The  undersigned,  a  majority  of  the  board  of  visitors,  ap 
pointed  by  you  to  make  a  personal  examination  into  the  state  of  the 
University  in  all  its  departments,  for  the  year  1849,  respectfully  re 
port,  that  they  as  aboard,  visited  the  University  on  the  18th  and 
19th  days  of  August  last.  One  of  their  number  was  in  attendance 
on  the  15th  and  17th  of  the  month,  and  witnessed  the  examination 
of  the  sophomore  and  freshman  classes  in  a  portion  of  their  studies 
for  the  year.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Graves  was  present  at  the  commence 
ment  of  the  examination  of  the  senior  and  junior  classes — but  was 
unable  to  remain  in  attendance,  on  account  of  ill  health. 

The  examination  as  far  as  attended,  and  the  commencement  exer 
cises  of  the  graduating  class,  afforded  evidence  of  skill  and  fidelity 
in  the  professors  as  well  as  of  diligence  and  talent  in  the  students. 


199 

The  aim  of  both  evidently  had  been  the  cultivation  of  a  vigorous 
intellect.  The  compositions  and  elocution  were  characterized  by  good 
taste,  and  a  methodical  mental  discipline.  They  were  free  from  the 
mannerism  of  mechanical  drill,  and  preserved  under  the  uniform  that 
assimilates  educated  men,  the  distinctive  qualities  of  the  individual 
mind. 

Bat  on  no  other  point  were  the  visitors  more  highly  gratified  than 
the  noble  sentiments  of  morality  and  religion  with  which  the  students 
seem  to  be  imbued,  and  considering  that  these  are  not  elicited  by  the 
requirements  of  an  institution  expressly  religious,  and  therefore  de- 
yoted  to  some  one  denomination — but  the  spontaneous  fruits  of  the 
re-union  of  all,  under  the  impartial  protection  of  the  civil  government, 
they  cannot  but  regard  it  as  a  strong  presumption  in  favor  of  the  prin 
ciples  on  which  the  University  is  founded  as  well  as  a  merited  testi 
monial  to  the  character  of  its  present  instructors. 

The  library  is  a  valuable  collection,  and  seems  to  be  kept  with 
care. 

The  cabinets  of  natural  history  are  excelled  but  by  few  in  the  U. 
States.  In  the  departments  of  geology  and  zoology  an  appropria 
tion  is  needed  for  the  arrangement  and  better  preservation  of  a  vast 
collection  of  valuable  specimens.  The  apparatus  for  chemical  illus 
tration,  and  still  more  for  the  various  branches  of  natural  philosophy, 
require  many  additions. 

The  imperative  demands  of  the  age  have  placed  all  the  higher  in 
stitutions  of  education,  into  a  perplexing  dilemma.  The  natural  and 
mathematical  sciences  in  their  present  extensive  applications  to  agri 
culture,  manufactures,  and  the  mechanic  arts,  together  with  the  po 
litical  and  economical  sciences  in  aid  of  our  free  institutions,  make 
so  large  and  so  just  a  claim  on  academic  time,  as  is  hard  to  recon 
cile  with  the  acknowledged  rights  of  classical  and  belles  letters  stu 
dies.  The  only  safe  and  practical  expedient  that  presents  itself  to  the 
board,  is  transferring  a  part  of  what  is  now  included  in  the  college 
course,  to  the  requirements  of  the  preparatory  course.  Many  advan 
tages,  besides  the  one  chiefly  contemplated,  would  result  from  the 
measure.  A  higher  standard,  and  a  more  elevated  character  would 
be  given  to  the  preparatory  schools,  and  their  sympathy  with  the 
University  increased.  The  age  at  which  students  would  enter  the 
University  and  consequently  leave  it,  would  be  more  advanced,  and 
thus  would  be  secured  a  maturity  of  mind  more  favorable  to  a  tho 
rough  and  permanent  education. 

An  order  of  studies  which  necessity  originated,  and  custom  has- 
continued  in  many  of  our  older  colleges  is  happily  in  part  corrected, 
and  should  be  wholly  so,  in  the  University.  We  refer  to  the  arrange 
ment  whereby  rhetoric  and  logic,  which  should  be  practically  applied 
in  every  composition  and  debate,  during  the  whole  course,  are  placed 
at  the  end  of  the  course  in  the  senior  year. 

The  design  of  diffusing  the  stimulus  as  well  as  the  benefits  of  edu 
cation,  among  the  whole  people  by  branches  of  the  University  in 
differents  parts  of  the  State,  embodies  a  principle  which  neither  jus 
tice  nor  good  policy  will  permit  to  be  abandoned  or  neglected.  The 


200 

organic  law  of  the  University  makes  it  the  duty  of  the  Regents  to 
establish  such  branches;  and  although  their  efforts  have  heretofore 
been  unsuccessful,  from  the  immaturity  of  the  settlements  and  a 
badly  devised  system  of  rules  and  regulations,  yet  the  best  interests 
of  the  whole  people  call  for  further  effort  and  renewed  exertion  on 
the  part  of  those  to  whom  is  entrusted  in  an  especial  manner  "the 
promotion  of  literature,  the  arts  and  the  sciences."  The  fund  at 
their  control  may  not  be  sufficient  to  accomplish  the  whole  design. 
But  something  should  be  done  that  the  University  may  represent 
itself  in  the  different  sections  of  the  State.  Branches  should  be  es 
tablished  and  fostered,  or  their  places  will  soon  be  supplied  by  secta 
rian  colleges.^ 

In  the  opinion  of  the  board,  it  would  conduce  to  the  best  interests 
of  education,  and  the  usefulness  of  the  University  to  confer  its  honors 
in  all  their  grades,  from  the  lowest  to  the  highest,  upon  all  candidates 
who,  wherever  and  however  prepared,  pass  a  good  examination  be 
fore  the  officers  of  the  University,  at  an  appointed  time  and  place  on 
the  corresponding  parts  of  the  University  course;  and  to  recognize  in 
each  organized  county,  or  senatorial  or  judicial  district  of  the  State, 
as  a  branch  of  the  University,  that  institution  which  actually  pre 
pares  the  greatest  number  of  such  candidates,  and  at  the  same  time 
yields  a  strict  compliance  with  such  requisitions  as  may  be  prescribed 
by  the  Regents  for  the  promotion  of  some  one  or  more  of  the  natural 
sciences. 

The  board  are  not  satisfied  that  the  government  of  the  University 
act  wisely  in  withholding  all  inducements  to  application,  except  such 
as  arise  from  the  love  of  books  and  the  hope  of  future  usefulness. 
Many  a  student  may  "trim  his  midnight  lamp  and  watch  his  lone 
taper  till  the  stars  go  out"  from  such  high  incentives — but  many  more 
will  be  found  to  flag  in  their  onward  course  to  the  summit  of  the  hill 
of  science.  To  many  of  the  latter,  competition  for  the  prizes  of  a  col 
lege  course  furnishes  constant  stimulus  to  honorable  action,  and  when 
those  prizes  are  won,  the  distinction  feeds  ambition  with  further  de 
sire.  Such  prizes  may  have  been  improperly  bestoAved  in  other  lite 
rary  institutions — but  this  furnishes  no  good  reason  for  their  entire 
omission.  Only  let  the  Regents  devise  a  judicious  system  for  the 
distribution  of  such  prizes,  and  they  will  soon  discover  their  salutary 
effects  upon  the  students,  by  a  more  peculiar  attendance  at  the  Uni 
versity,  and  general  application  to  study. 

The  object  of  the  University  is  to  provide  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State  with  the  means  of  acquiring  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  va 
rious  branches  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts.  In  the  main  this 
object  seems  to  have  been  kept  in  view,  as  well  by  the  Regents  in 
most  of  their  enactments  as  by  the  Faculty,  to  whom  is  entrusted  the 
immediate  government.  A  portion  of  the  board,  however,  think 
that  there  has  been  a  departure  from  the  strict  line  of  duty,  both  by 
the  Regents  and  the  Faculty,  in  attempting  to  proscribe  the  existence 
of  secret  societies  among  the  students.  Some  of  these  societies  have 
a  name  coming  down  from  a  remote  antiquity;  and  all  of  them  are 
designed  to  promote  either  intellectual,  moral  or  social  improvement. 


201 

Their  proscription  at  this  late  day,  can  be  attended  with  no  good  re 
sults,  and  may  be  fraught  with  evil  consequences.  If  the  Legisla 
ture  of  the  State  not  only  suffers  societies  of  like  character  to  exist, 
but  gives  them  charters  of  incorporation,  it  behooves  the  government 
of  a  University,  founded  upon  the  principles  of  that  of  Michigan,  to 
deliberate  with  great  care,  before  they  issue  an  ukase  proscribing  any 
set  of  students  for  belonging  to  secret  societies.  In  the  opinion  of 
some  of  the  board,  it  would  be  such  an  encroachment  upon  privile 
ges  that  ought  to  belong  to  individuals,  as  should  not  be  made,  unless 
such  privileges  are  clearly  shown  to  be  detrimental  to  the  literary 
pursuits  of  the  students,  and  subversive  of  their  good  morals. 

The  board  made  no  examination  of  the  books  and  papers  of  the 
secretary  of  the  Regents.  No  opportunity  was  presented  while  they 
were  in  session;  the  office  of  the  Secretary  being  at  Detroit,  and  his 
books  and  papers,  while  at  the  University,  not  convenient  for  inspec 
tion  and  examination.  By  attendance  at  one  of  the  meetings  of  the 
Regents,  the  board  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  affairs  of  the 
University  for  the  past  year,  had  been  managed  so  as  to  promote  the 
best  interest  of  the  institution. 

REPORTS  OF  IXCOKPORATED  LITERARY  INSTITUTIONS. 

Under  a  law  of  1837  in  force,  reports  were  received  from  several 
of  .these  institutions.  The  trustees  of  OLIVET  INSTITUTE  reported 

That  the  patronage  the  Institute  has  received  during  the  past  year, 
and  its  present  prospects,  afford  them  much  encouragement  to  per 
severe  in  their  efforts  to  promote  the  cause  of  popular  education. 

During  the  year  ending  July  1st,  above  one  hundred  youth,  of  both 
sexes,  received  instruction  in  the  Institute.  Of  these,  two  have  en 
tered  the  University  of  our  State,  as  members  of  the  present  junior 
class:  one  has  entered  college  in  Ohio;  and  some  fifteen  others  have 
pursued  the  classical  course  of  the  Institute  to  some  extent,  several 
of  whom  contemplate  a  collegiate  course.  Four  instructors  have 
been  regularly  employed  in  the  Institute,  and  an  additional  assistant 
during  part  of  the  year.  Instruction  has  been  given  to  classes  in 
the  ancient  classics,  and  in  all  the  higher  branches  of  mathematics, 
including  natural  philosophy  and  astronomy.  Physiology,  and  in 
tellectual  and  moral  philosophy  have  also  received  some  share  of 
attention.  A  teachers'  class  was  formed  at  the  beginning  of  the  fall 
term,  and  continued  for  seven  weeks,  during  which  the  members 
were  taken  through  a  thorough  course  in  all  the  branches  usually 
taught  in  common  schools,  accompanied  with  lectures  on  various 
practical  topics  connected  with  school  teaching.  Such  a  class  will 
be  formed  at  the  commencement  of  the  fall  term  each  year,  and  is 
designed  especially  to  fit  teachers  of  common  schools  for  their  em 
ployment. 

The  Institute  has  no  endowments,  and  no  permanent  source  of 
revenue.  The  trustees  are  in  possession  of  about  150  acres  of  land, 
of  which  only  a  few  acres  are  under  improvement.  The  building 
hitherto  occupied  for  school  purposes,  is  owned  partly  by  the  dis 
trict,  and  affords  but  two  rooms  for  the  use  of  the  Institute.  The 
26 


202 

part  thus  occupied  is  valued  at  about  $300.  We  have  now  in  pro 
cess  of  completion,  a  three  story  edifice,  designed  to  accommodate 
nearly  forty  students,  and  furnish  four  convenient  rooms  for  recita 
tions,  library,  apparatus,  &c.  A  part  of  this  will  soon  be  ready  for 
occupancy.  The  cost,  thus  far,  is  near  $2,000. 

The  library  of  the  Institute  consists  of  about  700  volumes,  many 
of  which  are  of  an  excellent  character,  and  of  considerable  value.  The 
whole  may  be  valued  perhaps  at  $500. 

The  Institute  is  but  partially  supplied  with  apparatus  for  illustra 
ting  the  various  branches  of  natural  science — a  lack  which  the  in 
structors  deeply  feel,  but  have  not  the  means  of  supplying,  without 
aid  from  some  legislative  or  charitable  source.  The  founders  of  the 
Institute,  seeing  the  embarrassment  to  which  the  incurring  of  large 
debts  has  subjected  many  other  similar  institutions,  adopted  the  prin 
ciple  of  incurring  no  debts  beyond  their  visible  means.  In  conse 
quence  of  adhering  to  this  policy,  and  of  receiving  very  little  aid 
beyond  the  contributions  from  the  few  who  compose  our  own  com 
munity,  our  buildings  and  other  improvements  have  progressed  very 
slowly — too  slowly  for  the  accommodation  of  the  large  number  who 
have  applied  for  instruction.  We  have  deemed  it  better  and  safer, 
however,  to  adhere  to  this  policy  and  suffer  the  inconvenience,  than 
to  encumber  ourselves  with  debt. 

One  feature  of  our  Institute  commends  it  to  the  indigent  and  self- 
dependent  youth  of  our  State,  viz:  the  incorporation  of  manual  tabor 
with  intellectual  training.  By  the  pecuniary  advantage  thus  offered, 
many  of  our  students  have  been  able  to  continue  their  studies  a 
great  portion  of  the  year,  who  otherwise  would  have  rem  lined  only 
a  few  months,  or  perhaps  would  not  have  entered  the  Institute  at 
all. 

In  conclusion,  we  would  respectfully  suggest,  whether  a  small  por 
tion  of  the  ample  school  fund  of  our  State  can  be  more  judiciously 
applied  for  the  promotion  of  education,  than  in  furnishing  such  aux 
iliaries  as  ours  throughout  the  State,  with  a  suitable  outfit  of  maps, 
charts  and  apparatus.  Such  a  grant,  though  small  in  value,  would 
greatly  encourage  such  institutions,  and  essentially  enhance  the  in 
terest  among  the  hundreds  of  youth  annually  assembled  in  them 
for  instruction. 

The  VERMONTVILLE  ACADEMICAL  ASSOCIATION,  reported  36  schol 
ars.  The  WOODSTOCK  MANUAL  LABOR  SEMINARY,  reported  between 
60  and  70  students.  The  property  of  this  institution  was  reported 
to  be  estimated  at  $5,000.  Its  indebtedness  about  $2,000.  Its  li 
brary  consisted  of  1,500  volumes.  Buildings  partially  completed. 

The  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION  of  the  city  of  Detroit,  reported  18 
schools  in  operation,  four  of  which  were  under  charge  of  teachers  at 
the  rate  of  $400  per  year,  each;  twelve  under  female  teachers  at 
$200  per  year,  each;  and  a  colored  school  under  charge  of  a  female 


203 

teacher,  at  the  rate  of  $200  per  year.     These  schools  had  been  open 
during  the  year,  with  the  exception  of  four  weeks  in  summer. 

STATE  NORMAL  SCHOOL. 

In  accordance  with  the  act  establishing  this  institution,  the  follow 
ing  members  of  the  board  of  education  were  nominated  by  the  gov 
ernor  and  confirmed  by  the  Senate,  viz:  SAMUEL  BARSTOW,  RAN 
DOLPH  MANNING,  and  REV.  SAMUEL  NEWBURY,  who  constituted  the 
board,  together  with  the  LIEUTENANT  GOVERNOR  and  SUPERINTEN 
DENT  OF  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION,  the  latter  of  whom  transmitted,  in  be 
half  of  the  board,  their  first  report  to  the  Legislature.  The  follow 
ing  extract  gives  their  proceedings  up  to  this  time: 

The  board  organized  and  held  their  first  meeting  in  the  month  of 
May  last,  at  the  city  of  Detroit,  and  appointed  Samuel  Newbury 
president.  Provision  was  made"  for  carrying  the  law  into  effect,  by 
the  location  of  lands  granted  for  the  purposes  mentioned  therein; 
and  the  president  was  directed  to  discharge  the  duties  enjoined  upon 
him,  in  visiting  various  places  of  importance  in  the  State,  by  receiv 
ing  donations  and  obtaining  propositions  for  the  establishment  of  the 
school  at  an  early  day  as  practicable,  and  report  to  the  Board. 

The  second  meeting  of  the  Board  was  held  in  the  month  of  Sep 
tember  last,  at  which  time  the  report  of  the  president,  embracing  the 
propositions  received  from  various  villages,  and  of  the  committee  to 
locate  the  lands  required  in  the  act,  was  submitted.  Propositions  for 
the  location  of  the  school  were  received  from  Ypsilanti,  Jackson,  Mar 
shall,  Gull  Prairie  and  Niles. 

The  location  of  the  school  has  been  a  duty  of  great  delicacy  and 
no  small  difficulty.  Each  of  the  places  mentioned  proposed  to  fur 
nish  a  site  for  the  building,  and  tendered  large  subscriptions  in  aid  of 
the  institution,  to  be  paid  in  money.  After  a  full  investigation  and 
examination  of  the  various  proposals,  and  taking  into  view  all  the  ob 
jects  to  be  attained  by  the  location,  the  board  finally  fixed  upon  the 
village  of  Ypsilanti,  which  was  conditionally  designated  as  the  loca 
tion  of  the  Normal  school.  The  condition  was  the  furnishing  satis 
factory  security  to  the  board  for  the  performance  of  the  terms  offered 
by  the  citizens  of  that  place.  The  advantage  of  this  site,  in  point  of 
health,  accessibility  and  locality,  were  deemed,  under  all  the  circum 
stances,  not  second  to  any  other,  while  the  proposition  to  the  board 
was  by  far  the  most  liberal.  In  view  of  the  limited  means,  also,  at 
the  disposal  of  the  board,  and  its  small  prospectiva  income  from  a 
speedy  sale  of  the  land,  the  proposition  was  of  such  a  character  as 
to  furnish  decisive  reason  for  its  action.  The  proposition  made  by 
the  citizens  of  that  place  included  the  offer  of  an  eligible  lot  of 
ground  for  the  site  of  the  proposed  school,  a  subscription  of  $13,500, 
well  secured,  payable  one  third  September  1,  1850,  and  the  balance 
in  one  and  two  years  thereafter,  the  use  of  temporary  buildings  for 
the  Normal  and  Model  schools,  until  a  suitable  building  could  be 


204 

erected,  and  the  payment  of  the  salary  of  the  teacher  of  the  model 
school  for  five  years.  Such  a  proposition  was  deemed  by  the  board 
satifactory  evidence  not  only  of  the  liberality  and  public  spirit  of 
that  place,  but  of  the  existence  oi  interest  in  the  general  subject  of 
education,  which  can  not  be  less  important  to  th&  institution  in  the 
future,  than  the  liberal  offer  which  it  induced.  The  places  in  com 
petition  for  its  location,  exhibited  a  like  enlightened  and  generous 
liberality,  which,  while  it  increased  the  difficulty  of  action  on  the 
part  of  the  board,  finally  induced  them,  while  there  seemed  to  be  in 
fact  so  little  choice  of  locality  between  the  various  places,  so  far  as 
the  interests  of  the  State  were  to  be  subserved  in  the  location  of  the 
school,  to  yield  a  preference  to  that  place  whose  offer  was  the  most 
liberal  and  advantageous.  The  site  selected  is  convenient  of  access 
to  all  parts  of  the  State,  The  village  of  Ypsilanti  is  sufficiently  large 
to  furnish  every  facility  for  boarding  pupils,  and  the  character  of  its 
population,  and  the  deep  interest  manifested  by  them  upon  the  sub 
ject  of  education,  cannot  fail  to  surround  the  institution  with  good 
influences. 

A  selection  has  been  made  for  the  site  of  the  building,  situate  on 
a  rise  of  ground  on  the  north  western  border  of  the  corporate  limits 
of  the  village — a  deed  of  which  has  been  executed  and  delivered, 
free  of  expense,  to  the  board.  A  guarantee,  the  draft  of  which, 
was  submitted  to  the  Attorney  General,  securing  the  payment  of 
$13,500,  has  been  executed  and  delivered  to  the  board.  There 
has  been  a  compliance  with  the  terms  submitted  by  the  citizens  to  the 
board,  by  the  execution  of  the  additional  securities  and  agreements, 
which,  together  with  the  guarantee  above  mentioned  have  been  re 
ceived  by  the  board  as  the  fulfilment  of  the  condition  upon  which 
the  State  Normal  school  was  located  at  that  plaue. 

The  location  of  the  lands  required  by  the  act,  was  made  at  an 
early  day  after  the  organization  of  the  board.  They  were  made  from 
the  descriptions  of  salt  spring  lands  as  shown  on  the  books  of  the 
State  Land  Office  to  be  the  property  of  the  State.  Due  notice  was 
given  to  the  Commissioner,  and  a  proper  description  of  the  lands  so 
located,  delivered  to  him  to  be  filed  in  his  office.  After  the  locations 
were  made  and  notice  given  to  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land 
Office,  the  board  were  notified  by  the  Commissioner  that  it  had  been 
ascertained  that  a  portion  of  the  lands  were  not  the  property  of  the 
State  and  that  they  had  been  erroneously  confirmed  to  the  State  by 
the  general  government;  and  that  said  lands  had  in  fact  been  sold 
or  disposed  of  by  the  United  States  previous  to  the  confirmation  of 
them  by  the  secretary  of  the  treasury. 

Accompanying  this  report,  in  joint  document  No.  14,  is  to  be  found 
a  list  of  the  lands  selected  by  the  board,  laying  in  the  counties  of 
Macomb,  Kent,  Ottowa,  Washtenaw  and  Ionia. 

LEGISLATION. 

The  MEMORIAL  of  ANDREW  M.  FITCH,  JOHN  A.  BAUGIIMAN,  CLARK 
T.  HINMAN  and  ELIJAH  H.  PILCHER,  was  presented  to  the  Legisla- 


205 

ture,  petitioning  for  die  grant  of  a  charter  for  u  FEMALE  COLLEGIATE 
INSTITUTION,  in  connection  with  the  Wesleyan  Seminary,  at  Albion. 
The  application  is  briefly  set  forth,  as  follows: 

We  would  respectfully  set  forth  that  the  said  Seminary  lias  now 
been  in  successful  operation  for  more  than  five  years,  and  has  sent 
forth  a  large  and  healthful  influence  in  the  cause  of  education.  Still 
there  is  wanting  an  institution  in  this  State,  which  will  meet  the  high 
est  wishes  and  literary  aspirations  of  the  females  of  our  growing  and 
highly  prosperous  State.  In  granting  what  is  here  prayed  for,  you 
will  in  no  manner  interfere  with  any  institution  now  established  un 
der  your  fostering  care. 

Comparatively  nothing  has  been  done  to  cultivate,  enlarge  and 
properly  direct  the  intellectual  powers  of  those  who  are  to  give  the 
first  direction  to  the  thoughts  of  those  who  are  to  succeed  us  on  the 
great  theatre  of  life,  and  to  whom  is  to  be  entrusted  the  perpetuation 
of  our  free  institutions. 

What  is  petitioned  for,  is  properly  an  enlargement  of  an  existing 
charter,  so  as  to  meet  the  exigency  of  the  case. 

By  granting  our  petition  we  are  fully  persuaded  you  will  confer  a 
great  public  benefit, 

A  MEMORIAL  was  presented  relative  to  agriculture,  by  Bela  Hub- 
bard,  Titus  Dort  and  .1.  0.  Holmes,  representing  that  the  committee 
of  the  State  Agricultural  Society  had  had  in  consideration  a  subject 
of  irreat  importance,  viz:  the  establishment  of  a  CENTRAL  AGRICUL 
TURAL  OFFICE,  and  an  appropriation  was  deemed  desirable  for  a  LI 
BRARY.  Of  this  subject,  in  connection  with  the  UNIVERSITY,  the 
agricultural  committee  say: 

In  the  organization  of  our  State  University,  it  was  contemplated, 
(as  appears  by  section  twenty-six  of  the  act,)  that  "in  one  of  the 
branches  there  should  be  a  department  of  agriculture,  with  compe 
tent  instructors  in  the  theory  of  agriculture,  including  vegetable  phys 
iology,  agricultural  chemistry,  and  experimental  and  practical  farm 
ing  and  agriculture."  Such  a  department,  it  is  plain,  to  be  vigorous 
ly  and  practically  carried  out,  must^have  its  more  immediate  and 
vital  connection  with  the  State  Agricultural  Society  and  its  institu 
tions.  With  an  agricultural  college  should  also  be  associated  a  model 
and  experimental  farm,  a  botanical  garden,  and  perhaps  a  veterinary 
establishment. 

By  these  means  will  the  farmers  of  our  State — its  great  leading 
class — be  furnished  with  institutions  peculiarly  theirs.  They  will 
be  provided  with  the  means  of  educating  their  youth  in  every  prac 
tical  and  scientific  detail  necessary  or  useful  to  that  most  important 
of  all  occupations,  to  as  full  an  extent  as  is  now  afforded  by  the 
higher  colleges  of  our  land,  to  candidates  for  the  so-called  "learned 
professions." 


206 

On  the  21st  of  January,  the  Senate  adopted  a  resolution  in  rela 
tion  to  the  management  of  the  loan  of  $100,000  and  to  a  certain 
claim,  arising  out  of  the  same,  which  it  is  only  deemed  necessary 
here  to  refer  to,  and  which  is  to  be  found  in  Senate  document  No. 
11,  of  the  session,  (1850.) 

This  document  contains  the  reply  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Board, 
extracts  from  the  journal  of  the  Regents,  copy  of  the  bond  given  by 
Major  Kearsley,  and  also  by  the  Bank  of  Michigan,  the  report  made 
by  Major  K.  of  his  proceedings  in  July,  1838,  and  also  a  statement 
of  his  claim. 

The  memorial  of  G.  M,  Barber  and  other  students,  relative  to  the 
proceedings  of  the  Regents  and  Faculty  as  to  secret  societies,  was 
presented  to  the  Senate.  A  report  was  made  in  relation  to  the  same 
subject  by  a  committee  of  the  Board  of  Regents,  and  also  by  the 
Faculty.  All  the  documents  relating  to  the  controversy  may  be 
found  in  the  journal  of  the  Senate,  being  documents  number  15,  16, 
11,  37  and  3S.  As  they  do  not  relate  to  the  legitimate  object  of  this 
compilation,  they  are  here  referred  to,  simply  as  a  matter  of  refer 
ence  to  those  whose  duty  it  may  be  to  examine  them,  if  a  similar 
question  should  be  raised  in  the  future,  in  the  local  government  of 
the  University.  As  this  is  not  anticipated,  the  subject  is  not  of  im 
portance  otherwise,  in  the  history  of  its  affairs. 

Another  memorial  from  the  State  Agricultural  Society  was  present 
ed  to  the  Legislature,  praying  for  the  establishment  of  a  STATE  AG 
RICULTURAL  COLLEGE.  As  to  the  character  and  scope  of  such  an 
institution,  the  memorial  says: 

The  first  and  most  important  consideration  is,  that  the  institution 
would  be  a  labor  school;  in  which  the  actual  work  performed  by  the 
pupils  would  be  passed  to  theii;  credit,  in  the  account  for  their  in 
struction.  Thus  the  expense  would  be  greatly  diminished  if  not  al 
together  paid.  The  very  act  of  labor  would  be  a  practicable  appli 
cation  of  the  precepts  taught,  and  the  poor  would  enjoy  equal  priv 
ileges  with  the  rich. 

The  institution  should  be  attached  to,  or  form  a  branch  of  the  State 
University,  as  is  contemplated  by  the  charter  of  that  institution,  and 
having  the  benefit  of  lectures  from  the  professors,  and  such  other 
sources  as  may  be  expedient,  resident  professors,  with  expensive 
salaries,  would  not  be  necessary. 

There  should  belong  to  the  institution  a  Farm,  of  sufficient  capac 
ity  to  embrace  a  variety  of  soil  and  surface,  upon  which  all  the  ope 
rations  of  agriculture,  connected  with  tillage,  the  culture  of  all  the 


•207 

useful  grains,  grapes  and  roots,  the  raising  of  stock,  &c.,  could  be 
conducted  to  the  best  advantage,  and  where  the  operations  of  drain 
ing,  and  the  treatment  of  different  soils,  could  be  thoroughly  exhib 
ited — in  fact,  a  farm  which,  under  the  superintendence  of  practical 
and  scientific  masters,  should  become  a  Model  for  the  farms  of  our 
State. 

There  should  also  be  attached  a  Botanical  Garden,  to  be  under  the 
charge  of  the  professor  of  Botany  of  the  University,  in  which  should 
be  cultivated  specimens  of  the  trees,  shrubs  and  plants  indigenous 
to  our  State,  as  well  as  all  plants  and  weeds,  a  knowledge  of  the  pro 
perties  and  habits  of  which  is  useful  to  the  farmer. 

The  studies  taught  at  this  college  should  be  of  an  eminently  prac 
tical  kind.  Bende's  agriculture  in  its  details,  mathematics  and  the 
keeping  of  accounts,  mechanics,  natural  philosophy  and  the  natural 
sciences,  with  their  applications  to  agriculture.  With  these  could 
be  profitably  associated  Anatomy,  so  far  as  connected  with  the  struc 
ture  and  diseases  of  animals,  and  the  study  of  insects  and  their  hab 
its,  and,  to  some  extent,  engineering,  architecture,  and  landscape 
gardening.  Nor  should  the  claims  of  literature  and  the  fine  arts 
be  wholly  neglected,  as  tending  to  polish  the  mind  and  manners,  re 
fine  the  taste,  and  add  greater  lustre  and  dignity  to  life.  In  fine, 
those  branches  of  education  which  will  tend  to  render  agriculture 
not  only  a  useful,  but  a  learned  and  liberal  profession,  and  its  culti 
vators  not  the  "bone  and  sinew"  merely,  but  the  ornaments  of  so 
ciety. 

One  prominent  advantage  possessed  by  the  pupil  in  such  an  insti 
tution  should  not  be  overlooked,  in  the  judicious  combination  of  la 
bor  and  study;  resulting  ia  confirmed  health,  and  thence  increased 
mental  as  well  as  bodily  vigor. 

But  the  importance  of  the  plan  proposed  will  weigh  little,  unless 
it  shall  be  proved  to  be  practicable.  The  only  obstacle  that  can  be 
reasonably  supposed  to  exist,  is  the  expense  of  founding  and  con 
ducting  such  an  establishment.  In  the  communities  of  the  old  world, 
this  obstacle,  serious  as  it  is  under  their  circumstances,  has  been 
overcome,  and  with  triumphant  results.  Probably  no  community  in 
the  world  possesses  greater  facilities  for  the  experiment,  if  it  be 
deemed  such,  than  ours.  On  the  plan  suggested,  no  large  endow 
ment  is  necessary.  The  connection  with  the  University  would  fur 
nish  a  large  part  of  the  means  for  instruction,  at  comparatively  little 
cost  to  the  institution. 

No  where,  in  a  settled  community,  is  land  so  cheap,  at  the  present 
moment,  as  in  this  State.  No  State  is  more  amply  provided  with 
landed  and  other  means  for  the  promotion  of  education.  May  not 
a  part  of  this  fund  be  as  legitimately  applied  to  this  object  as  to  other 
plans  of  educational  improvement? 

In  the  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  the  committee  on  education, 
through  Hon.  HOVET  K.  CLARKE,  their  chairman,  made  a  report  in 
relation  to  the  establishment  of  FREE  SCHOOLS  and  other  matters 


•208 

embraced  in  the   report  of  the   Superintendent.     The  following  ex 
tract  contains  substantially  the  views  of  the  committee: 

The  committee  on  education,  to  whom  was  referred  the  annual 
report  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  respectfully  re 
port: 

That  in  the  judgment  of  your  committee  none  of  the  topics  pre 
sented  in  the  report  of  the  Superintendent  which  would  seem  to  in 
vite  the  action  of  the  Legislature,  can  be  considered  of  greater 
importance  than  that  which  relates  to  the  establishment  of  FREE 
SCHOOLS  throughout  the  State.  The  voice  of  the  public  press,  the 
petitions  which  have  been  presented  to  the  Legislature  at  the  present 
session,  and  the  generally  expressed  desire  in  many  parts  of  the 
State,  that  the  public  should  assume  in  practice  the  duty,  which  in 
theory  has  long  been  acknowledged,  namely,  the  education  at  the 
public  cost  of  the  children  of  the  State,  have  induced  your  commit 
tee  to  examine  this  question  with  a  view  to  ascertain  its  present  prac 
ticability. 

The  example  of  other  States  is  undoubtedly  operating  extensively 
among  the  people  of  this  State  as  a  stimulus  to  the  establishment  of 
free  schools.  And  the  fact,  that  three  of  the  States  formed  out  of 
the  ancient  North-West  Territory,  have  already  preceded  us  in  this 
step  upon  a  higher  level  of  educational  effort  than  we  have  yet  at 
tained,  ought  to  commend  our  earnest  attention  to  a  subject  of  such 
paramount  importance.  Michigan  has  thus  far  maintained  an  hon 
orable  pre-eminence  in  the  education,  intelligence  and  general  culti 
vation  of  its  people.  But  these  qualities  will  cease  to  be  our  charac 
teristics,  unless  earnest  and  well  directed  efforts  be  made  to  extend 
the  influence,  and  to  elevate  the  standard  of  education  among  us. 
As  a  means  of  elevating  this  standard,  the  recent  legislation  of  the 
State,  providing  for  a  supply  of  competent  teachers,  through  the 
agency  of  the  Normal  school,  may  be  regarded  as  a  measnre  at 
once  liberal  and  wise.  And  as  a  means  «>f  extending  the  influence 
of  education,  a  system  of  free  schools,  if  conducted  by  competent 
teachers,  will  undoubtedly  be  found  to  be  the  wisest  and  most  effi 
cient  policy.  Yet  all  this  involves  an  inquiry  into  the  present  ability 
of  the  State  to  sustain  them  without  imposing  an  onerous  burden  of 
taxation  upon  the  people. 

This  question  is  obviously  one  which  should  be  carefully  pondered; 
for  there  is,  perhaps,  some  danger  that  a  premature  effort  to  accom 
plish  an  object  so  eminently  desirable  might  react  with  mischievous 
effect.  This  danger  should  be  considered,  that  it  maybe  well  under 
stood,  and  the  means  to  avoid  it  may  be  wisely  chosen. 

It  is  very  much  to  be  regretted  that  the  only  means  we  have  to 
ascertain  the  present|expense  of  supporting  our  common  schools,  do  not 
afford  perfectly  reliable  data.  The  provision  of  law  which  requires 
the  annual  levy  of  a  tax  of  one  mill  upon  the  assessors'  valuation  for 
the  increase  of  township  libraries  and  the  support  of  schools,  ought 
to  have  produced  for  these  objects,  for  the  year  1849,  upon  the  val 
uation  of  1848,  the  sum  of  $29,908  76.  Yet  the  returns  to  the  Su- 


209 

perintendent  of  Public  Instruction  show  an  aggregate  of  only  $17,- 
830  13  for  this  purpose,  by  which  it  would  appear  that  the  school 
funds  were  deprived  of  over  -Si 2, 000  for  the  last  year.  The  law 
which  requires  the  levying  of  this  tax  is  positive  in  its  terms — abso 
lutely  requiring  the  supervisors  to  levy  it;  and  yet  it  seems  to  have 
been  disregarded,  to  a  certain  extent,  in  all  parts  of  the  State  alike. 
A  comparison  of  the  aggregate  valuations  of  the  counties,  as  exhib 
ited  on  page  43  of  the  Auditor  General's  report,  with  the  amount  of 
the  mill  tax,  as  appears  on  pages  72  and  73  of  the  Superintendent's 
report,  shows  to  what  extent  this  duty  has  been  neglected  by  the 
supervisors  of  townships. 

So  also  the  attempt  to  ascertain  the  amount  raised  by  tax  which 
the  districts  are  authorized  to  raise  per  capita,  is  baffled  by  the  neg 
lect  of  some  six  or  seven  counties  to  make  any  return  under  this 
head;  and  many  others,  and  some  of  them  large  counties,  return  such 
inconsiderable  sums,  that  great  doubts  are  suggested  of  the  accuracy 
of  the  reports. 

Taking  these  reports,  however,  as  true,  it  would  appear  that  the 
amounts  actually  expended  for  tuition  in  the  primary  schools  during 
the  past  year,  are  as  follows: 
Raised  by  tax: 

The  mill  tax, $17,830  13 

Deduct  for  library  purposes  in  448  town 
ships,  reporting  at  $25  each 11,200  00 

Leaving  of  this  tax  applicable  to  the  pay 
ment  for  tuition, $6,630  13 

Per  capita  tax,  not  exceeding  $1  per  scholar, ~      4,624  56 

Total  raised  by  tax  for  tuition, $1 1,254  69 

Distributed  from  primary  school  fund, 39,052  67 

Total  of  public  moneys $50,312  36 

Collected  upon  rate  bills, 29,717  88 

Total  cost  of  tuition  in  primary  schools $80,030  £4 

The  sum  of  eighty  thousand  dollars  must  be  assumed  as  the  near 
est  approximation  we  can  make  from  the  reports  to  the  actual  cost  of 
tuition  in  the  primary  schools  during  the  past  year.  It  is  not  un 
likely,  however,  that  a  much  larger  sum  was  collected  upon  the 
rate  bills  than  the  reports  exhibit.  And  it  is  possible  that  this  sum 
should  be  further  increased,  in  fact,  by  the  portion  of  the  mill  tax 
levied  and  collected  but  not  reported.  It  is  quite  impossible  to  as 
certain  the  degree  of  allowance  which  should  be  made  for  such  in 
accuracies;  your  committee  are  therefore  obliged  to  assume  from  the 
returns  to  the  Superintendent,  thnt  the  tuition  of  102,871  scholars 
for  five  months  in  the  year,  has  cost  an  average  of  about  eighty 
cents  each. 

27 


210 

Your  committee,  however,  desire  to  repeat,  that  they  are  by  no 
means  satisfied  that  the  conclusion  thus  announced  may  be  relied  on 
as  true.  It  is  the  nearest  approach  to  truth  which,  under  the  cir 
cumstances,  they  can  make.  If  it  could  with  certainty  be  relied 
upon,  your  committee  would  not  hesitate  to  recommend,  and  rejoice 
in  the  recommendation  that  the  school  houses  of  Michigan  should  be 
declared  "open  to  all  who  may  choose  to  enter."  But,  while  they 
daie  not  do  this  upon  such  imperfect  data  as  they  have  by  which  to 
ascertain  the  expense  that  would  thus  be  cast  upon  the  people,  they 
feel  bound  to  recommend  some  action  looking  to  the  same  desirable 
end.  And  they  believe  that  if  the  present  law,  which  allows  the 
levying,  by  the  vote  of  any  school  district,  of  a  tax  not  exceeding 
one  dollar  for  each  scholar  within  the  required  ages,  upon  the  prop 
erty  of  the  district,  be  repealed,  and  the  present  mill  tax  be  increased 
to  two  mills,  that  greater  equality  in  the  assessment  of  school  taxes 
will  be  secured,  and  it  is  hoped/a  fund  sufficiently  large  will  be  ob 
tained  to  make  the  primary  schools  of  the  State  substantially  free. 
At  any  rate,  if  this  much  desired  object  be  not  the  result,  the  increase 
of  taxation  thus  provided  for,  of  a  known  and  limited  amount,  cannot 
be  regarded  as  oppressive,  and  future  legislation  upon  more  accurate 
data,  may  complete  the  work,  towards  which,  we  now  desire  by  cau 
tious  and  prudent  measures  to  advance. 

The  prosperous  condition  of  the  University,  as  appears  from  the 
report,  and  the  report  of  the  board  of  visitors,  annexed  thereto,  at 
tracts  the  notice  of  your  committee,  who  rejoice  to  learn  that  this  in 
stitution  is  laying  a  foundation  for  the  highest  usefulness  of  the  rising 
generation  of  our  State.  The  establishing  upon  a  basis,  indicating 
present  and  increasing  prosperity,  of  a  collegiate  institution,  even 
when  sustained  by  an  ample  endowment,  is  ordinarily  the  slow  and 
toilsome  work  of  years.  And  the  establishment  of  such  an  institu 
tion,  under  the  control  of  the  public  authorities  of  a  State  govern 
ment,  has  been  a  problem  of  so  much  difficulty  and  doubt,  that  even 
a  moderate  degree  of  success  affords  ample  occasion  for  grateful  re 
membrance  of  the  labors  and  services  of  those  by  whose  care  and 
watchfulness  such  a  measure  of  success  has  been  achieved.  And 
perhaps  no  higher  praise  can  be  awarded  to  the  management  of  the 
University,  than  is  borne  by  the  universal  testimony  to  the  character 
and  scholarship  of  the  classes  which  have  thus  far  been  graduated. 
On  this  point  the  report  of  the  board  of  Visitors  holds  the  most  un 
equivocal  language  of  approbation  of  the  "skill  and  fidelity  in  the 
professors,  as  well  as  of  diligence  and  talent  in  the  student.  *  *  * 

The  department  of  Public  Instruction  ought  to  be  regarded  as 
second  to  none  in  the  State  government.  The  duties  of  it  follow 
every  family  in  the  State  to  its  very  fireside,  and  invite  them  to  an 
interested  co-operation  in  labors  of  great  importance  to  the  well  being 
of  the  State.  The  performance  of  such  duties  by  the  head  of  such 
a  department,  demands  the  employment  of  talents  of  a  high  order 
and  of  the  utmost  business  activity.  The  report  of  the  Superinten 
dent  shows  a  diligent  attention  to  a  great  variety  of  duties,  and  which 
•must  have  involved  an  amount  of  labor  for  which  the  compensation 


211 

allowed  by  law  is  a  most  inadequate  remuneration.  Your  committee 
therefore  take  leave  to  express  the  hope  that  this  injustice  will  be 
suffered  to  exist  no  longer;  but  that  a  greater  efficiency  in  the  office 
may  be  secured  by  placing  it,  in  regard  to  compensation  of  the  incum 
bent,  on  the  same  level  with  other  State  officers,  whose  duties  are 
neither  more  important  nor  onerous.  It  is  hoped  that  the  head  of  a 
department  so  important  as  this  will  no  longer  be  regarded  as  a  clerk 
ship,  of  little  responsibility  and  but  inconsiderable  labor. 

Such  an  increase  of  compensation  is,  moreover,  urged  in  view  of 
a  proposed  increase  in  the  duties  of  the  Superintendent's  office.  The 
mischiefs  which  arise  from  the  present  mode  of  reporting  the  annual 
statistics  of  the  school  districts  are  forcibly  set  forth  in  his  report, 
and  the  means  to  obviate  them  are  there  suggested.  Your  commit 
tee  agree  entirely  in  the  recommendation,  that  the  township  inspec 
tors  be  required  to  transmit  directly  to  the  Superintendent  their  an 
nual  reports,  and  thus  dispense  with  the  abstracts  which  the  county 
clerks  are  now  required  by  law  to  make.  This  recommendation  is 
made  not  only  as  a  matter  of  economy,  which  will  effect  a  consid 
erable  saving  in  the  sums  paid  to  the  county  clerks  for  making  these 
reports,  but  because  the  labor  of  arranging  and  combining  them  may 
be  done  in  the  Superintendent's  office  with  much  greater  certainty  of 
its  correctness  in  view  of  all  the  interests  to  be  affected  by  it. 

To  carry  into  effect  the  foregoing  recommendations,  I  am  in 
structed  by  the  committee  to  report  a  bill  to  amend  chapter  fifty-six 
of  the  revised  statutes,  and  a  bill  to  amend  chapter  fifty-eight  of  the 
revised  statutes. 

LEGISLATION. 

The  school  law  was  amended,  in  pursuance  of  tht  recommenda 
tions  of  the  Superintendent,  so  as  to  bring  the  report  of  the  school 
inspectors  directly  to  his  office,  and  the  duties  heretofore  devolving 
upon  the  county  clerks,  so  far  as  the  making  of  abstracts  and  returns 
were  concerned,  abolished.  Various  other  amendments  were  made, 
which,  as  they  are  now  in  force,  will  be  found  in  the  primary  school 
law,  as  published  in  this  document.  The  law  regulating  the  duties 
of  Superintendent  was  also  changed,  and  will  be  found  in  a  subse 
quent  part  hereof.  The  mode  of  electing  members  of  the  board  of 
education  was  changed  by  an  act  of  March  29,  1850.  An  act  was 
passed,  enlarging  the  powers  of  the  trustees  of  the  Wesleyan  Sem 
inary,  at  Albion,  and  authorizing  them  to  establish  at  Albion,  a  FB- 
MALH  COLLEGE,  as  a  branch  of  the  Seminary.  It  was  made  subject 
to  risitation  by  a  board,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Superintendent,  and 
the  trustees  required  to  make  a  report  annually  to  that  officer. 

An  act  was  passed  to  incorporate  the  Young  Ladies'  Seminary  of 
the  city  of  Monroe.     It  was  made  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  sub- 


212 

mit  to  the  Superintendent  an  annual  report,  exhibiting  its  condition 
in  all  its  departments.  The  St.  Mary's  Academy,  at  Bertrand,  in 
Berrien  county,  was  incorporated;  also,  the  Clarkston  Academical 
Institute;  also,  the  Clinton  Institute;  the  Lawrence  Literary  Institute 
Association;  the  Michigan  Central  College,  at  Spring  Arbor;  St. 
Mark's  College^  at  Grand  Rapids.  An  act  was  passed  and  approved 
April  2,  relative  to  the  support  of  schools,  and  the  custody  of  town 
ship  libraries.  The  free  school  law  of  the  city  of  Detroit  was  also 
amended. 

THE  CONSTITUTIONAL  CONVENTION. 

This  was  an  important  year  in  the  history  of  public  instruction  in 
Michigan,  inasmuch  as  the  act  was  passed  by  this  Legislature,  in 
conformity  with  the  previous  votes  of  the  people,  to  provide  for  a 
REVISION  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION.  For  fifteen  years  the  provisions  of 
the  first  constitution,  relating  to  education,  had  stood  the  test  of  time 
and  trial — had  been  the  means  of  securing  constant  progress,  and 
achieved  for  Michigan,  what  had  not  been  accomplished  by  the  pro 
visions  of  the  constitution  of  any  other  State  of  the  Union,  for  the 
same  length  of  time.  The  history  of  our  educational  affairs,  as  de 
tailed  in  this  document,  presents  an  array  of  facts,  and  develops 
marks  of  constant  improvement,  which,  while  it  exhibits  the  strug 
gles  through  which  we  have  passed,  must  be  a  source  of  gratifica 
tion  to  every  citizen  of  the  State.  Upon  the  subject  of  education, 
none  can  accuse  the  State  of  Michigan  of  apathy  or  indifference.  It 
is  a  subject  that  has  been  constantly  kept  before  the  people,  and  ap 
preciated  by  them;  and  amidst  vicisitudes  of  no  ordinary  character, 
its  educational  resources  and  institutions  have  been  secured,  pre 
served  and  cherished.  The  first  fifteen  years  of  our  educational 
history,  under  the  first  constitution  adopted  by  our  people,  constitutes 
an  epoch,  to  which  we  may  proudly  look  back  and  refer,  and  from 
which  may  be  derived  a  light  and  a  lesson  for  the  future.  But  with 
a  knowledge  of  what  had  been  thus  far  achieved,  and  with  a  con 
sciousness  of  attaining  a  yet  higher  standard  of  improvement,  the 
organic  law  was  cheerfully  and  with  hope,  subjected  to  a  revision, 
from  which  it  was  believed  still  higher  and  greater  results  were  yet 
to  be  accomplished. 

The  article  upon  education  proposed  to  the  convention,  was  sub 
mitted  on  the  15th  day  of  June,  by  Mr.  Walker,  of  Macomb,     The 


213 

eommittee  consisted  of  the  following  gentlemen,  viz:  Messrs.  Walker, 
Van  Valkenburg,  Butter-field,  Eastman,  Desnoyer,  J.  D.  Pierce, 
Barnard,  Williams  and  Edmunds. 

Section  1  provided  for  the  election  of  a  Superintendent  of  Public 
Instruction,  by  the  electors,  who  should  have  general  supervision  of 
public  instruction,  whose  duties  should  be  prescribed  by  law,  and 
whose  term  of  office  should  be  two  years. 

Section  2  provided  that  the  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  all  lands 
granted  for  school  purposes,  should  remain  a  perpetual  fund,  the  in 
terest  of  which,  with  the  rents  of  all  unsold  lands  should  be  inviolably 
appropriated  to  the  support  of  primary  schools  throughout  the  State, 
and  distributed  annually  on  such  fair  and  equitable  terms  as  should 
be  provided  by  law. 

Section  3  provided  that  the  Legislature  should  establish  by  law,  a 
system  of  primary  schools,  by  which  such  schools  should  be  kept  in 
each  and  every  district  for  at  least  three  months  in  eveiy  year,  FRES 
AND  WITHOUT  CHARGE  FOR  TUITION,  to  all  children  between  the  ages 
of  four  and  eighteen  years,  and  should  provide  that  any  deficiency  that 
may  exist  after  the  distribution  of  the  primary  school  interest  fund,  shall 
he  raised  in  the  sever  dl  townships  and  cities,  by  a  tax  upon  the  whole  tax 
able  property  in  such  townships  and  cities  respectively.  The  English 
language  and  no  other  should  be  taught  in  such  schools. 

Section  4  provided  for  the  election  by  the  people  of  six  Regents 
of  the  University — two  for  six  years,  two  for  four,  and  two  for  two 
years;  after  which  there  was  to  be  two  Regents  elected  at  each  sub 
sequent  election,  to  hold  their  offices  for  six  years. 

Section  5  made  it  the  duty  of  the  Regents  at  their  first  meeting, 
to  elect  a  PRESIDENT  of  the  UNIVERSITY,  who  was  to  be  a  member 
of  the  Board,  and  the  principal  executive  of  the  University.  The 
Board  to  have  direction  and  control  of  all  its  expenditures,  and  gen 
eral  supervision  of  the  institution. 

Section  6  appropriated  the  sales  of  all  lands  granted,  or  to  be 
granted  for  University  purpose?,  as  a  perpetual  fund,  the  interest  of 
which,  with  the  rents,  should  be  inviolably  appropriated  to  the  sup 
port  of  the  University,  and  with  such  branches  as  the  public  good 
required,  for  the  promotion  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts. 

Section  7  provided  for  the  election  of  three  members  of  the  board 
of  education,  who,  together  with  the  Superintendent  of  Public  In- 


"214 

struction,  were  to  have  general  supervision  of  the  STATE  NORMAL 
SCHOOL. 

Section  8  secured  the  proceeds  of  sales  of  lands  appropriated  to 
the  normal  school,  in  the  same  manner  as  University  and  school 
lands. 

Section  9  provided  for  the  encouragement  and  promotion  by  the 
Legislature,  of  intellectual,  scientifical  and  agricultural  improvement, 
and  for  the  establishment  of  an  agricultural  school,  with  a  model 
farm;  also  for  the  establishment  of  libraries,  one  at  least  in  each 
township,  to  the  support  of  which,  moneys  paid  for  exemptions  from 
military  duty,  and  all  tines  assessed  for  breach  of  penal  laws,  were 
to  be  exclusively  applied. 

The  article  as  reported,  was  taken  up  in  convention,  on  the  26th 
of  June.  A  substitute  for  section  3,  was  offered  by  Mr.  FRALICK, 
of  Wayne  county,  who  was  in  favor  of  raising  a  tax  upon  the  prop 
erty,  regulated  by  the  number  of  scholars,  if  there  was  a  deficiency 
after  the  distribution  of  the  income  of  the  school  fund — that  the  Le 
gislature  should  levy  a  tax  on  the  whole  taxable  property  of  the 
township  or  city.  Mr.  MORRISON,  of  Calhoun,  also  proposed  a  sub 
stitute — that  the  Legislature  should  provide  by  law,  that  in  the  year 
1855,  and  every  year  thereafter,  a  general  tax  should  be  levied  in 
the  State,  for  the  support  of  primary  schools,  not  exceeding  three 
mills  upon  each  dollar  of  the  valuation  of  the  taxable  property  of  the 
State;  such  tax  to  be  levied  and  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
State  tax  for  State  purposes.  Mr.  LEACH,  of  Genesee,  also  proposed 
a  substitute,  which  was  as  follows: 

A  primary  school  shall  be  kept  in  each  school  district  in  the  State, 
at  least •  months  in  each  year. 

The  right  to  attend  such  schools  is  guarantied  to  all  persons  be 
tween  the  ages  of  four  and  twenty-one  years. 

For  the  support  of  primary  schools  there  shall  be  raised  annually, 

a  State  tax  of  not  less  than cents  per  scholar  for  each  scholar 

returned  to  the  office  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction, 
and  such  tax  and  also  the  interest  of  the  primary  school  fund  shall 
be  annually  distributed  among  the  several  school  districts  in  this 
State,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  scholars  in  each,  as  shown  by 
their  returns  to  the  office  of  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction; 
and  any  deficiency  that  may  exist  in  the  districts,  after  the  distribu 
tion  of  said  moneys,  shall  be  raised  by  tax  on  all  the  taxable  prop 
erty  in  such  districts. 


215 

The  substitute  was  opposed  by  Mr.  J.  D.  PIERCE,  for  the  reason 
that  it  would  be  found  difficult  to  levy  a  tax  upon  the  districts.  It 
had  been  attempted  and  failed.  He  was  in  favor  of  free  schools,  and 
a  State  tax.  Mr.  RAYNALE  was  also  opposed  to  the  section  and  the 
amendments,  being  of  opinion  that  it  was  safer  left  with  the  Legisla 
ture  to  establish  by  law  a  system  of  common  schools.  Mr.  BAQG 
was  in  favor  of  free  schools — free  as  the  air  we  breathe — and  proposed 
a  further  amendment,  providing  that  the  Legislature  should  estab 
lish  a  system  of  primary  schools,  such  schools  to  be  kept  up  at  least 
three  months  free,  without  charge  of  tuition,  to  all  children  between 
the  ages  of  four  and  twenty-one  years.  Mr.  ALVORD  thought  that 
the  spirit  of  the  age  made  it  obligatory  on  the  convention  to  provide 
that  schools  should  be  kept  up,  and  was  in  favor  of  a  tax  to  pay  for 
free  schools.  Mr.  HANSCOM  was  in  favor  of  obliging  the  Legisla 
ture  to  provide  for  a  system  of  free  schools,  and  of  leaving  the  details 
to  it.  Mr.  VAN  VALKENBURG  believed  that  the  Convention  was 
called  upon  to  establish  a  system  of  free  schools — was  unwilling  to 
leave  it  with  the  Legislature,  except  to  manage  the  details.  The 
chairman  of  the  committee,  Mr.  WALKER,  said  the  committee  had 
discussed  the  proposition  to  raise  a  definite  sum  per  scholar,  through 
out  the  State,  but  the  difficulty  was,  if  the  sum  was  fixed,  it  must  re 
main  so  until  the  constitution  was  amended.  Mr.  CORNELL  offered 
an  amendment,  providing  that  the  Legislature  should  establish  free 
schools  throughout  the  State  and  provide  for  their  support,  and  that 
after  applying  the  school  and  such  other  funds  as  shall  be  set  apart 
for  the  support  of  such  schools,  the  balance  should  be  raised  by  a 
tax  upon  the  taxable  property  of  the  State.  Mr.  WHIFFLE  regarded 
this  question  as  the  most  important  one  that  had  come  before  the 
Convention,  and  was  of  the  opinion  that  the  people  were  prepared 
for  and  wished  a  free  school  system.  The  chairman  of  the  commit 
tee  thought  the  proposition  of  Mr.  Leach,  of  Genesee,  was  of  the 
same  character  as  that  adopted  in  New  York,  and  which  contained 
the  elements  of  discord.  He  had  been  advised  by  a  letter  of  the 
Superintendent  of  schools  of  that  State,  that  if  any  attempt  should 
be  made  to  change  the  school  system  of  Michigan,  we  should  avoid 
raising  any  portion  of  the  tax  in  the  school  districts. 


216 

Another  amendment  was  offered  by  Mr.  FRALICK,  as  follows: 

Sec.  3.  The  Legislature  shall  provide  by  law  for  a  system  of  pri 
mary  schools,  by  which  such  schools  shail  be  kept  up  and  supported 
in  each  school  district,  at  least  three  months  in  every  year;  and  any 
school  district  neglecting  to  keep  up  and  support  such  a  school,  may 
be  deprived  of  its  proportion  of  the  public  funds;  and  a  tax  shall  be 
levied  on  the  several  townships  and  cities  of  the  State,  upon  the  whole 
taxable  property  in  such  townships  and  cities  respectively,  for  the 
support  of  such  schools,  provided  such  tax  shall  not  exceed  the 

amount  of ,  in  any  one  year,  for  all  children  between  the  ages 

of  four  and  eighteen  years,  in  any  township  or  city,  and  the  amount 
of  such  tax  in  each  township  or  city  shall  be  distributed  to  the  several 
districts  therein,  keeping  a  three  months'  school,  in  proportion  to  the 
number  of  children  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years, 
returned  from  said  districts  respectively. 

The  amendment  was  opposed  by  Mr.  N.  PIERCE,  who  believed 
the  greatest  difficulty  in  New  York  had  arisen  from  authority  given 
to  districts.  He  was  in  favor  of  imposing  a  tax  upon  the  taxable 
property  of  the  State,  but  that  it  should  be  limited  to  two  mills  upon 
the  dollar,  and  the  remainder  should  be  collected  by  a  tax  on  the 
district,  or  the  persons  sending  to  school,  or  the  property  of  the  town 
or  district.  Mr.  CRARY  said,  substantially,  that  the  school  system 
now  in  operation  was  as  good  a  system  as  ever  was  devised,  and  had 
been  copied  by  several  States.  It  took  from  1843  to  the  present 
time  to  perfect  it,  and  the  Convention  had  better  leave  it  to  the  action 
of  the  Legislature,  to  provide  for  free  schools  by  such  a  system  or 
mode  as  it  thought  best,  either  by  general  taxation,  or  tax  levied  in 
districts,  counties  or  township. 

The  difficulty  in  New  irork  was  the  inequality  of  taxation.  The 
committee  on  education  had,  however,  neglected  an  important  fea 
ture — they  made  no  provision  for  a  forfeiture  of  the  public  money, 
if  a  district  neglected  to  keep]a  school  for  a  certain  time.  If  we  were 
going  to  have  a  system  of  free  schools,  there  should  not  only  be  a 
forfeiture  of  public  money,  but  a  penalty  for  neglecting  to  comply 
with  the  law.  He  was  willing  to  leave  it  to  the  Legislature,  as  long 
as  a  public  officer  was  kept,  whose  business  it  was  to  attend  to  the 
cause  of  education — he  believed  that  such  an  officer  was  requisite  to 
sustain  and  forward  the  cause  of  education,  and  that  it  was  neces 
sary  that  each  State  should  employ  one;  but  that  if  such  officer  was 
dispensed  with,  he  should  consider  the  cause  of  education  in  danger; 


217 

while  with  such  an  officer,  the  subject  would  be  kept  before  the  peo 
ple,  and  the  cause  would  flourish.  Mr.  MOORE  was  in  favor  of  estab 
lishing  the  system  of  free  schools  upon  a  thorough  basis,  and  wished 
to  see  it  immediately  adopted.  Mr.  TIFFANY  thought  the  Legislature 
would  adopt  the  system  when  the  people  demanded  it.  The  question 
being  taken  on  Mr.  LEACH'S  substitute  as  amended,  it  was  not  sustained. 
Mr.  BUSH  was  in  favor  of  leaving  the  establishment  of  a  system  of 
free  schools  to  the  Legislature,  and  was  opposed  to  the  provision  re 
ported  by  the  committee.  The  following  extract  contains  the  sub 
stance  of  his  argument: 

The  provision  as  reported  gives  the  power  to  raise  revenue  suffi 
cient  to  make  schools  free:  first,  to  the  township,  and  in  case  of  defi 
ciency,  the  deficit  to  be  raised  by  the  school  district.  Experience 
has  shown  us  that  great  inequality  in  taxation  will  exist  in  different 
locations  of  the  State;  it  but  proposes  to  make  permanent  in  the  con 
stitution  the  system  that  was  commenced  under  the  liberal  provisions 
of  our  present  constitution  by  the  statutes  of  1833.  The  Legislature 
then, Actuated  by  the  purest  patriotism,  provided  that  any  deficiency 
that  might  exist,  after  using  their  proportion  of  the  primary  school 
interest  fund,  might  be  raised  upon  the  taxable  property  of  the  school 
district.  The  inequality  that  existed  in  the  districts  was  so  great, 
and  so  apparent,  that  the  system  fell  at  once  into  disrepute.  One 
district  would,  by  economy,  cause  a  school  to  be  kept  up  without 
resorting  to  oppressive  taxation;  another,  perhaps  in  the  same  town 
ship,  by  prodigality  and  extravagance,  levied  a  tax  upon  the  prop 
erty  of  their  district,  ostensibly  for  the  support  of  schools,  which  the 
property  holders  were  neither  able  nor  willing  to  bear.  This  evil 
existed  in  some  portions  of  the  State  to  so  great  an  extent  as  to  af 
fect  the  relative  value  of  real  estate,  and  necessarily  led  to  a  modifi 
cation  of  the  law.  I  therefore  am  opposed  to  the  provision  as  report 
ed,  believing  that  the  same  evils  would  result  from  its  operation,  and 
the  consequences  would  be  more  disastrous  from  a  constitutional  pro 
vision,  in  consequence  of  permanency,  than  from  a  repealable  law. 

The  amendment  provides  that  a  tax  shall  be  levied  upon  the  whole 
taxable  property  of  the  State,  and  shall,  when  collected,  be  distribu 
ted  among  the  districts,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  scholars,  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  primary  school  fund  is  now  distributed.  As 
a  friend  of  universal  education,  I  go  for  this  measure,  believing  that 
the  whole  property  of  the  State  should  be  taxed  for  the  education  of 
the  children  of  the  State.  Under  this  system,  schools  may  be  free, 
and  will  be  free,  if  wisdom  characterize  the  action  of  those  whose 
duty  it  becomes  to  carry  out  this  principle.  The  only  question  with 
me  is  this:  the  amendment  provides  that  the  Legislature  shall  pro 
vide  for  levying  a  tax,  &c.  I  would  prefer  the  word  may  to  the  word 
shall,  although  probably  the  effect  will  be  about  the  same.  Action  can 
not  be  enforced  until  it  is  deemed  expedient — an  imperious  mandate 
28 


218 

is  no  more  important  than  a  mere  permission,  unless  sanctioned  by  the 
public  will,  and  when  so  sanctioned,  either  is  effectual. 

Mr.  Fralick  moved  to  amend  the  section  as  follows: 

Strikeout  all  after  "shall,"  in  first  line,  and  insert  "provide  for 
a  system  of  primary  scho'ols,  by  which  a  school  shall  be  kept  up  and 
supported  in  each  school  district,  at  least  three  months  in  every  year; 
and  any  school  district  neglecting  to  keep  up  and  support  such  a 
school,  may  be  deprived  of  its  equal  proportion  of  the  interest  of 
the  public  fund.  And  the  Legislature  may  levy  a  tax  on  the  whole 
taxable  property  of  the  several  townships  or  cities  of  this  State  for 
the  support  of  said  schools." 

The  amendment  was  opposed  by  Mr.  Britain,  whose  views  are 
evinced  in  the  following  extract  from  his  remarks: 

We  should  provide  for  two  things:  one  is  equal  taxation — the 
other,  that  the  rising  generation  shall  be  instructed.  But  it  has  been 
said  that  the  Legislature  had  the  power,  and  we  are  asked  why  they 
did  not  exercise  that  right.  I  answer,  that  the  will  of  the  people  has 
been  defeated  by  the  talents  of  men  like  the  gentleman  from  Wayne. 
Numerous  petitions  were  received  last  winter  by  the  Legislature, 
praying  for  free  schools.  Why  was  it  not  granted  ?  Not  because 
there  was  a  feeling  against  it,  but  because  those  opposed  to  it  pointed 
to  the  assembling  of  this  Convention — that  it  had  better  be  left  until 
that  time. 

I  am  not  satisfied  with  this  amendment,  because  it  surrenders  the 
principle.  If  it  cannot  be  established  for  six  months,  let  it  be  for 
three;  but  I  hope  that  we  shall  not  be  satisfied  with  any  amendment 
short  of  that.  Every  collection  of  taxes  by  a  district,  is  liable  to  be 
unequal. 

This  would  be  extremely  unwise  and  unjust.  The  true  theory  of 
government,  as  understood  at  the  present  day,  requires  the  whole 
property  of  the  State  to  support  the  government  of  the  State,  insti 
tuted  for  the  protection  of  said  property.  And  no  fact  has  been 
more  satisfactorily  established  than  the  fact  that  the  property  of  the 
State  can  more  cheaply  educate  the  people  of  the  State,  and  main 
tain  the  government  over  an  educated  people,  than  it  can  support  a 
government  over  an  uneducated  people;  and  that  a  tax  for  educa 
tional  purposes  is  but  an  interest  tax  for  the  protection  of  property, 
and  should  be  paid  equally  by  all  taxable  property  protected. 

If  these  premises  be  true,  the  duty  of  this  Convention  must  be  ap 
parent.  It  is  alike  bound  by  justice  and  sound  policy  to  provide  by 
a  tax  upon  the  whole  people,  for  the  most  economical  and  perfect 
protection  of  the  whole  property,  instead  of  leaving  it  subject  to  the 
payment  of  onerous  taxes  for  the  support  of  government,  over  a 
population  but  half  educated  by  the  limited  means  heretofore  drawn 
with  so  much  injustice  from  parents  and  guardians,  who  possess  com 
paratively  but  a  small  share  of  the  property  of  the  State. 

There  is  another  argumentin  favor  of  free  schools,  which  addresses 
itself  to  higher  motives,  and  the  soundness  of  which  is  perhaps  quite 


as  well  established  as  the  former.  It  is  this:  the  children  of  the 
State  are  the  property  of  the  State,  and  entitled  to  support,  educa 
tion  and  occupation,  whether  their  immediate  guardians  are  able  to 
give  it  to  them  or  not. 

This  theory,  resting  upon  the  character,  and  resulting  from  the 
obligations  of  our  civil  compact,  formed  for  the  purpose  of  support 
ing,  protecting  and  benetitting  each  other,  claims  that  the  present 
generation  is  bound  by  the  strongest  obligations  of  duty,  to  support, 
educate  and  qualify  for  self-government,  the  rising  generation;  and 
so  many  means  are  already  provided  by  law  for  the  accomplishment 
of  these  desirable  ends,  that  to  a  discriminating  mind,  the  only  won 
der  is,  that  more  direct,  just  and  efficient  means  have  not  been  adopt 
ed  for  the  accomplishment  of  so  desirable  an  object.  But,  Mr.  Ch.tir- 
man,  the  most  difficult  questions  connected  with  this  subject  are,  the 
best  method  of  raising  the  means,  and  of  insuring  their  economical 
expenditure.  If  you  raise  the  whole  amount  by  a  State  tax,  there 
may  be  difficulty  in  securing  an  economical  expenditure,  as  the  imme 
diate  interests  of  persons  interested  with  the  expenditure,  will  be  to 
draw  as  copiously  from  the  fund  as  practicable.  If  you  raise  a  part 
of  it  by  State  tax,  and  permit  the  districts  or  townships  to  raise  the 
balance  by  district  or  township  tax,  or  a  capitation  tax,  or  by  rate 
bills,  as  they  may  deem  expedient,  some  will  raise  by  district,  some 
by  township,  and  some  by  capitation  tax,  while  others  will  collect  by 
rate  bills,  from  parents  and  guardians. 

The  property  of  a  district  .supporting  its  schools  exclusively  by  a 
tax  upon  property,  would  pay  a  higher  tax  than  that  of  a  township 
supporting  its  schools  in  part  upon  rate  bills;  dissatisfaction  would 
inevitably  be  the  consequence,  and  the  system  might  be  broken  down 
by  the  crafty  property-holder,  before  it  received  a  fair  trial.  I  think 
that  all  the  burdens  we  impose  should  be  imposed  equally.  That 
the  best  method  of  accomplishing  this  will  be  to  raise  a  large  portion 
of  the  school  moneys  by  a  State  tax,  and  the  balance  by  a  uniform 
tax,  as  far  as  the  interests  of  education  will  permit,  beyond  the  con 
trol  of  the  district.  A  school  in  every  district  should  be  free  during 
apart  of  each  year,  to  all  scholars  residing  in  the  district,  and  made 
free  from  expense  to  all  who  are  unable  to  pay;  and  also  made  as- 
nearly  free  from  expense  to  all  as  shall  be  consistent  with  a  guaranty 
of  an  economical  expenditure  of  the  public  moneys;  and  the  tax  tor 
the  support  of  such  schools  should,  as  far  as  practicable,  be  a  State 
tax. 

Mr.  CHARY  said  by  the  present  system  we  have  about  33  cents  per 
scholar — the  tax  upon  the  district — the  residue  raised  by  a  rate  bill. 
We  have  thus  three  sources  of  revenue  at  the  present  time,  and 
many  persons  are  not  prepared  to  go  further  than  the  method  sug 
gested  by  the  substitute.  Some  wish  to  make  it  imperative,  but  I 
do  not  think  that  it  is  desirable  to  levy  a  tax,  and  I  will  give  my  rea 
sons. 

It  is  a  pretty  thing  to  have  a  beautiful  theory,  but  sometimes  the 
practice  is  very  different.  Difficulties  will  arise  under  the  general 
tax  system.  If  you  levy  a  tax — a  tax  for  the  whole  State— who 


220 

will  regulate  the  prices  to  be  paid  for  teachers  in  the  districts? 
If  left  to  the  district,  what  will  they  make  the  expenditure?  They 
may  pay  their  teacher  forty  dollars  per  month  and  have  but  a  few 
scholars.  There  will  not  be  that  care  which  is  required  at  present, 
and  the  chief  expense  will  be  thrown  upon  the  more  wealthy  portion 
of  the  State.  It  would  be  best  to  leave  it  open;  let  the  Legislature 
say  whether  it  shall  be  by  towns  or  counties,  or  by  districts;  making- 
it  imperative  that  in  two,  four  or  six  years,  a  free  system  of  schools 
shall  be  established.  If  we  embody  in  the  constitution,  to  take  im 
mediate  eifect,  the  substitute  of  the  gentleman  from  Genesee,  we 
shall  not  convince  the  people  that  we  have  done  one  thing  towards 
lessening  the  expense,  for  we  cannot  carry  his  proposition  into  effect 
short  of  a  tax  of  $100,000  for  the  State;  it  will  probably  be  more, 
but  I  am  taking  a  low  estimate.  Now,  if  in  this  constitution  you 
impose  a  tax  upon  the  people  of  this  magnitude,  how  much  will  they 
thank  you  for  it?  They  will  say,  we  sent  you  to  lighten  our  burdens; 
you  have  made  them  greater. 

I  think  that  it  must  be  left  to  the  Legislature.  It  is,  I  think,  the 
voice  of  the  Convention  to  have  a  free  school  sj'stem — it  is  my  wish — 
but  we  must  not  impose  too  heavy  a  burthen  to  accomplish  this  ob 
ject;  for  if  we  do,  the  people  will  not  sustain  our  action. 

Mr.  C.  moved  to  amend  the  amendment  so  as  to  provide  that  any 
school  district  neglecting  to  keep  up  and  support  a  school  wherein 
instruction  in  the  English  language  is  conducted  for  three  months  in 
each  year,  should  be  deprived  of  its  equal  proportion  of  the  income 
of  the  fund,  and  the  motion  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  WORDEN  meved  to  amend  by  striking  out  of  the  amendment 
of  Mr.  FRALICK  the  words  *'  several  townships  and  cities  of  the 
State." 

Mr  WALKER  thought  the  principle  would  operate  very  unjustly  to 
the  new  portions  of  the  State.  He  had  made  an  examination  in  re 
gard  to  the  amount  of  the  school  fund  distributed  in  the  different 
counties  in  the  year  1849,  and  of  the  amount  required  to  be  raised 
for  school  purposes.  By  an  examination  of  the  tables  it  would  be 
found  as  an  almost  universal  rule  that  the  new  counties  would  have 
to  raise  by  taxation  much  more  than  the  amount  to  be  distributed  to 
them  out  of  the  school  fund.  In  some  counties  they  would  be 
obliged  to  tax  two  cents  on  the  dollar  on  the  basis  of  the  distribution. 
On  that  account  he  thought  there  was  something  due  to  that  section 
of  the  State.  From  the  many  inconveniences  to  which  the  new 
counties  were  subjected,  by  the  sparseness  of  their  population,  and 
the  great  expense  which  was  attendant  on  the  support  of  their 
schools,  he  considered  it  but  just  that  that  they  should  have  the  ben 
efit  of  the  tax  upon  non-resident  lands.  It  was  known  that  a  larger 
number  could  be  educated  in  a  thickly  populated  portion  of  the 
State,  and  for  a  longer  period,  than  in  those  parts  which  were  thinly 
settled.  He  would  state,  however,  that  the  county  of  Wayne  would 


•221 

raise  by  taxation  more  than  it  would  receive  from  the  general  fund. 
It  resulted  from  taxation  on  the  increased  valuation  of  property  in 
the  city  of  Detroit,  over  the  farming1  sections  of  the  country.  Ma- 
comb  county,  on  the  other  hand,  would  receive  three  or  four  hun 
dred  dollars  more,  under  the  distribution  of  the  general  fund,  than 
she  would  be  obliged  to  raise  by  taxation.  The  new  counties  ought  to 
have  the  benefit  of  the  tax  on  the  non-resident  lands,  to  be  applied 
to  the  support  of  their  schools.  'They  would  necessarily  have  to  un 
dergo  many  inconveniences  from  their  situation — their  schools  would 
be  small,  arid  consequently  would  require  much  more  to  educate  their 
scholars  than  in  the  older  settled  counties. 

Mr.  N.  PIERCE  did  not  agree  with  the  gentleman  last  up  in  what 
he  said  relative  to  the  hardships  to  which  new  settled  counties  were 
subject.  He  thought  such  inconveniences  as  were  alluded  to,  merely 
temporary.  He  wanted  to  know  why  a  county  with  five  hundred 
inhabitants  must  tax  the  whole  non-resident  land.  He  would  like 
to  be  informed  why  a  county  should  take  his  land,  for  instance,  and 
tax  it  when  he  sent  no  children  to  school.  He  had  yet  to  learn  that 
the  children  of  one  county  could  not  be  as  well  educated  as  another. 
If  iVlacomb  county  could  not  raise  sufficient  money,  he  would  say  take 
it  from  the  State  tax;  so  in  regard  to  Calhoun  or  any  other  county. 
It  was  a  State  policy  he  desired  to  see  adopted  in  this  matter;  one 
by  which  the  blessings  of  education  would  be  diffused  amongst  all. 

Mr.  STUFKHS  was  in  favor  of  raising  a  State  tax  for  educational 
purposes,  and  not  a  county  or  township  tax.  There  were  many 
counties  possessing  a  large  amount  of  taxable  property,  that  had  in 
reality  no  more  scholars  to  educate  than  those  not  possessing  one-half 
that  amount. 

Mr.  WILLIAMS  desired  to  observe  all  courtesy  towards  gentlemen 
on  this  floor.  He  would  be  allowed  to  say,  however,  that  there  was 
such  a  thing  as  theory,  and  such  a  thing  as  practice.  He  desired  to 
have  a  State  tax,  in  order  to  have  justice  done  to  both  the  settled  and 
the  unsettled  portions  of  the  State.  He  would  put  it  to  gentlemen  and 
ask.  if  we  enjoined  the  people  of  the  counties  to  assess  themselves, 
would  they  get  anything  more  than  they  would  get  under  a  State  as 
sessment?  The  people  of  each  county  sparsely  populated  would  as 
sess  themselves  just  enough  to  educate  their  own  children,  and  would 
let  an  immense  amount  of  property  go  untaxed.  Thus  the  whole 
State  must  lose.  * 

There  was  one  difficulty  which  occurred  to  him  as  conclusive  on 
this  whole  matter  of  putting  this  tax  upon  any  smaller  district  than 
the  entire  State.  The  matter  was  very  fully  discussed  in  committee 
of  the  whole.  The  difficulty  was  in  effect  this:  in  New  York  the 
system  which  was  adopted,  required  that  the  schools  should  be  sup 
ported  largely  by  taxation  of  the  individual,  and  enough  raised  to 
keep  up  a  school  for  a  given  number  of  months  in  the  year.  What 
was  the  result?  Simply  this:  the  rich  and  the  poor  were  arrayed 
against  each  other,  and  the  childless  were  opposed  to  those  who  had 
children.  How  much  money  should  be  raised  was  a  subject  of  fierce 
contention;  sometimes  one  kind,  and  sometimes  another  kind  of  peo- 


pie  resisting-.  Those  who  paid  the  least,  generally  resisted  the  most. 
As  well  us  he  recollected,  the  gentleman  from  Calhoun,  [Mr.  J.  D. 
Pierce,]  had  had  a  letter  from  a  distinguished  friend  of  education,  in 
which  he  referred  to  die  difficulty  then  existing  in  the  State  of  New 
York,  in  relation  to  this  school  question,  and  stated  that  the  whole 
State  was  rife  with  these  difficulties,  creating  almost  universal  excite 
ment. 

Here,  then,  were  two  objections  fatal  to  the  views  advanced  by 
the  chairman  of  the  committee  on  education.  .  Any  plan  that  was 
impracticable  was  not  only  unjust  to  that  portion  of  the  State  for 
which  all  his  sympathies  were  excited,  but  was  also  an  injury  to  the 
whole  State.  He  believed  that  the  whole  State  should  support  ev 
ery  portion  of  its  government,  and  necessarily  to  educate  the  whole 
people.  He  laid  it  down  as  an  axiom  that  the  whole  property  should 
educate  the  whole  people. 

Again,  we  could  probably  tax  the  whole  property  of  the  State  on 
some  uniform  and  general  plan  more  economically,  and  distribute  it 
in  the  already  necessary  distribution  of  the  primary  school  fund, 
with  less  waste  than  upon  any  other  plan  whatever.  Not  only  so, 
but  if  we  left  it  to  townships  and  counties,  the  administration  would 
be  always  conflicting  and  unsatisfactory.  If  we  had  forty  assess 
ments,  by  forty  counties  for  the  school  tax,  we  should  have  just  as 
many  different  school  systems. 

He  would  go  for  any  uniform  system  that  reached  every  person 
in  the  State,  and  taxed  equally  all  the  property  of  the  ^'tate;  and  in 
his  opinion  it  was  the  duty  of  the  committee  to  construct  and  organ 
ize  a  system  that  was  efficient,  just,  comprehensive  and  more  than 
all,  perfectly  practicable. 

Mr.  FRALICK  said,  it  appeared  to  him  that  the  gentleman  had  mis 
conceived  the  question.  It  appeared  by  his  argument  that  this  mat 
ter  of  taxation  was  to  be  left  to  the  counties  or  townships.  The 
gentleman  was  wrong  there.  It  was  to  be  a  tax  levied  by  the  Leg 
islature. 

Mr.  WILLIAMS — I  was  arguing  a  different  question.  The  question 
now  under  consideration  is  whether  you  make  it  a  local  or  a  State 
tax. 

v  Mr.  FRALICK  (continuing ) — thought  he  understood  the  gentleman's 
argument.  It  amounted  to  the  same  thing,  for  it  was  still  a  State 
tax;  the  only  difference  was  as  to  the  distribution  of  the  money  in 
the  township.  He  did  not  desire  to  make  a  great  State  system  where 
by  the  money  would  have  to  go  through  a  dozen  toll  gates,  every 
man  having  something  off  it.  He  wanted  to  have  the  money  availa 
ble  whenever  it  was  required,  for  in  fact  the  school  fund  went  through 
so  many  operations  now,  that  we  got  it  when  the  teacher  should  have 
been  paid  five  months  previous.  Instead  of  getting  it  in  the  winter, 
they  did  not  receive  it  until  June.  What  he  particularly  desired 
was,  that  the  money  raised  in  a  township  remain  in  it,  so  that  it 
might  be  always  available. 

Mr.  HANSCOM  was  of  opinion  that  both  the  systems  proposed  were 
wrong.  He  was  in  favor  of  leaving  the  Legislature  to  determine 


223 

how  this  tax  should  be  raised.     Let  them  try  one  mode  of  taxation 
first,  and  if  that  did  not  work  well,  they  could  then  try  another. 

Mr.  BUSH  was  in  favor  of  having  a  tax  imposed  upon  all  the  tax 
able  property  of  the  State,  to  be  fairly  and  equitably  distributed,  so 
that  every  scholar  should  have  his  quota. 

The  amendment  of  Mr.  Fralick  was  finally  disagreed  to.  The 
question  recurring  upon  the  substitute  of  Mr.  Cornell,  providing  that 
after  the  application  of  school  moneys,  and  other  funds  set  apart,  the 
balance  should  be  raised  by  a  State  tax.  To  this,  amendments  were 
offered  by  Mr.  GALE  and  Mr.  HANSCOM.  A  substitute  was  offered 
by  tho  chairman  of  the  committee  providing  for  free  schools  to  be 
kept  for  three  months  of  each  year,  and  for  making  up  any  defi 
ciency  by  a  tax  upon  the  whole  taxable  property  of  the  State.  This 
proposition  was  advocated  by  Mr.  VAN  VALKENBURG,  who  said  that 

No  time  is  limited  when  the  Legislature  shall  carry  it  into  effect. 
The  committee  thought  it  best  to  leave  the  subject  to  them.  If  lim 
ited,  and  the  time  passed,  they  might  say  that  the  question  is  put  to 
rest;  therefore  we  thought  it  the  best  to  leave  it  an  open  question, 
and  thus  meet  the  views  as  expressed  in  committee  of  the  whole  yes 
terday,  and  we  were  anxious  to  meet  the  views  of  the  delegates  and 
the  requirements  of  the  people.  It  is  conceded  that  free  schools  are 
wanted,  and  should  be  supported  by  a  universal  tax  throughout  the 
State,  and  that  free  schools  should  be  instituted  as  soon  as  practica 
ble. 

It  has  been  remarked  that  schools  should  be  free  to  all — that  the 
children  of  the  State  were  the  property  of  the  State — that  the  State 
was  responsible  for  the  education  of  its  children.  For  that  reason 
we  think  a  State  tax  is  the  most  proper,  and  would  avoid  many  diffi 
culties  that  would  grow  out  of  the  levying  of  taxes  on  the  towns 
and  cities.  It  has  been  said  that  schools  should  be  as  free  as  the  air 
we  breathe,  or  the  water  we  drink.  Our  sources  of  education  should 
be  like  the  r?.ys  of  light,  penetrating  the  darkness.  If  we  adopt  this 
system  we  shall  see  our  State  take  an  exalted  position  among  our 
sister  States  of  the  Union. 

It  was  opposed  by  Mr.  HANSCOM  as  being  subject  to  two  objec 
tions: 

First,  it  says  that  all  deficiencies  that  exist  after  the  distribution  of 
the  income,  shall  be  raised  by  a  State  tax.  Now,  sir,  I  would  leave 
the  Legislature  to  provide  the  taxation  in  the  manner  they  deem  best. 
We  may  get  a  donation  of  land  from  Congress;  if  so,  it  mi^ht  be 
applied  instead  of  a  State  tax.  If  they  think  that  it  is  the  best  way, 
they  will  do  it;  but  I  do  not  think  they  should  be  bound  or  limited 
in  the  mode  of  raising  a  tax.  It  imposes  no  imperative  duty  upon 
the  Legislature  at  all;  it  merely  requires  them  to  do  it,  without  fixing 
a  limitation  when  it  shall  be  done. 


224 

Mr.  MOORE  advocated  the  adoption  of  the  clause,  engrafting  the 
principles  of  free  schools  in  the  constitution.  He  said: 

Mr.  Chairman,  this  subject  is  one  of  the  first  importance,  and  I 
hope  we  shall  not  differ  in  principle  or  in  the  detail.  The  details  I 
am  not  so  particular  about,  if  the  result  is  arrived  at.  The  grand 
effort  for  us,  is  to  establish  schools  free  or  nearly  so.  The  way  or 
the  details  of  the  system  I  care  little  about,  so  the  thing  itself  is  ac 
complished.  I  would  engraft  in  this  constitution  the  principle  of  free 
schools.  1  would  leave  it  to  the  Legislature  to  fix  it  at  some  future 
day.  It  is  practicable  now  for  us  to  lay  the  plan  whereby  the  chil 
dren  of  the  State  can  be  educated. 

I  have  no  objection  to  the  amendment  sent  up  by  the  gentleman 
from  Calhoun,  [Mr.  Morrison.]  It  contemplates  five  years  before 
this  system  can  be  brought  about,  and  1  have  no  disposition  to  delay 
this  effort  a  day.  This  is  the  place  and  the  time  to  provide  for  the 
system.  I  would  not  adopt  the  system  of  New  England,  although 
there,  it  is  the  best,  and  no  other,  perhaps,  would  do  so  well;  but 
our  country  is  new,  and  things  are  not  yet  regulated.  We  have 
many  new  and  thinly  settled  districts,  where  town  taxes  could  not  be 
raised,  and  of  course  it  would  be  unequal.  New  England  raises  her 
fund  by  a  town  tax  on  property,  and  distributes  in  the  districts  from 
the  towns.  *  *  I  think,  Mr.  Chairman,  we  are  pretty  well  agreed  that 
a  State  tax  is  the  plan  for  us  to  adopt;  and  two  mills  to  the  dollar  ad 
ded  to  our  present  fund,  will  furnish  four  months  more  free  school 
ing  in  each  district  than  we  have  now.  We  raise  now  by  general 
fund  $156,000,  which  affords  a  school  five  and  a  half  months  in  the 
year.  But  it  is  not  worth  while  to  go  into  detail.  I  hope  the  com 
mittee  will  not  let  the  disagreement  about  the  plan  to  be  adopted, 
defeat  a  measure  so  desirable  and  so  just  as  this.  It  is  just  not  only 
to  the  children  growing  up  in  the  State,  but  to  the  citizens,  and  to  the 
character  of  the  St  ite,  which  stands  the  sixth  State  in  the  Union  for 
intelligence — in  reading  and  writing — as  reported  in  our  last  cen 
sus. 

What  has  made  New  England  what  she  is  but  her  common  schools; 
her  school  system?  And  here  let  me  say,  when  New  England  had; 
2,000,000  inhabitants  she  had  between  ten  and  twelve  thousand 
jpchools — a  school  to  every  200  persons. 

Let  me  give  some  of  the  plain,  simple  reasons  why  we  should  es 
tablish  free  schools,  or  nearly  free,  so  that,  at  any  rate,  every  child 
would  be  free  to  go,  and  should  go,  and  so  numerous  that  a  school 
house  would  be  within  the  reach  of  all.  The  management,  however, 
should  be  left  to  the  districts  themselves,  so  as  to  sustain  the  inter 
est  felt  in  the  schools  by  all  classes;  and  the  fund  should  onl)  be 
distributed  to  those  that  would  try  to  avail  themselves  of  its  benefits. 
You  lay  it  down  as  a^principle,  that  the  man  who  does  not  try  to  help 
himself,  should  not  be  helped.  So  in  a  measure  with  school  districts; 
but  by  all  means  give  them  the  opportunity;  bring  education  to 
their  door,  to  their  very  threshhold. 

The  tax  should  be  on  the  property  of  the  whole  State,  and  distri 
buted  by  the  school  officers  of  the  State  as  the  other  fund  is,  and 


225 

to  those  districts  which  will  avail  themselves  of  it;  for,  I  say  again, 
that  unless  the  people  themselves  enter  into  it,  all  the  money  you 
give  will  not  accomplish  the  object.  The  interest  and  earnestness 
with  which  the  districts  engage  in  it,  is  of  as  much  consequence  as 
the  money  appropriated.  The  tax,  I  say  again,  should  be  on  prop 
erty,  so  the  poor  would  be  saved  from  a  burden  which  otherwise 
might  be  too  heavy,  and  the  rich  secure  the  most  ample  protection 
on  their  property,  by  the  diffusion  of  intelligence  and  morals  among 
all  classes. 

1st.  Every  holder  of  property  has  a  direct  interest,  in  a  pecuniary 
point  of  view,  in  educating  the  masses.  For  every  law  upon  which 
the  value  of  property  or  the  peace  of  society  depends,  will,  in  a  few 
years,  be  at  the  disposal  of  the  children  growing  up  in  the  State. 
The  amount  of  vice  and  crime,  and  the  expense  of  prosecuting  and 
punishing  criminals  will  be  diminished  in  proportion  to  the  intel 
ligence  of  the  community.  Ignorance  is  idle  and  unthrifty;  it  is  the 
father  of  vice.  Uneducated  mind  is  educated  vice. 

Intelligent  labor  is  doubly  as  productive  to  the  State  as  the  tool  of 
the  ignorant.  Witness  New  England;  look  at  her  manufactories, 
her  mechanical  labor,  her  inventions,  in  short,  her  innumerable  com 
modities,  with  which  she  fills  this  whole  earth.  There  is  not,  per 
haps,  a  country  on  the  globe  where  her  arts  have  not  been  intro 
duced.  And  why  is  it?  Because  she  started  with  a  universal  system 
of  free  schools.  Nothing  else  ever  laid  the  foundation  of  her  pros 
perity.  And  so  let  it  establish  ours.  We  have  infinitely  a  better 
soil,  abundance  of  water  power,  and  every  variety  of  climate,  and 
can  grow  almost  every  variety  of  the  world's  products.  Now,  with 
all  these  advantages,  let  us  engraft  in  the  constitution  such  a  system 
as  will  secure  to  the  rising  generation  equal  rights  in  education,  as 
well  as  equal  rights  in  political,  civil  and  religious  liberty.  Then,  I 
say,  if  all  the  property  holders  are  to  share  in  the  advantages,  they 
may  well  and  fairly  be  asked  to  contribute  to  the  result. 

2d.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  State  to  provide  for  the  education  of  all 
its  children.  The  existence  and  safety  and  wealth  of  the  State  de 
pend  upon  it.  It  is  the  first  duty  of  government  to  protect  the  lives 
and  property  of  her  people. 

If  the  property  and  safety  of  society  demand  universal  education, 
it  is  the  duty  of  the  State  to  provide  for  it.  If  she  has  a  right  to  lay 
a  tax  for  the  suppression  of  crime  and  idleness,  by  erecting  prisons 
and  houses  of  correction,  she  certainly  has  a  right  to  do  the  same 
for  the  prevention  of  crimes,  by  schools. 

3d.  These  common  schools  are  of  exceeding  value  by  way  of 
bringing  forward  and  cultivating  minds  of  great  worth,  that  had  oth 
erwise  laid  forever  buried  in  the  obscurity  of  poverty.  They  are 
like  scientific  surveys  for  the  discovery  of  the  mineral  resources  of 
the  State.  A  large  number  of  the  very  first  men  of  New  England 
would  never  have  been  raised  to  notice,  but  for  the  exploring  system 
of  common  schools,  where  the  rich  and  poor  meet  together  without 
any  degrading  distinctions;  and  only  mind  tugs  with  mind  all  over 
the  commonwealth,  year  after  year.  If  there  is  one  rare  intellect  in 
29 


226 

any  corner  of  the  State,  it  will  be  brought  to  light  and  developed; 
and  many  such,  coming  up  from  all  quarters,  will  enhance  greatly  the 
literary  character  and  wealth  of  the  State. 

4th.  Free  schools  have  a  powerful  influence  in  disseminating  the 
principles  of  true  democracy.  Where  on  earth  is  there  such  a  prac 
tical  demonstration  of  the  doctrine  that  "all  men  are  born  free  and 
equal,"  as  in  the  school  house  under  a  free  school  system — where 
every  barefooted  urchin  may  have  the  same  teacher,  the  same  books, 
and  set  on  the  same  seat  with  the  most  fortunate  heir  in  town — may 
stand  at  the  head  of  his  class  and  take  precedence  over  all  that 
wealth  and  rank  can  array  against  him,  if  only  God  has  given  him 
the  better  mind,  or  the  more  diligent  disposition?  It  ennobles  and 
encourages  the  poor  boy,  and  fires  him  with  such  thoughts  of  the 
dignity  of  a  human  soul  that  tyrants  can  never  after  oppress  him 
whh  impunity.  It  corrects,  too,  the  thoughtlessness  of  the  rich  by 
the  standard  of  mind,  and  teaches  them  to  reckon  rank  by  the  Ro 
man  rule  of  merit. 

5th.  A  general  tax  is  on  many  accounts  the  best  mode  of  providing 
public  schools.  When  every  man  pays  his  money  he  will  feel  an 
interest,  and  the  interest  thus  awakened  all  over  the  State,  is  worth 
the  amount  of  the  tax,  to  say  nothing  of  the  instruction  given  to  the 
children.  Besides,  as  men  come  to  understand  the  doctrine  upoa 
which  the  right  to  thus  tax  them  is  based,  and  see  the  principle  sat 
isfactorily  illustrated,  they  will  discover  also  that  they  have  in  many 
other  respects  mutual  interests;  and  so,  public  spirit,  so  necessary  to 
general  improvement,  will  be  more  and  more  promoted.  This  sys 
tem,  too,  has  the  merit  of  providing  for  the  education  of  the  poor, 
without  any  of  those  personal  distinctions  that  degrade. 

6th.  It  is  particularly  incumbent  upon  Michigan  to  provide  a  sys 
tem  of  free  schools.  She  has  invested  a  large  sum  already  in  such 
a  way  that  much  of  its  value  and  prospects  to  the  State  must  be  for 
ever  lost  without  a  free  school  system. 

*  *  *  *  That  University  will  forever  lose  half  its  utility  to 
the  State,  without  the  common  school  system  to  explore  every  open 
ing  and  prairie,  and  kindle  up  the  latent  genius  that  is  slumbering  in 
log  cabins  all  over  the  land.  Such  minds  once  taught,  will,  by  com 
parison  and  competition  with  others,  create  the  appetite  for  know 
ledge,  and  from  the  district  school  will  find  their  way  to  the  fountain 
your  State  has  so  munificently  opened  to  all  her  sons.  Michigan 
has  built  up  one  side  of  the  most  liberal  structure  for  education  in 
any  State — it  only  remains  to  complete  the  other  side,  and  so  perfect 
the  edifice. 

Mr.  COMSTOCK  expressed  the  opinion  that  the  Legislature  could 
better  carry  out  the  details  of  the  measure,  and  was  in  favor  of  the 
proposition  of  Mr.  Hanscom. 

The  debate  was  continued  with  deep  interest,  and  evinces  so  much 
practical  knowledge  of  the  subject  on  all  sides  as  to  make  it  a  very  im- 


portant  portion  of  our  educational  history.     The  following  is  there 
fore  extracted  from  the  journal  of  the  Convention: 

Mr.  MORRISON  offered  the  following  as  a  substitute  for  section  3: 

"The  Legislature  shall  provide  by  law  that  in  the  year  1855,  and 
every  year  thereafter,  a  general  tax  shall  be  levied  in  the  State  for 
the  support  of  primary  schools,  not  exceeding  five  mills  on  each  dol- 
tar  of  the  valuation  of  the  taxable  property  in  the  State.  Such%tax 
So  be  levied  and  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  the  general  State 
tax  for  State  purposes,  and  apportioned  for  the  support  of  primary 
schools  throughout  the  State,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  primary 
school  interest  fund,  and  shall  provide  that  during  the  time  required 
to  expend  the  amount  thus  apportioned  among  the  several  districts, 
a  school  shall  be  kept  in  such  district,  without  any  charge  for  tui- 
faon,  to  all  scholars  residing  in  such  district  between  the  ages  of  four 
and  twenty-one  years;  and  the  instruction  in  such  school  shall  be 
conducted  in  the  English  language." 

Mr.  M.  said — The  proposition  is,  that  in  1855  the  Legislature  may 
tix  a  tax  not  to  exceed  five  mills  on  the  dollar.  My  object  is  to  per 
mit  the  people  to  feel  the  benefit  of  the  reforms  that  we  have  made; 
for  if  we  impose  a  heavy  State  tax,  the  burdens  will  be  increased  in 
stead  of  diminished:  therefore  I  wish  the  matter  postponed  until  the 
year  1855.  Yet,  it  does  not  prevent  the  Legislature  from  establishing 
schools  earlier,  if  it  is  deemed  expedient;  nor  does  it  prevent  them 
raising  a  part  of  the  tax,  or  the  whole,  before  that  time. 

The  amount  of  the  interest  upon  the  public  fund  was  §52,000;  the 
average  time  that  schools  were  taught  was  nearly  five  and  a  half 
months;  these,  if  taught  by  female  teachers  for  three  months,  would 
oost  $59,^20,  leaving  only  a  deficiency  of  86,320;  if  taught  by  male 
teacher,  the  amount  would  be  $77,500.  Now,  by  raising  one  mill 
upon  the  dollar,  we  shall  raise  a  tax  of  $28,000;  of  two  mills,  $56,- 
000;  of  three  mills,  $S4,000;  which  would  render  every  school  in  the 
State  free  for  three  months  in  the  ^ear.  Supposing  our  property  to 
be  $30,000,000,  a  tax  of  five  mills  would  be  $150,000,  a  sum  suffi 
ciently  large  to  keep  the  schools  for  four  months  in  the  year. 

My  object  in  proposing  this  substitute  was,  that  as  it  appeared  to 
be  the  wish  of  the  Convention  to  raise  it  by  a  State  tax,  I  knew  no 
other  way  that  it  could  be  done,  except  by  a  specific  tax — a  mill  tax, 
for  instance;  and  after  this,  if  the  constitution  provides  that  we  shall 
have  a  State  board  for  the  purpose  of  equalizing  property  through 
out  the  State,  probably  it  would  amount  to  $60,000,000;  that  would 
fchen  amount  to  $300,000;  and  if  came  to  $100,000,000,  we  shall 
have  from  this  source  an  income  of  half  a  million;  this,  then,  to  be 
apportioned  among  the  districts  with  the  interestof  the  primary  school 
fund;  and  thus  the  difficulties  that  have  been  raised  in  regard  to  the 
revenues  would  cease;  it  would  then  be  the  interest  of  no  one  to 
break  down  the  primary  schools.  If  the  tax  was  levied  three  months 
before  the  public  money  was  given,  the  money  would  have  been  paid, 
and.  men  would  build  up  the  primary  schools. 


2-28 

It  will  be  for  the  interest  of  the  districts  to  make  the  best  terms 
they  can  with  teachers,  and  keep  them  as  long  as  they  can.  There 
may  be  sufficient  to  keep  one  school  six  months;  it  should  then  be 
applied  to  that,  six  months.  To  another  three  months.  One  may 
require  double  the  salary  for  a  teacher  that  another  has  to  pay.  The 
money  received  by  the  schools  should  be  equal;  and  they  should 
not  employ  teachers  to  whom  they  would  have  to  pay  a  large  sal 
ary. 

Mr.  WILLIAMS — It  seems  that  there  are  almost  as  many  different 
opinions  as  there  are  men  in  this  Convention.  In  view  of  this  fact, 
the  chairman  called  the  committee  together.  It  was  found  that  while 
the  committee  disagreed  on  some  topics,  there  were  some  principles 
upon  which  all  agreed,  and  these  are  embodied  in  the  proposition 
now  offered  by  the  chairman.  We  agreed  on  "free  schools — three 
months'  term  in  all  districts — no  charge  for  tuition — the  English  lan 
guage  to  be  necessarily  taught."  In  regard  to  taxation,  the  mode 
and  manner,  we  could  not  agree;  but  we  could  agree  that  all  the 
property  of  the  State  should  be  reached  by  taxation  for  this  purpose, 
and  should  bear  somehow  its  equal  and  just  share  of  the  burden. 
For  himself,  he  believed  that  the  tax  should  be  levied  by  the  author 
ities  of  the  State.  He  would  not  leave  the  system,  and  the  whole  suc 
cess  of  the  system,  at  the  mercy  of  either  district,  town  or  county. 

The  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  Oakland  leaves  it  in  discre 
tion  of  legislation  to  say  whether  every  locality  should  not  assess  the 
tax  to  suit  its  convenience.  If  each  district  can  do  as  it  pleases,  it 
can  destroy  the  efficiency  of  the  system  as  applicable  to  itself.  Now, 
if  we  need  and  want  a  free  school  system  at  sll.  we  want  it  most  for 
those  districts  that  would  meet  its  requisitions  with  the  greatest  re 
luctance.  The  most  backward,  the  most  ignorant,  the  most  indiffer 
ent,  are  the  very  portion  of  the  population  we  wish  to  enlighten.  The 
State  wishes  to  stretch  its  paternal  arm  around  them.  It  wishes  to 
educate  all,  willing  and  unwilling.  To  obviate  all  difficulties,  for 
himself,  whatever  taxes  are  laid,  he  thought  ought  to  be  imposed  and 
assessed  by  one  authority,  embracing  the  whole  State. 

With  regard  to  the  suggestion  of  the  gentleman  from  Oakland, 
(Mr.  Hanscom,)  that  the  proposition  of  the  chairman  of  the  com 
mittee  was  deficient,  because  there  might  be  other  resources  besides 
the  income  of  the  primary  school  fund,  he  did  not  think  they  had 
much  force.  If  the  Legislature  can  afford  any  sum  at  any  time  to 
increase  the  means,  they  can  make  them  a  part  and  parcel  of  that 
fund  by  legal  enactment.  If  we  should  obtain  lands  irom  the  gen 
eral  government — if  justice  long  delayed  should  be  meted  to  us,  and 
the  million  or  more  of  acres  due,  (the  general  government  being  as 
liberal  to  us  as  to  our  sister  States,)  is  at. last  conceded,  either  to  the 
demands  of  our  delegation  or  to  the  prayer  of  the  memorial  of  this 
Convention,  now  in  preparation  by  the  gentleman  from  Wayne,  [Mr. 
Backus,]  then  such  lands,  or  a  part  of  them  should,  by  the  terms 
of  the  grant  of  Congress,  be  made  a  part,  of  the  primary  school 
fund. 


229 

If  he  remembered  the  language  of  the  substitute  of  the  chairman, 
it  was  this:  k<Any  deficiency  that  may  exist  after  the  distribution  of 
the  income  from  the  primary  school  fund,  shall  be  raised  by  a  tax 
on  the  whole  taxable  property  of  the  State."  Thus  fixing  the  prin 
ciple  that  all  the  property  of  the  State  should  be  equally  taxed,  but 
leaving  the  mode  and  the  distribution  to  be  determined  by  the  Legis 
lature.  Whatever  his  private  views  were,  he  felt  bound  to  concur 
with  the  committee.  He  believed  half  the  members  of  the  House 
had  plans  drawn  up,  and  to  meet  each  man's  views  was  impossible. 
On  such  a  basis  as  the  committee  have  conceded  to,  a  system  of  free 
schools  can  certainly  be  created  which  will  be  efficient,  practical  and 
comprehensive. 

Mr.  ORB  said — Mr.  Chairman,  I  cannot,  as  the  representative  of 
one  of  the  new  counties,  suffer  this  very  important  question  to  come 
to  a  vote  without  at  least  an  expression  of  my  opinion  on  a  subject 
which  so  directly  interests  my  constituents.  1  have  the  honor,  sir,  to 
hold  a  seat  on  this  floor  through  the  partiality  of  my  immediate  con 
stituent!  in  the  county  of  Barry.  But,  sir,  while  I  represent  the 
county  of  Barry  in  this  Convention,  I  claim  as  rny  constituency  the 
undivided  one-hundredth  part  of  the  people  of  this  State.  And,  sir, 
as  it  has  been  my  constant  endeavor  during  our  deliberations  in  this 
body  to  support  such  measures  as  would  advance  the  great  interest 
of  the  State  at  large,  I  must  be  permitted  on  this  occasion  to  express 
my  disapprobation  of  this  or  any  other  measure  that  would  in  the 
least  degree  be  prejudicial  to  the  new  counties,  and  particularly  to 
the  county  I  represent  in  this  Convention. 

This  proposition  has  for  its  object,  sir,  to  rob  the  new  and  sparsely 
populated  counties  of  this  State  of  a  portion  of  the  money  raised  in 
such  counties,  for  educational  purposes,  and  give  it  to  the  older  and 
more  densely  settled  portions  of  the  State.  Gentlemen  propose  to 
raise  a  State  tax  of  two  mills  on  the  dollar  of  the  valuation  of  all  the 
taxable  property  of  the  State.  This  tax  they  would  raise  on  the  ba 
sis  of  taxable  property,  making  each  county  contribute  to  the  general 
fund  according  to  their  several  abilities.  This,  they  say,  shall  con 
stitute  a  State  fund  for  the  support  of  free  schools.  But,  sir,  they 
propose  to  make  the  distribution  on  a  very  different  system.  They 
would  distribute  this  money  among  the  several  counties  of  this  State, 
according  to  the  number  of  children  between  the  ages  of  four  and 
eighteen,  reported  by  the  different  county  clerks  to  the  office  of  the 
Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction. 

Now,  sir,  it  must  be  remembered  that  the  more  populous  counties 
return  more  scholars  to  the  above  office  in  proportion  to  their  taxable 
property,  than  are  returned  by  the  new  and  thinljr  settled  counties. 
Consequently,  on  this  system  they  would  receive  more  money  than 
they  contributed,  while  the  new  counties  would  contribute  more  mo 
ney  than  they  would  again  receive.  The  proposition  now  under 
consideration  would  have  this  effect,  sir,  and  I  believe  it  to  be  unjust 
and  oppressive.  I  hope,  sir,  it  will  not  prevail. 

Mr.  Chairman,  it  is  claimed  here  by  some  gentlemen  that  this 
discrepancy  in  valuation,  compared  with  the  number  of  children  re- 


230 

ported  to  the  office  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  ari 
ses  in  consequence  of  the  great  amount  of  non-resident  land  lying  in 
some  of  the  new  counties.  This,  sir,  is  true;  there  being  neither 
family  nor  scholars  to  represent  this  species  of  property.  But  is  this 
the  fault  of  the  new  counties?  I  think  not,  sir.  The  most  of  this 
non-resident  land  was  located  at  a  very  early  day;  and  being  gener 
ally  of  the  best  quality,  it  is  held  at  so  high  a  price  that  the  industri 
ous  poor  man  seeking  a  home  in  this  State  could  not  afford  to  pur 
chase  it.  He  was,  therefore,  absolutely  compelled  to  buy  govern 
ment  land  at  a  cheaper  price,  wherever  he  could  find  it  interspersed 
•with  large  and  numerous  tracts  of  non-resident  land.  This  state  of 
things  is,  very  inconvenient  to  the  actual  settlers.  The  settlements 
are,  in  consequence  of  this,  located  in  different  parts  of  the  county, 
entirely  detached  from  each  other,  separated  by  large  tracts  of  uncul 
tivated  land,  and  often  by  intermediate  forests. 

Now,  sir,  it  will  not  be  pretended  that  citizens  of  a  new  county,  thus 
situated,  can  educate  their  children  with  the  same  facility  or  economy 
as  those  living  in  better  settled  and  more  populous  counties.  There 
fore  I  hold,  sir,  that  if  this  non-resident  land  interposes  any  obstacles 
to  cheap  and  economical  schools  in  the  new  counties,  they  should  en 
joy  the  exclusive  advantage  of  taxing  this  kind  of  property  for  edu 
cational  purposes. 

There  appears  to  be  but  very  little  difference  of  opinion,  sir,  in  thib 
Convention,  about  the  propriety  of  providing  in  this  constitution  for 
the  encouragement  of  primary  schools.  But  gentlemen  of  this  Con 
vention  seem  strangely  partial  to  the  name  of  "free"  schools.  There 
is  something  fascinating,  sir,  even  in  the  name.  But  if  a  system  of 
free  schools  is  not  attainable — if  such  a  system  is  not  practicable — 
why  pursue  in  such  hot  haste  the  empty  name,  and  loose  sight  en 
tirely  of  the  reality?  Why  not  be  satisfied  with  giving  suitable  en 
couragement  to  our  schools — such  encouragement,  sir,  as  the  cir 
cumstances  of  our  people  will  warrant?  Why  raise  a  great  State 
tax?  Why  collect  and  gather  it  from  different  townships  and  coun 
ties  of  the  State  on  the  basis  of  taxable  property,  and  in  making  you? 
distribution  parcel  it  out  on  a  different  basis,  to  wit:  according  to  the 
number  of  scholars  reported  to  the  office  of  the  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction?  This,  sir,  is  the  proposition. 

A  three  mill  tax  assessed  on  all  the  taxable  property  of  the  State, 
•would,  together  with  the  annual  interest  of  the  primary  school  fund, 
afford  pretty  good  encouragement.  This  should  be  assessed  annu 
ally  by  the  supervisor  of  every  township  in  the  State;  and  when  the 
money  is  collected  it  should  belong  exclusively  to  the  township  in 
which  it  was  raised,  and  should  be  appropriated  religiously  to  the 
support  of  primary  schools.  This  plan  would  give  to  every  township 
its  own  money,  and  no  more.  This  plan,  sir,  being  reasonable  and 
just,  cannot  fail  of  being  satisfactory  to  all  portions  of  the  State. 

Again,  one  dollar  per  scholar  might  support  a  free  school  for  a 
term  of  three  months  in  one  of  the  older  counties,  such  as  Oakland, 
Washtenaw  or  Lenawee,  while  it  would  be  totally  inadequate  in  Al- 
legan,  Barry  or  Ionia.  Therefore,  I  hold  that  it  would  be  both  un- 


just  and  oppressive  to  compel  any  one  of'  the  iiew  counties  to  raise 
money  to  aid  in  support  of  free  schools  in  the  older  counties,  and 
that  too,  sir,  when  they  already  enjoy  better  facilities  for  education. 
But,  sir,  for  the  purpose  of  illustrating  this  subject  more  clearly  and 
forcibly,  I  will  here  exhibit  some  statistics  which  1  have  prepared, 
on  this  subject.  I  have  grouped  together  the  counties  of  Allegan, 
Barry  and  Clinton,  as  a  fair  average  of  the  new  counties;  and  Jack 
son,  Kalamazoo  and  Lenawee  as  a  fair  average  of  the  old  counties; 
and  by  calculation  it  will  be  seen,  sir,  that  the  first  three  counties 
would  each  contribute  more  than  they  will  again  receive,  while  the 
other  three  counties  will  receive  more  than  they  contribute. 

By  the  State  tax  system,  Allegan  county  would  loose  in  round 
numbers,  $795;  Barry,  $155,  and  Clinton,  $553;  while  the  other 
counties  would  each  gain  a  proportionate  sum  of  this  money.  For 
these  reasons,  I  hope,  sir,  that  some  other  plan  will  be  agreed  upon, 
which,  while  it  encourages  our  primary  schools,  will  be  less  oppres 
sive  and  more  equal  in  its  operations. 

Mr.  N.  PIERCE — I  think,  sir,  that  the  gentleman's  reasoning  goes 
to  show  that  it  is  not  equitable  ground.  If  there  are  one  hundred 
children  to  be  educated  in  Barry  county,  and  if  there  are  four  times 
that  number  in  Lenawee  county,  with  no  more  means  to  be  taxed, 
then  I  say  that  the  county  of  Barry  should  contribute  her  part;  and 
I  think  that  a  different  course  would  be  improper  and  unfair.  It  has 
been  said  that  there  is  a  good  deal  of  difficulty  with  regard  to  the 
words  "free  schools."  The  words  "free  schools,"  is  like  free  gov 
ernment — like  the  word  "democracy."  What  does  that  mean?  It 
means  a  government  by  a  people.  But  there  are  burdens  to  be 
borne,  and  we  have  actually  to  release  a  portion  of  a  our  liberty  for 
the  benefit  of  the  whole.  You  cannot  establish  a  prosperous  free 
school  system,  except  you  collect  some  tax  out  of  the  interested  par 
ties — except  you  charge  something  upon  the  persons  sending  the 
children  to  school — charging  them  sufficiently  to  make  them  parties 
in  the  case.  I  have  never  seen  it  otherwise,  and  I  don't  believe  if 
can  be  done. 

I  am  unwilling  that  any  sweeping  clause  should  be  placed  in  the 
constitution  without  being  limited.  I  think  it  should  permit  a  State 
tax;  then  limit  it,  and  provide  that  the  remainder  shall  be  raised  by 
towns  or  districts;  I  care  not  which.  We  are  all  agreed  in  favor  of 
free  schools,  and  it  sounds  well  in  theory;  but  in  carrying  out  the 
details  we  find  out  the  objections.  I  do  not  believe  that  the  people 
will  pay  five  mills  upon  the  dollar.  My  instructions  are  directly  the 
reverse;  that  is,  to  lighten  the  burdens;  and  the  present  system  of 
free  schools  is  a  good  system;  it  has  worked  very  prosperously.  We 
have  now  a  State  tax  of  one  mill,  which,  with  the  addition  of  the 
school  fund,  makes  our  schools  to  a  certain  extent,  free;  that  is,  it 
gives  them  the  character  of  free  schools. 

Like  every  other  member,  I  have  my  views,  and  I  should  like.-to  , 
strike  out  of  section  three,  all  after  the  word  "provide,"  at  the  end  of 
the  third  line,  to  the  word  "and,"  in  the  line  following.     That  would 
double  the  present  State  tax,  by  leaving  it  in  the  power  of  the  Leg- 


232 

islaturo  to  double  the  present  tax  of  one  mill.  That  would  render 
them  as  free  as  we  ought  to  make  the  schools.  Then  let  the  balance 
be  raised  as  the  wisdom  of  the  Legislature  may  direct.  The  whole 
property  of  the  State  should  be  taxed  equally  for  the  education  of 
the  children  of  the  State.  I  cannot  see  any  propriety  in  limiting  it 
to  one  county.  A  county  that  has  a  large  estate  and  no  children, 
should  contribute  accordingly,  as  an  individual  who  is  wealthy  and 
without  children  has  to  educate  the  children  in  the  town  or  district. 
If  his  county  is  as  well  educated  as  others,  it  works  no  injustice;  it 
is  applied  like  the  primary  school  fund. 

Now,  sir,  the  school  lands  where  I  live  are  worth  $20  per  acre; 
whero*he  lives  it  is  worth  $4  per  acre;  the  money  is  put  together 
and  equally  divided,  and  there,  of  course,  the  new  counties  have 
the  advantage.  I  think  it  will  not  be  best  for  this  Convention  to 
direct  the  Legislature  to  impose  a  heavy  tax.  If  the  people  should 
tell  the  House  of  Representatives  not  to  do  it,  are  we  better  than  the 
next  House  of  Representatives?  I  think  not.  Our  system  may  be 
improved;  but  it  is  a  good  system.  I  think  that  there  should  be  a 
State  tax — a  fixed  amount,  not  entirely  free  for  tuition.  If  the  dis 
trict  spend  $100,  the  parents  or  guardians  should  at  least  contribute 
$12.  Otherwise  there  would  not  be  economy;  therefore  I  think  it 
would  be  better.  I  think  if  schools  are  free  of  tuition,  it  will  cause 
difficulty  and  trouble.  It  has  operated  badly  and  was  changed. 

Mr.  VAN  VALKENBURGH — My  colleague  tells  you  that  it  is  putting 
it  off  for  five  long  years.  The  committee  came  to  the  conclusion  that 
the  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  Oakland  would  put  it.  off  for 
five  years.  And  if  the  Legislature  refuses  to  obey  the  instruction, 
what  will  be  the  condition  of  the  State?  Will  it  not  put  off  this  ques 
tion  interminably — it  may  be  until  the  formation  of  another  constitu 
tion?  He  urges  as  a  reason,  that  it  will  put  off  the  system  so  long. 
Well,  sir,  when  the  question  was  upon  the  subject  of  pay,  three  dol- 
lors  being  inserted  instead  of  two,  he  made  a  speech — one  in  which 
he  said  that  his  constituents  would  denounce  him  as  a  demagogue  if 
he  supported  the  measure.  Well,  sir,  in  conversation  with  me,  he 
told  me,  forsooth,  that  the  committee  wanted  to  strikejout  three  and 
insert  four.  That  was  his  argument.  Now,  the  argument  is,  we  are 
putting  it  off  for  five  years — not  fixing  a  time  Now,  we  take  the 
position  that  he  is  putting  it  off  too  long;  we  wish  to  have  the  provi 
sion  incorporated  in  the  constitution,  and  have  it  acted  upon  as  soon 
as  can  be,  consistently  with  the  interest  of  the  State. 

The  gentleman  from  Calhoun,  [Mr.  N.  Pierce,]  says  that  some  lit 
tle  tax  must  be  imposed  upon  the  districts  to  make  them  interested. 
Will  not  a  tax  upon  the  whole,  which  every  individual  is  bound  to  pay, 
make  them  interested?  Will  they  not  see  that  the  money  is  properly 
appropriated,  and  is  not  his  argument  fully  answered? 

Mr.  CHURCH  moved  to  strike  out  in  Mr  Hanscom's  substitute,  af 
ter  "  constitution, "  and  insert  "establish  a  system  of  common 
schools,  in  which  the  instruction  shall  be  conducted  in  the  English 
language,  and  shall  be  free  of  charge  to  pupils  between  the  ages  of 
four  and  eighteen  years,  at  least  three  months  in  each  year,  in  each 


233 

• 

school  district  in  the  State,  and  shall  provide  by  law  for  the  support 
of  such  schools  by  a  tax  or  taxes  upon  property." 

The  difference  in  the  two  propositions,  (said  Mr.  0.)  consists  in 
the  latter  clause.  Mine  goes  further  than  that  of  the  gentleman  from 
Oakland,  in  this  respect,  that  it  provides  for  a  tax  or  taxes  upon  prop 
erty,  but  does  not  designate  whether  it  shall  be  State,  town,  district 
or  county  tax.  There  can  be  no  agreement  about  the  kind  of  tax; 
there  are  objections  to  every  plan — objections  so  serious  that  proba 
bly  this  Convention  cannot  be  brought  to  agree  to  any  proposed 
plan. 

Mr.  WILLIAMS — If  he  understood  the  gentleman  from  Kent,  [Mr. 
Church,]  he  was  willing  to  base  a  free  school  system  on  taxation  in 
the  districts,  similar  to  the  method  in  New  York.  Now,  if  the  gen 
tleman  from  Jackson,  [Mr.  Cornell.]  had  the  evidence  showing  the 
almost  fatal  operation  of  that  part  of  the  New  York  system,  he  hoped 
it  would  be  adduced.  The  jealousies,  heart-burnings  and  obstinacy 
in  districts  had,  he  understood,  rendered  the  New  York  system  al 
most  impracticable,  and  in  that  State  they  were  about  re-constructing 
their  whole  system.  Yet  the  gentleman  from  Kent,  he  thought,  was 
willing  to  risk  the  same  experiment  among  ourselves. 

Mr.  WIIIPPLE— I  would  ask  whether  the  instruction  shall  be  given 
exclusively  in  the  English  language. 

The  CHAII;  read — "Instruction  shall  be  in  the  English  language/' 

Mr.  WHIPPLK — By  that  term  you  would  render  it  impossible  for 
any  language  except  the  English  to  be  taught  in  the  common  schools. 

Mr.  CHURCH — I  do  not  understand  the  gentleman.  Does  he  think 
that  we  are  going  to  speak  French,  Spanish  or  Irish  in  the  common 
schools? 

Mr.  WHIPPLE — Yes  sir,  I  do.  In  the  counties  of  Branch  and  St. 
Jeseph,  not  only  the  English,  but  German  and  French  languages  are 
taught;  and  it  is  a  most  valuable  improvement  of  the  common  school 
system.  I  do  not  mean  the  dead  languages,  but  the  modern  ones 
should  be  taught;  and  it  seems  to  me  that  this  amendment  will  put 
it  out  of  the  power  of  thousands  of  children  to  gain  a  knowledge  of 
the  French  and  German  languages. 

Mr.  J.  D.  PIERCE — In  some  schools  latin  has  been  taught;  I  have 
taught  it  in  a  common  school.  I  would  not  adopt  any  provision  by 
which  any  knowledge  would  be  excluded.  I  would  make  it  impera 
tive  that  the  English  language  should  be  taught. 

Mr.  GOODWIN — I  do  not  think  that  it  excludes  the  other  languages. 

Mr.  CHURCH — It  means  simply  this:  that  no  school  shall  draw  the 
public  money,  in  which  the  language  used  colloquially  shall  be  other 
than  the  English. 

Mr.  J.  D.  PIERCE — We  have  so  much  distrust  of  future  legisla 
tors  that  we  cannot  adopt  a  system  that  will  be  satisfactory.  Do 
gentlemen  think  that  all  wisdom  will  die  with  us,  or  that  the  people 
will  not  send  men  to  legislate,  capable  of  taking  care  of  their  inter 
ests?  All  that  we  ought  to  do,  is  this:  we  should  say  the  Legisla 
ture  shall  establish  primary  sshools.  We  cannot  go  into  detail. 

30 


Mr.  GOODWIN  would  again  remark  that  he  did  not  think  it  prohib 
ited  the  other  languages  being  taught 

Mr.  HANSCOM — In  all  the  colleges  is  not  the  instruction  given 
through  the  medium  of  the  English  language? 

Mr.  WPIPPLE — No  sir.  How  could  that  be?  I  think  it  is  im 
practicable,  and  that  that  mode  of  instruction  will  amount  to  noth 
ing.  I  think  it  important  that  the  great  outlines  of  the  system 
should  be  prescribed  in  this  constitution.  I  have  confidence  in  fu 
ture  legislators,  but  I  wish  their  line  of  duty  distinctly  marked  out. 
We  have  here  a  great  deal  of  talent  and  practical  experience,  and  il 
is  proper  that  it  should  be  brought  to  bear  in  the  adjustment  of  this 
system;  the  time  for  which  a  school  should  be  kept;  the  mode  of  in 
struction.  I  am  opposed  to  confining  a  scholar  to  the  use  of  the 
English  language.  We  can  as  well  determine  these  points  as  future 
legislators.  The  same  reasons  will  exist  then  as  now. 

Mr.  J.  D.  PIERCE — I  am  willing  that  the  first  principles  should  be 
fixed;  but  we  may  adopt  some  principles  that  may  not  work  with 
justice.  If  the  Legislature  adopts  any  measure,  they  can  alter  or 
amend  it — we  cannot. 

Mr.  GALE — The  measure  appears  to  me  perfectly  impracticable — 
to  make  it  obligatory  upon  the  Legislature  to  make  schools  free  for 
even  three  months.  Let  us  look  for  a  moment  at  practical  men  car 
rying  it  out  with  practical  experience.  Let  iis  have  a  school  of  fif 
teen  scholars,  and  we  know  that  in  new  counties  there  are  many 
schools  with  not  more  than  fifteen  scholars,  on  account  of  the  sparse 
population.  Fifteen  scholars  require  a  teacher;  if  they  pay  him  $20 
per  month  for  three  months,  ($'25  would  not  be  high,)  and  nothing 
has  been  snid  with  regard  to  fuel  or  other  incidental  matters — we 
have  $60  for  fifteen  scholars,  which  is  at  the  rate  of  $1  per  scholar. 
Another  school  in  the  same  town  or  county,  or  State,  may  have  100 
scholars,  they  may  keep  school  the  year  round,  and  if  they  give 
their  teacher  $20  per  month,  that  will  only  be  $2  40;  if  they  give 
$25,  there  will  still  be  100;  yet,  if  we  make  a  system  of  free  schools, 
we  should  make  them  as  nearly  equal  as  we  can,  practically.  We 
should  give  them  as  much  per  scholar  as  will  sustain  and  support  a 
school  of  30,  40,  or  50  scholars.  But,  sir,  the  school  of  15  may  re 
quire  as  competent  a  teacher  as  the  school  of  100.  Now,  1  would 
ask,  if  the  people  will  submit  to  legislation  of  this  kind  and  charac 
ter?  I  believe  that  they  will  not,  and  that  we  should  fix  no  time 
that  the  schools  should  be  perfectly  free. 

Gentlemen  do  not  reflect  upon  the  practicability  of  the  thing. 
There  are  none  more  desirous  than  I  am  for  free  schools,  if  I  thought 
it  practicable.  There  are  many  things  fine  in  theory,  which  cannot 
be  practiced;  and  we  should  endeavor  to  avoid  theoretical  legislation. 
If  you  decide  that  all  schools  shall  be  perfectly  free,  they  can  then 
have  a  teacher,  and  pay  him  what  they  choose,  draw  upon  the  town 
or  county  for  the  sum,  and  the  smallest  will  be  entitled  to  draw  as 
much  as  the  largest.  If  you  say  that  they  may  draw  so  much  per 
scholar,  you  should  give  them  some  provision  whereby  they  can 
make  up  the  deficiency  upon  the  taxable  property  in  the  district,  ©r 
by  some  other  means. 


235 

1  am  opposed  to  the  substitute  of  the  gentleman  from  Oakland, 
because  it  limits  the  ages  from  4  to  20  years.  Why  not  say  21? 
People  are  practically  in  the  habit  of  sending  their  children  until 
they  are  21.  It  is  the  duty  of  a  parent  to  provide  education,  even 
if  a  son  is  in  his  twenty-first  year,  and  yet  for  that  year  he  must 

pay- 
Mr.  HANSCOM  thought  that  every  system,  according  to  the  gentle 
man  from  Genesee,  was  perfectly  impracticable.  He  manifests  deep 
anxiety,  but  is  unwilling  to  do  any  thing  whatever.  It  would  surely 
be  possible  for  the  Legislature  to  carry  out  the  details  of  a  system, 
and  make  the  apportionment  as  nearly  equal  as  possible.  Every 
school  might  not  be  free;  but  it  would  be  a  near  approximation  to  it. 
If  we  only  looked  to  the  dangers  and  all  the  possibly  bad  effects 
which,  perhaps,  have  no  real  existence,  we  shall  never  be  able  to  get 
a  system  at  all. 

Mr.  CHAPEL — I  think  the  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  Oak 
land  is  as  near  as  we  can  fix  it,  except  we  go  into  detail.  I  think 
that  details  might  be  gone  into  that  would  satisfy  every  gentleman 
in  this  Convention.  I  cannot  see  the  difficulty.  The  gentleman 
from  Henesee  tells  us  that  it  will  be  unequal.  If  the  money  taxed 
in  each  county  can  be  distributed  to  each  school  in  the  county,  giv 
ing  the  supervision  to  the  supervisors  in  their  own  county,  to  so  dis 
tribute,  it  cannot  be  liable  to  any  serious  objection.  There  are  the 
records  in  the  State  offices  to  find  out  the  number  of  scholars  in  each 
county,  and  get  at  the  amount  of  property  taxed  for  school  purposes 
in  the  county;  then  add  to  that  the  amount  they  are  entitled  to  re 
ceive  on  the  school  fund,  and  divide  it  equally.  They  have  had 
their  property  taxed,  they  have  had  their  schools  returned,  and  it 
works  equally.  Then  give  the  districts  power  to  raise  a  tax,  if  they 
wish  to  go  further.  The  difficulty  seems  to  be  to  fix  a  proper  time. 
I  think  three  months  is  a  proper  time.  Twenty-nine  millions  dollars, 
the  value  of  the  property  of  the  State,  with  a  tax  of  three  mills,  gives 
$87,000;  the  amount  of  public  money,  $5'2,305,  making  the  sum  of 
$139,305.  There  are  3,060  districts,  containing  about  100,000 
scholars;  divide  the  amount  of  money  equally  for  the  purpose  of 
having  a  free  school,  and  it  will  give  $1  21  per  scholar;  and  that 
will  keep  a  school  three  months. 

Mr.  CORNELL — The  gentleman  from  Geuesee,  (Mr.  Gale,)  has  made 
a  calculation,  and  upon  that  has  expressed  his  belief  that  the  people 
•  would  not  be  willing  to  pay  what  was  required.  He  forgets  that  in 
the  small  schools  a  teacher  is  employed,  where  compensation  at  the 
most  is  $*2  per  week;  if  a  female  teacher  is  employed  only  half  the 
time,  the  estimate  would  fall  far  below  his  computation. 

Mr.  FRALICK — It  appears  necessary  here  to  get  up  something-  new 
without  going  into  detail  or  showing  a  good  reason  why  we  should 
do  so.  I  am  not  satisfied  or  willing  to  vote  for  a  change  except  it  is 
evidently  for  the  better;  something  better  than  merely  a  theoretical 
view.  We  hear  a  great  deal  of  fault  found  with  our  present  system, 
and  at  the  same  time,  I  do  not  believe  there  is  a  better  system  in  the 
United  States;  and  until  we  can  get  something  better,  we  should 


•236 

keep  what  we  have.  The  present  sysiem  works  well;  the  latest  re 
ports  show  that  our  schools  are  in  as  good  a  condition  as  any  State 
in  the  Union,  and  the  children  are  as  well  educated  as  in  any  other 
State.  Yet  our  present  system  must  be  sacrificed  to  a  mere  theory 
— to  the  oft  repeated  cry  that  the  children  of  the  State  are  the  prop 
erty  of  the  State,  that  they  must  all  be  taught,  putting  all  in  jeopardy 
and  confusion  by  the  experiments  of  a  free  education.  Take  the 
same  ground  on  other  questions.  Are  gentlemen  willing  to  pay  for 
the  expense  of  trying  criminals  by  a  State  tax?  It  would  be  a  great 
saving  to  our  county  if  they  would.  Wayne  county  has  convicted 
half  the  criminals  and  paid  half  the  expense  of  the  State,  in  that 
respect.  Do  members  wish  to  make  it  a  State  tax?  If  so,  then  I 
will  also  go  for  the  system.  I  have  heard  no  proposition  that  it  shall 
be  paid  by  a  State  tax.  We  have  a  large  amount  of  paupers  of  the 
State  to  support  in  Wayne  county,  but  I  have  heard  no  proposition 
about  supporting  them  by  a  State  tax,  not  a  word.  Upon  the  con 
trary,  aftef  we  have  convicted  the  criminals,  then  they  make  us  bring 
them  to  Jackson;  we  pay  the  expense  and  they  are  silent;  but  when 
the  question  comes  up  that  they  shall  take  our  property  for  the  ben 
efit  of  their  schools,  they  are  universally  in  favor  of  it,  for  it  works 
to  their  advantage. 

This  will  be  injurious  to  every  new  county  in  the  State.  I  have 
a  small  statement  showing  the  result,  or  bearing  of  a  State  tax,  as 
proposed  in  a  three  months'  school: 

Co-mtie*.  Loss.  Gain. 

Allegaii. - $1,101  00  ._ 

Barry.. - 317  00.. 

Berrien 175  00 

Branch  _  _ $633  00 

Calhoun 320  00... 

Cass 3  00 

Chippewa . .         177  00 

Clinton.. 822  00. 

Eaton 306  00 

Genesee 550  00 

Hillsdale - 715  00 

Ingham 282  00 

Ionia - 192  00. 

Jackson -        121   00 

Kalamazoo 759  00 

Kent 148  00 

Lapeer 390  00 

Lenawee '.         701   00 

Livingston 1,271  00 

Mackinac 204  00 

Macomb - 1,271  00 

Monroe -        582  00 

Oakland 631  00 

Ottawa  .  1,082  00. .. 


'237 

Saginaw 873  00 

Shiawassee 7   00. .' 

St.  Glair 740  00.. 

St.  Joseph , 52  00 

Van  Buren 546  DO 

Washtenaw 12500 

Wayne _ . ..     1,904  00 

Is  it  right  that  the  new  counties  shall  be  taxed  for  the  benefit  of 
the  older  counties,  which  have  the  lands  taken  up  and  .settled,  and 
where  it  does  not  cost  as  much  to  keep  a  school,  owing  to  the  popu 
lation  being  more  dense? 

1  am  not  willing  to  adopt  a  new  system  because  of  the  word  "free," 
a  theory  which  we  cannot  reduce  to  practice.  The  taxable  property 
of  the  State  will  be  about  $100,000,000— a  one  mill  tax  will  give 
us  $100,000;  that  added  to  the  school  fund  will  give  us  a  three 
months'  school.  I  have  heard  not  one  word  of  complaint,  except 
in  regard  to  the  districts;  and  we  had  better  refer  it  to  the  Legisla 
ture  to  amend  the  present  system  by  legislative  enactment. 

Mr.  BUSH — I  rise  to  correct  a  statement  of  the  gentleman  from 
Wayne;  he  is  generally  very  correct.  He  says  he  has  never  heard 
a  proposition  to  pay  for  the  conviction  of  the  criminals  of  Wayne. 
The  parents  produce  the  children,  feed  and  clothe  tkem,  the  State 
educates  them.  The  county  of  Wayne  produces  the  criminal,  tries 
and  convicts  him,  and  the  State  pays  the  expense  of  keeping  him. 
I  am  satisfied  that  our  opinions  are  so  diverse,  that  we  cannot  adopt 
a  system  of  detail  I  am  in  favor  of  the  measure  proposed  by  the 
gentleman  from  Oakland,  or  something  like  it.  One  argument"  that 
should  have  great  weight  is,  that  the  Legislature  can  alter  and 
amend;  they  can  profit  by  the  light  of  experience,  and  remedy  er 
rors  that  may  have  been  committed. 

The  question  being  on  Mr.  Church's  amendment,  it  was  lost. 

The  question  then  being  On  Mr.  Hanscorn's  substitute,  the  substi 
tute  was  lost. 

The  proposition  then  recurring  upon  the  substitute  of  Mr.  Walker, 
on  motion  of  .Mr.  WOODMAN,  "eighteen"  was  stricken  out,  and 
"  twenty-one"  inserted. 

Mr.  CRARY  moved  to  strike  out  all  after  "tax;"  but  the  commit 
tee  refused  to  strike  out. 

Mr.  N.  PIERCE  moved  to  strike  out,  "  and  without  any  charge  for 
tuition." 

Mr.  WALKER — Gentlemen  attack  the  free  school  system  indirectly; 
they  do  not  say  we  are  directly  opposed  to  it,  but  they  will  bring 
every  argument  to  bear  indirectly  against  it.  Now,  I  think  this  is 
indicative  of  the  state  of  public  feeling.  The  gentleman  from  Gen- 
esee,  [Mr.  Gale.]  says  that  it  is  impracticable.  The  wisdom  of  Sol 
omon,  he  said  yesterday,  could  not  devise  the  means  of  giving  us  a 
free  school  for  three  months.  But  the  history  of  the  New  England 
States  shows  us  that  it  can  be  so  done.  The  difficulty  is  this,  that 
certain  things  are  by  them  considered  to  be  part  of  the  law,  which 


this  Convention  does  not.  The  gentlemen  from  Genesee,  Wayne, 
Calhoun  and  Lenawee,  all  seem  to  think  that  the  schools  will  not  be 
entirely  free — that  there  shall  be  some  charge  for  tuition- — it  may  ap 
proximate,  but  they  shall  not  be  established  as  free  schools  by  the 
fundamental  law  of  the  land.  They  had  rather  that  "the  Legislature 
may," — that  the  present  system  works  well. 

Let  us  look  at  the  operation  of  this  system  upon  the  poor.  In 
1838  we  had  from  the  interest  of  the  school  fund,  some  $39,000;  in 
"39,  $42,000,  for  the  benefit  of  the  children  of  the  State.  It  was 
the  intention  that  all  should  participate;  but  this  is  not  applied  for 
the  purpose  of  keeping  the  school  for  any  length  of  time,  tree — it  is 
turned  in  for  the  support  of  the  school.  The  balance  being  raised 
by  a  tax,  and  the  person  who  has  not  property  sufficient  to  pay  his 
school  tax,  although  he  may  have  four,  five  or  six  children,  cannot 
send  them  for  one  day,  except  they  come  under  the  poor  act.  This 
is  the  practical  effect;  and  thus  the  poor  man  is  deprived  of  the  libe 
rality  of  the  United  States,  which  granted  the  land  for  the  purpose 
of  education. 

We  were  told  on  a  former  occasion  that  the  pride  of  a  king  was 
in  the  multitude  of  his  people.  1  would  ask,  is  not  the  pride  of  a 
Republic  in  the  intelligence  of  its  people?  How  long  should  we  be 
a  republican  government  if  we  were  deprived  of  schools?  Or,  if  a 
great  portion  are  withdrawn,  the  necessary  consequence  will  follow. 
There  will  be  a  great  gulph  between  the  two  classes;  wealth  and 
intelligence  on  the  one  hand,  ignorance  and  poverty  on  the  other.  If 
we  refuse  to  adopt  the  principle  that  all  the  children  shall  be  educa 
ted,  we  undermine  the  basis  upon  which  our  government  is  institu 
ted.  Can  a  republican  government  be  sustained  without  intelligence? 
It  may  be  attempted,  but  the  pyramid  is  resting  upon  its  apex,  and 
the  first  political  convulsion  will  overwhelm  it  into  ruin.  What  has 
given  the  American  people  their  success  in  government?  Education; 
it  has  opened  every  avenue  to  industry;  suppressed  crime;,  expanded 
the  energies  of  all;  if  it  taxes  wealth,  it  creates  wealth  in  the  com 
munity.  Why  should  our  roads  be  made  by  a  tax  upon  property? 

Mr.  CHURCH — Not  a  gentleman  has  opposed  the  tax  upon  prop 
erty. 

Mr.  WALKER — They  have  carried  the  bottle  under  the  cloak.  It 
might  be  said  that  the  man  who  had  ten  children  should  work  ten 
times  the  highway  tax  as  the  man  who  has  no  children.  He  travels 
the  road  ten  times  as  much.  So  with  poor  houses;  so  with  courts; 
so  with  prisons;  for  the  wealthy,  honest  man,  with  no  children,  might 
say,  I  don't  intend  to  commit  crime;  I  want  no  poor  house;  I  have 
no  trials  in  the  courts;  let  those  pay  for  them  that  are  poor;  let  them 
support  them  that  may  use  them.  This  is  the  doctrine,  if  carried 
out.  And  I  believe  the  support  of  all  that  I  have  named  should  be 
based  upon  property,  because  it  is  a  general  benefit  to  the  whole  com 
munity. 

Mr.  N.  PIERCE  denied  the  charge  that  he  was  opposed  to  primary 
schools.  He  did  not  want  any  untried  system,  but  that  the  Legisla 
ture  might  have  power  to  improve  or  alter.  He  did  not  think  that 


239 

people  should  be  charged  with  illiberally  or  hostility  to  a  system  be 
cause  they  did  not  choose  to  go  through  his  machine. 

Mr.  REDFIELD  moved  to  strike  out  the  words  "all  the  children 
between  the  ages  of  four  and  twenty-one  years,"  and  insert  the  word 
"persons;"  but  the  amendment  was  lost. 

Mr.  SKINNER — I  deem  it  by  far  the  most  important  topic  that  has 
occupied  the  attention  of  this  body  since  its  commencement,  or  that 
will  before  its  close.  All  the  wisdom  of  this  Convention  is  needed 
i;o  settle  this  matter  rightly;  and  if  not  settled  rightly,  the  evils  may 
be  incalculable.  We  are  well  agreed  on  general  principles.  We  all 
*eem  to  entertain  this  noble  sentiment,  that  the  children  of  the  State 
are  in  a  certain  sense  the  property  of  the  State;  that  they  should,  in 
some  degree  at  least,  be  educated  by  the  State.  But  how  shall  this 
be  done?  Various  plans  are  suggested;  but  none  of  them  are  unob 
jectionable;  none  seem  to  meet  the  views  of  but  a  small  portion  of 
die  Convention.  That  offered  by  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
education  is,  in  my  opinion,  preferable  to  the  rest,  and  for  this  1  shall 
vote,  if  nothing  better  is  presented.  I  hope,  however,  that  some 
thing  less  objectionable  will  be  offered.  I  have  not  risen  to  express 
cay  own  views,  but  to  draw  out  the  views  of  others,  in  whose  opin 
ions  on  this  subject  I  should  have  much  more  confidence  than  in  my 
own,  and  who  have  hitherto  kept  silent  in  this  discussion. 

The  question  recurring  upon  Mr.  Walker's  substitute, 

Mr.  CRART  said,  we  have  been  some  time  discussing  this  subject, 
and  as  yet  have  come  to  no  conclusion.  There  is  such  diversity  of 
opinion  that  it  seems  impossible  to  arrive  at  a  result  that  will  meet 
the  views  and  feelings  of  all.  A  portion  are  unwilling  to  believe 
r.hat  there  can  be  any  patriotism  in  our  future  Legislatures.  They 
are  disposed  to  tie  everything  down,  supposing  all  the  wisdom  of  the 
State  to  be  concentrated  here.  Not  fully  believing  this  proposition,  I 
am  willing  that  the  details  of  this  subject  should  be  left  to  the  Legis 
lature.  We  can  mark  out  the  outlines,  and  leave  the  rest  to  legisla 
tion;  for  we  cannot  satisfactorily  fill  up  the  details  of  the  system. 

We  have  before  us  the  proposition  of  the  committee,  and  from  their 
respectability,  their  number,  and  the  zeal  with  which  they  sustain 
these  propositions,  those  of  us  who  differ  with  them  can  scarcely  ex 
pect  to  obtain  a  majority  of  the  Convention  in  opposition  to  what 
they  have  laid  before  us  as  the  unanimous  result  of  their  delibera 
tions.  Yet  I  do  not  believe  that  they  have  given  to  the  subject  all 
the  attention  which  it  demands,  or  looked  at  all  the  consequences 
which  will  follow  the  adoption  of  their  report. 

The  language  is:  "Any  deficiency  that  may  exist  after  the  distri 
bution  of  the  income  of  the  primary  school  fund,  shall  be  raised  by 
.%  tax  upon  the  whole  property  of  the  State."  The  tax  shall  be  gen 
eral  throughout  the  State;  the  same  in  Oakland  as  in  Barry;  the 
name  in  Berrien  as  in  Wayne.  Now,  sir,  what  will  be  the  effect  of 
this  general  legislation,  without  reference  to  the  future  action  of  the 
Legislature?  Having  apportioned  the  public  money,  amounting  at 
present  to  thirty-three  cents  on  the  scholar,  you  have  a  deficiency 


240 

in  3,060  districts  to  be  reported  somewhere,  that  the  same  for  a  three 
months  tuition,  may  be  made  up  by  general  taxation.  The  defi 
ciency  must  be  raised  by  general  taxation  in  the  State.  Such  a 
provision  will  lead  to  one  universal  scramble,  to  see  who  shall  get 
the  largest  share  of  the  money.  This  scramble  can  only  be  prevent 
ed  by  allowing  ihe  Legislature  to  fix  the  maximum  and  the  mini 
mum  of  the  wages  of  the  teachers.  If  the  Legislature  must  do  this 
much,  why  not  leave  all  the  details  to  them?  Why  not  say  the  Leg 
islature  shall  provide  a  system  of  free  schools,  leaving  to  them  the 
plan  of  taxation,  and  the  mode  of  applying  it? 

The  committee  proposed  a  mongrel  system;  for  that  was  not  a  free 
school  where  there  was  any  charge  for  tuition — not  a  free  school 
where  the  poor  man  might  have  his  child  frozen  to  death  for  the  want 
of  wood,  or  the  teacher  starved  for  the  want  of  board.  In  a  free 
school,  fuel,  board,  and  implements  for  school  house,  must  be  provi 
ded;  and  these  in  some  instances  amount  to  half  the  expenses,  es 
pecially  in  schools  kept  by  females.  New  York  has  a  four  month's 
free  school,  and  they  covered  the  entire  expenses,  fuel,  board,  school 
books,  and  insurance  for  school  house.  What  was  the  expense  of 
that  system?  Fifty  cents  per  scholar  was  received  from  the  fund; 
then  fifty  cents  tax  per  scholar  from  the  county,  and  fifty  cents  more 
from  the  town.  But  this  was  not  sufficient.  A  further  tax  was  au 
thorized  to  be  levied  upon  the  school  district,  and  it  was  this  last  tax 
which  seems  to  have  ruined  the  system. 

We  propose  to  levy  a  State  tax  to  make  tuition  for  three  months 
free.  We  propose  to  make  it  imperative;  but  if  it  be  too  expensive, 
or  if  it  does  not  meet  the  wants  and  wishes  of  the  people,  you  may 
insert  it  in  the  constitution,  you  may  make  it  imperative,  but  it  will 
be  in  vain.  The  people  will  overthrow  the  system  if  they  do  not  like 
it,  and  there  will  be  no  remedy;  it  will  be  made  a  nullity,  or  the 
clause  will  be  repealed.  What  we  are  attempting  was  tried  by  the 
State  of  Louisiana,  and  the  system  had  to  be  changed.  The  State 
now  gives  annually  $450,000  in  aid  of  a  free  school  system,  and 
leaves  the  rest  of  the  money  to  be  raised  by  the  locality.  Delaware 
made  a  similar  attempt;  and  she  had  to  change  her  plan.  N.  York 
is  about  abandoning  the  system  she  first  adopted,  for  one  more  suited 
to  her  circumstances.  Yet  we  propose  to  uproot  our  present  system 
and  propose  another  that  we  know  nothing  about.  We  have  a  sys 
tem  that  all  admit  to  be  a  good  system,  although  the  gentleman  from 
Macomb  (Mr.  Walker)  made  a  side  attack  upon  it.  I  do  not  say 
that  it  cannot  be  improved,  but  it  works  well.  If  the  new  system  is 
adopted  it  may  suit  the  people;  and  if  it  does  not,  you  will  not  be 
able  easily  to  change  it  if  you  fix  the  details  in  the  constitution. 

I  would  suggest  that  the  amount  of  a  mill  or  two  mill  tax  be  distri 
buted  to  each  school  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  the  scholars,  or 
to  their  attendance,  and  then  let  the  towns  or  school  districts  raise 
such  amounts  as  they  may  deem  proper.  They  will  then  have  an 
inducement  to  use  economy;  they  will  then  have  no  temptation  to 
squander  the  money  which,  under  the  other  system,  they  could.  If 
we  are  to  have  a  free  school  system,  we  had  better  give  such  a  direc- 


241 

tion  in  the  constitution,  and  let  the  Legislature  manage  the  rest. 
We  shall  then  have  a  system  which  can  be  adapted  to  our  circum 
stances. 

The  question  then  recurring  upon  Mr.  Walker's  substitute,  the 
committee  refused  to  so  amend. 

Mr.  MORRISON  offered  the  following  as  a  substitute  to  section  3: 

"The  Legislature  shall  provide  by  law  that  in  the  year  1855,  and 
every  year  thereafter,  a  general  tax  shall  be  levied  in  the  State  for 
the  support  of  primary  schools,  not  exceeding  five  mills  upon  each 
dollar  upon  the  valuation  of  the  taxable  property  in  the*State.  Such 
tax  to  be  levied  and  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  the  general 
State  tax  for  State  purposes,  and  appropriated  for  the  support  of  pri 
mary  schools  throughout  the  State  in  the  same  manner  as  the  prima 
ry  scjiool  interest  fund;  and  shall  provide  that  during  the  time  re 
quired  to  expend  the  amount  thus  apportioned  among  the  several 
districts,  a  school  shall  be  kept  in  each  district,  without  any  charge 
for  tuition  to  all  scholars-residing  in  such  district  between  the  ages 
of  four  and  twenty-one  years;  and  the  instruction  in  such  schools 
shall  be  conducted  in  the  English  language." 

Mr.  M.  said — The  latter  clause  provides  for  all  the  difficulties  in 
raising  the  funds  and  making  it  a  free  school — provides  that  the  mo 
ney  so  raised  shall  be  expended,  and  during  the  time  it  is  expended 
the  school  shall  be  free — that  during  that  time  no  rate  bill  shall  be 
charged.  This  will  not  prevent  the  inhabitants  from  employing  the 
teacher  a  longer  time,  if  they  choose;  and  it  will  present  no  temp 
tation  to  squander  the  money.  I  would  move  to  strike  out  "  charge 
for  tuition."  The  motion  was  lost. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  H.  BARTOVV,  "five  mills"  were  stricken  out,  and 
"two  mills"  inserted. 

Mr.  MOORE  moved  to  strike  out  •'  1355"  and  insert  "1852;"  but 
the  committee  refused  to  strike  out. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  W.  ADAMS,  "  exceeding"  was  stricken  out,  and 
"  not  less"  inserted. 

Mr.  Morrison's  substitute  was  then  disagreed  to. 

Mr.  N.  PIERCE  offered  the  following  as  a  substitute  for  section 
three: 

"  The  Legislature  shall  establish  by  law  a  system  of  primary 
schools,  by  which  such  schools  shall  be  kept  in  each  and  every  school 
district  for  at  least  three  months  in  each  year,  free  to  all  children 
between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  and  shall  provide  for 
the  levying  of  a  tax  not  exceeding  two  mills  upon  the  dollar  upon 
all  the  taxable  property  in  the  State,  for  the  support  of  said  schools; 
and  the  English  language  shall  be  taught  in  such  schools." 

Mr.  CHURCH  moved  to  amend  the  substitute  by  striking  out  the 
words  "and  the  English  language  shall  be  taught  in  such  schools," 
and  inserting  the  words  "  and  "all  instruction  in  the  said  schools 
shall  be  conducted  in  the  English  language;"  which  was  agreed  to. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  ROBERTSON,  the  words  "and  without  charge 
for  tuition,"  were  inserted  after  "free." 

Mr.  IT.  Pierce's  substitute,  as  amended,  was  then  adopted. 
31 


242 

Yarious  propositions  were  offered  in  relation  to  sections  four,  five, 
six  and  seven,  and  the  following  was  offered  by  Mr.  CRARY,  to  stand 
as  section  9: 

"Institutions  for  the  benefit  of  those  inhabitants  who  are  deaf, 
dumb,  blind  or  insane,  shall  always  be  fostered  and  supported,  and 
the  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  all  lands  that  have  been  or  shall  be 
hereafter  granted  or  appropriated  for  the  support  of  such  institutions, 
shall  be  inviolably  appropriated  according  to  the  terms  and  conditions 
of  such  grant  or  appropriation." 

Mr.  SOULE  offered  the  following  as  a  part  of  section  9: 

"And  the  twenty-two  sections  of  salt  spring  lands  now  unappro- 
ted,  or  the  money  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  same,  where  such 
lands  have  been  already  sold;  and  any  land  which  may  hereafter  be 
granted  or  appropriated  for  such  purpose,  shall  be  set  apart  for  the 
support  and  maintainance  of  such  school  and  farm.  And  the  proceeds 
of  the  sale  of  all  such  lands  that  have  been  or  that  may  be  hereafter 
sold,  shall  be  a  perpetual  fund,  the  interest  of  which,  together  with 
the  rents  and  profits  of  such  lands,  shall  be  appropriated,  for  the  sup 
port  of  such  school  and  farm." 

Mr.  CRARY  offered  the  following  to  stand  as  section  1 1 : 

* 'Until  the  existing  State  debt  is  paid,  all  specific  State  taxes  are 
set  apart  and  appropriated  to  the  payment  annually  of  the  interest 
that  may  become  due  from  the  State  to  the  school  and  other  educa 
tional  funds,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary  for  such  pur 
poses,  and  from  and  after  the  payment  of  said  debt,  such  taxes  shall 
be  inviolably  appropriated  annually  for  the  support  of  primary 
schools." 

Mr.  CRARY  was  aware  that  there  would  be  some  objection  to  the 
application  of  this  money  to  the  cause  of  education.  I  propose  to 
have  the  interest  of  the  primary  school  fund  paid  from  year  to  year, 
and  secured  by  sources  about  which  there  can  be  no  question.  I 
want  it  so  that  the  Executive  department  cannot  expend  it;  that  the 
Legislature  cannot  expend  it;  that  it  shall  be  understood  and  known 
that  it  belongs  to  the  cause  of  education;  that  it  cannot  be  used  for 
any  other  purpose.  If  left  in  the  treasury,  the  first  difficulty  in  le 
gislation  would  probably  be  to  authorize  the  use  of  the  money.  From 
time  to  time  there  may  be  a  Legislature  that  will  do  injury  to  the 
fund.  The  general  legislation  may  be  right;  but  one  Legislature  may 
do  an  injury  that  we  cannot  recover  from  for  a  series  of  years.  I  pro 
pose  to  guard  against  the  evils  which  one  Legislature  may  do. 

Mr.  WHIPPLE — The  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  Calhoun 
is  an  important  one.  I  understand  that  the  specific  taxes  are  de 
rived  from  railroads,  plank  roads,  banks,  and  any  other  moneyed 
corporation.  I  venture  to  predict  that  in  a  few  years  the  fund  from 
this  source  will  be  very  large;  perhaps  in  ten  years  it  will  amount  to 
$100,000. 

The  gentleman  from  Calhoun  says  that  the  State  is  largely  in 
debted  to  the  educational  fund,  and  that  he  wants  some  better  secu- 


243 

rity  than  the  faith  of  the  State.  I  want  no  better  security  than  the 
faith  of  the  State,  and  I  think  that  being  pledged,  it  is  sufficiently 
ample  for  any  security.  But  it  must  be  recollected  that  in  addition 
to  being  indebted  to  that  fund,  the  State  is  indebted  to  private  indi 
viduals  to  the  amount  of  one  and  a  half  or  two  millions,  \\hile  we 
are  taking  care  of  ourselves,  we  should  not  lose  sight  of  our  foreign 
creditors.  I  should  have  no  objection  to  place  it  upon  this  fund  if 
our  State  debt  was  liquidated;  but  while  that  remains.  I  am  unwill 
ing  so  to  do,  as  we  shall  by  so  doing  add  to  the  burdens  of  the  peo 
ple  of  the  State.  I  think,  moreover,  that  it  is  the  duty  of  this  Con 
vention  to  make  some  provision  for  the  payment  of  this  debt.  I  think 
it  should  not  be  left  to  the  fluctuations  of  public  opinion,  or  of  legis 
lation. 

We  are  a  young  community — we  are  not  poor — we  are  in  compar 
atively  comfortable  circumstances;  but  we  are  a  rapidly  growing 
community,  and  we  ought  on  that  account  not  to  place  upon  our  own 
shoulders  too  great  a  burden,  but  to  leave  a  portion  to  those  who 
come  after.  1  believe  that  the  people  of  this  State  will  not  neglect 
to  pay  the  interest  of  the  primary  school  fund.  But  we  must  bear 
in  mind  that  the  principal  of  the  State  debt,  as  well  as  the  interest, 
will  in  a  short  time  have  to  be  arranged.  If  we  take  our  available 
means  and  divert  them  to  other  purposes,  we  may  be  the  means  of 
placing  a  burden  upon  this  people,  greater  than  they  will  be  able  to 
bear.  We  had  better  leave  a  portion  to  those  who  come  after  us; 
they  will  be  more  able  to  sustain  it  than  we  are. 

After  some  debate,  Mr.  Crary  withdrew  his  proposition. 

Thus  far  the  debates  upon  the  subject  were  in  committee  of  the 
whole.  The  Convention  took  up  the  article  on  the  fifth  day  of  Au 
gust,  being  the  forty-eighth  day  of  the  session.  The  action  in  Con 
vention  appears  in  the  following  extract  from  its  journal: 

On  motion  of  Mr.  WALKER,  the  article  entitled  "Education"  was 
taken  up. 

The  question  being  upon  concurring  in  the  amendments  made  in 
committee  of  the  whole,  section  1,  as  amended,  was  agreed  to. 

Section  3,  as  amended,  was  then  read. 

The  question  being  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment, 

Mr.  GREEN  moved  to  amend  the  original  section  by  striking  out  all 
to  and  inclusive  of  the  word  "respectively,"  in  the  sixth  line,  and 
substituting  as  follows: 

"Each  of  the  cities  and  townships  of  this  State  shall,  in  the  year 

,  and  in  each  and  every  year  thereafter,  raise  by  tax  upon  the 

real  and  personal  estate  in  such  cities  and  townships  respectively,  a 
sum  equal  to  — ,  for  each  and  every  person  residing  in  said  cities 
and  townships,  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  as  shall 
appear  by  the  returns  of  the  school  districts  therein;  which  sum, 
together  with  the  money  apportioned  to  each  of  such  cities  and  town 
ships  from  the  interest  of  the  primary  school  fund,  shall  be  appor 
tioned  pro  rata  among  the  several  school  districts  therein,  according  to 


244 

the  number  of  persons  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years, 
residing  in  each,  as  shall  appear  by  the  last  annual  reports  of  such 
districts,  to  be  used  by  them  in  payment  of  teachers'  wages  therein. 
The  amount  so  to  be  raised  may  be  increased  or  diminished  by  the 
Legislature  as  they  may  deem  right  and  proper;  but  such  increase 

or  diminution   shall  not  exceed cents  per   scholar,  as   above 

named,  at  any  one  session  of  the  Legislature." 

Mr.  GREEN  said  he  did  not  desire  to  prolong  the  discussion  upon 
this  question.  The  uniform  opposition  which  all  the  propositions 
offered  on  this  subject  had  received,  prevented  his  supposing  that 
any  proposition  of  his  would  obtain  the  unanimous  support  of  the 
Convention.  He  thought,  however,  that  his  proposition  presented 
advantages  over  any  which  had  been  as  yet  presented.  He  was  of 
opinion  that  this  would  be  better  than  any  other,  on  account  of  the 
inequalities  of  some  of  the  counties.  It  appeared  to  him  to  be  un 
just,  where  the  authorities  of  a  town  had  a  right  to  make  those  dis 
tricts  as  small  as  they  pleased,  and  to  give  such  salaries  as  they  saw 
fit,  to  require  another  district  to  raise  a  sum,  without  reference  to  the 
size  of  the  district.  It  would  be  better,  he  thought,  to  levy  the  sum 
upon  the  scholars.  They  would  know  when  they  employed  teach 
ers  how  many  they  would  have  to  teach,  and  calculate  their  expenses 
accordingly.  There  would  be  then  all  the  inducement  possible  for 
them  to  make  their  money  go  as  far  as  they  could.  Small  districts 
would  be  induced  to  alter  their  boundaries,  so  as  to  embrace  more 
territory.  He  had  objections  to  the  article  as  amended;  in  fact  cer 
tain  persons  would  be  excluded  from  the  schools — those  who  were 
under  four  and  over  eighteen  years  of  age.  Such  a  provision  would 
be  very  unwise.  It  sometimes  happened  that  persons  over  eighteen 
desired  to  attend  school.  As  to  those  under  four,  it  was  often  very 
desirable  to  send  them  to  school. 

Mr.  N.  PIERCE  observed  that  it  seemed  to  him  there  was  some 
difficulty  about  the  proposition,  [Mr.  Green's.]  The  gentleman  pre 
ferred  collecting  the  tax  in  towns.  He  altogether  preferred  collect 
ing  the  tax  in  the  whole  State;  for,  some  towns  would  not  have  the 
same  proportion  in  regard  to  the  amount  of  scholars  to  be  educated, 
as  others;  the  tax  then  would  be  unequal  throughout  the  State.  The 
article  as  amended  would  suit  him  very  well,  if  the  words  "  between 
the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years"  were  struck  out,  and  the  words 
"that  all  children  or  persons  attending  schools,"  were  inserted. 
This,  he  would  much  prefer  to  the  proposition  offered  by  the  gentle 
man;  but  if  the  Convention  should  otherwise  decide,  he  was  con 
tent. 

Mr.  HANSCOM  hoped  the  amendment  reported  from  the  committee 
of  the  whole  would  not  be  agreed  to.  He  was  willing  to  lay  down 
by  constitutional  provision,  some  broad  principle,  so  that  the  Legis 
lature  would  have  only  to  go  on  and  establish  this  system  at  a  sub 
sequent  period.  It  would  be  better,  in  his  judgment,  to  leave  the 
•whole  matter  with  the  Legislature.  They  could  try  one  mode  of 
taxation  or  another.  He  was  willing  that  the  subject  should  be  left 
for  them  to  act  upon  as  in  their  wisdom  they  saw  proper. 


245 

Mr.  GREEN  had  intended  to  have  said,  when  up,  that  he  was  wil 
ling  to  leave  the  matter  to  the  Legislature;  that  would  be  his  choice, 
and  was,  in  his  opinion,  the  best  course  to  be  pursued. 

Mr.  Green's  amendment  was  not  adopted. 

Mr.  LEACH  moved  to  amend  the  substitute  reported  by  the  com 
mittee,  by  striking  out  of  lines  three  and  four,  the  words  "  not  ex 
ceeding  two  mills  upon  the  dollar;"  which  was  disagreed  to. 

Mr.  GALE  offered  the  following  as  a  substitute  for  the  one  reported 
by  the  committee: 

"  The  Legislature  shall  establish  and  provide  for  a  system  of  pri 
mary  schools  within  five  years  from  the  adoption  of  this  constitu 
tion,  in  which  the  instruction  shall  be  conducted  in  the  English  lan 
guage;  and  as  nearly  free  to  all  scholars  residing  in  the  several 
districts  as  may  be  deemed  practicable." 

Mr.  LEACH  moved  to  amend  by  striking  out  "  five,"  and  inserting 
"two;"  which  was  lost. 

Mr.  GALE — As  the  matter  now  stands,  it  is  carried  out  too  much 
in  detail,  yet  it  does  not  carry  out  what  it  bears  upon  the  face  of  it. 
It  declares  that  these  schools  shall  be  free  schools;  let  any  man  carry 
it  out  in  figures,  and  he  will  find  it  is  no  such  case.  He  may  calculate 
upon  the  taxable  property  of  the  State,  and  upon  his  two  mills  on 
the  dollar,  and  yet  he  cannot  carry  out  his  free  schools.  It  ought  to 
be  a  little  practicable;  but  it  is  entirely  impracticable  now.  Take, 
for  instance,  a  school  of  fifteen  pupils — there  are  many  that  have 
but  that  number,  and  some  as  low  as  eight  or  ten — it  is  necessary 
they  should  be  formed  into  a  district,  or  else  they  cannot  get  an  ed 
ucation;  the  settlements  are  so  sparse  that  they  cannot  have  a  great 
number  of  scholars  attending,  on  account  of  the  distance  they  have 
to  go  to  school;  and  they  would  have  but  $'12  75  to  sustain  their 
school  for  three  months!  The  whole  thing  appears  to  me  to  be  en 
tirely  impracticable.  I  think  it  would  be  entirely  the  better  course 
to  leave  the  matter  in  the  hands  of  the  Legislature.  Again,  it  is 
highly  impolitic  that  we  should  inflict  the  system  of  free  schools  on 
the  State  without  having  investigated  the  whole  matter,  and  knowing 
what  it  would  be  in  its  practical  details. 

Mr.  WALKER  observed  that  these  schools  were  not  to  be  supported, 
according  to  the  provision  of  the  section,  merely  by  a  tax  of  two  mills. 
The  mode  of  taxation  was  optional,  either  by  the  two  mills,  or  by  a 
town  tax,  or  by  both. 

The  amendment  presented  by  the  gentleman  from  Genesee,  [Mr, 
Gale,]  was  not  adopted. 

Mr.  HANSCOM  offered  the  following  substitute  for  the  one  proposed 
by  the  committee: 

"The  Legislature  shall,  within  five  years  from  the  adoption  of  this 
constitution,  provide  for  and  establish  a  system  of  primary  schools, 
by  which  such  schools  shall  be  kept  free  and  without  charge  for  tui 
tion,  for  at  least  three  months  in  the  year,  in  each  school  district 
within  the  State." 

Mr.  WOODMAN  moved  to  strike  out  "three  months,"  and  insert 
"four  months;"  also  strike  out  "five  years,"  and  insert  "three 
years." 


246 

A  div  ision  was  bad,  and  the  first  branch  of  the  amendment  was 
lost. 

The  second  proposition  was  also  disagreed  to. 

The  substitute  offered  by  Mr.  Hanscom  was  negatived. 

Mr.  BAGG  offered  the  following  as  a  substitute,  which  was  re 
jected. 

"The  Legislature  shall  establish  a  uniform  system  of  primary 
schools  throughout  the  State,  by  levying  a  State  tax  upon  the  taxable 
property  of  the  iState." 

The  substitute  re'ported  by  the  committee  of  the  whole  for  section 
three,  was  then  concurred  in. 

Mr.  SOULE  proposed  the  following  as  a  new  section,  to  stand  be 
tween  sections  three  and  four: 

Any  school  district  neglecting  to  keep  up  and  support  a  school 
for  three  months  in  each  year,  shall  be  deprived  of  its  proportion  of 
the  income  of  the  primary  school  fund,  and  all  funds  arising  from 
tax  for  the  support  of  schools. 

And  the  same  was  adopted. 

AGRICULTURAL  SCHOOL IN  CONVENTION. 

Mr.  WILLIAMS  offered  the  following  amendment: 

The  said  school  and  farm  shall  be  under  the  superintendence  of 
the  Regents  of  the  University,  who  may  locate  the  same  on  any  of 
the  University  land  which  they  may  appropriate  for  that  purpose, 
not  exceeding  640  acres,  or  on  any  land  donated  for  the  purpose; 
and  it  shall  be  a  branch  of  the  University  for  instruction  in  agricul 
ture  and  the  natural  sciences  connected  therewith. 

And  said — It  may  not  be  obvious  why  I  have  offered  the  amend 
ment.  I  will  briefly,  therefore,  explain.  Placing  the  institution  in 
question  under  the  Board  of  Regents,  obviates  the  necessity  of  crea 
ting  a  new  board.  My  principal  reason  is,  however,  to  connect  the 
school  with  the  University  as  a  branch,  in  order  that  the  school, 
which  may  be  illy  supplied  with  professors,  may  avail  itself  of  those 
provided  and  paid  for  by  the  University.  The  professors  of  the 
natural  sciences  and  the  professor  of  anatomy  and  physiology  can 
deliver  full  courses  of  lectures  to  the  proposed  school,  with  very  lit 
tle  additional  cost.  It  is  to  gain  this  great  advantage  that  I  want  the 
disposition  of  the  whole  subject  as  contemplated  by  the  amendment. 
It  will  be  a  responsible  trust.  The  funds  may  be  large,  the  experi 
ment  is  new,  and  I  know  of  no  more  fit  repository  of  the  trust  than 
the  Regents,  highly  fitted  as  I  believe  they  must  necessarily  be. 

Mr.  MCCLELLAND  was  somewhat  in  favor  of  the  experiment  of  a 
model  farm.  But  he  would  submit  it  to  the  Convention  to  say  if  it 
were  proper  to  bind  up  those  lands  so  that  if  this  experiment  failed,. 
or  the  people  became  entirely  dissatisfied  with  it,  they  were  to  be 
bound  hand  and  foot  in  regard  to  the  disposition  of  these  lands.  He 
did  not  like  the  idea  of  so  fixing  these  twenty-two  sections  of  salt 
spring  lands,  as  to  take  them  out  'of  the  hands  of  the  people  entirely, 


247 

and  place  them  beyond  the  action  of  the  Legislature  in  any  contin 
gency.     He  would  therefore  vote  against  the  amendment. 

Mr.  WALKER  observed  that,  instead  of  twenty-two  sections,  there 
were  but  about  2000  acres  of  unappropriated  salt  lands. 

Mr.  WILLIAMS  went  to  the  land  office  in  order  to  ascertain  the 
facts  relative  to  these  salt  lands,  and  there  learned  that  the  whole 
number  of  acres  granted  us  by  the  general  government,  was  seventy- 
two  sections;  but  we  never  received  but  45,345  acres,  being  735 
acres  less  than  72  whole  sections.  Of  these  lands,  fifty  sections  have 
been  appropriated  to  the  deaf,  dumb  and  blind  asylum,  the  insane 
asylum,  and  the  normal  school — equal  to  32,000  acres;  thus  leav 
ing,  in  fact,  applicable  to  this  subject,  (acres.) 13,345 

Of  this  quantity  has  been  sold,  (acres,) 3,721 

The  general  government  has  disposed  of,  which 

must  be  re -granted  by  government, 7,680 

Leaving  unsold  in  office, 1,944 — 13,345 

The  quantity  sold  by  the  State  has  brought  the  sum  of  $16,273  25 
One  quarter  having  been  paid  in  hand.     The  balance, 
(9,024  acres,)  should  yield  $4  per  acre,  if  sold  at  the 
minimum  valuation, 38,496  00 


Total, ..$54.769  25 


The  gross  fund,  therefore,  if  all  the  lands  were  sold,  would  amount 
to  854,769  25 — a  sum  fully  adequate  to  establish  on  a  stable  and 
respectable  basis,  the  institution  contemplated. 

Mr.  GROUSE  was  opposed  to  the  whole  proposition,  and  would  at 
the  proper  time  move  to  strike  out.  He  was  entirely  opposed  to 
submitting  the  management  of  this  proposed  institution  to  the  Re 
gents  of  the  University. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  Mr.  Williams'  amendment,  and 
was  lost. 

Mr.  WARDEN  moved  to  amend  the  amendment  made  in  committee 
by  striking  out  the  words  "and  farm,"  wherever  they  occurred. 

Mr.  N.  PIERCE — The  subject  is  one  familiar  to  all  here,  although 
not  farmers.  I  am  not  tenacious  whether  the  amendment  made  by 
the  committee  should  prevail  or  not,  or  whether  the  amendment  to 
the  amendment  should  prevail.  I  think  the  model  farm  is  only  a 
small  part  of  the  matter.  I  suppose  1he  education  is  the  principal 
thing  on  which  reliance  will  be  placed.  Whether  it  is  rational  to 
apply  some  of  the  lands  granted  by  the  United  States  to  this  State, 
to  this  purpose,  is  a  matter  for  the  consideration  of  this  Convention. 
It  seems  to  me  that  the  agricultural  population  have  as  much  right  to 
have  a  share  in  the  education  of  the  State  as  any  other  branch  of  the 
people;  and  I  think  it  fair  to  apply  the  public  funds  to  some  extent 
to  that  purpose.  But  it  will  be  an  experimental  matter.  *  *  * 
I  am  not  disposed,  then,  to  take  the  revenues  of  the  State  and  apply 
them  unreasonably  to  any  experimental  matter  whatever.  If  the 
Convention  do  not  think  it  consistent  with  the  present  policy  of  the 


243 

State,  they  should  not  take  these  lands  for  this  purpose;  we  ought 
rather  to  apply  them  to  the  reduction  of  our  debt,  or  to  other  means 
of  education. 

Mr.  CORNELL  did  not  know  if  this  were  the  time  at  which  to  start 
an  agricultural  school.  He  was  of  opinion  for  many  years  that  at 
least  one  quarter  of  the  time  was  thrown  away  by  reason  of  our  stu 
dents  not  being  obliged  to  work  at  their  studies;  if  they  did,  they 
would  leave  our  colleges  with  stronger  constitutions  and  sounder  un 
derstandings.  Six  hours  were  as  many  as  any  man  should  study  in 
a  day.  Was  it  not  as  well  that  our  students  should  labor  for  a  cer 
tain  portion  of  time,  as  to  be  moping  and  lounging  about  the  streets? 
What  was  the  consequence  of  the  present  system?  Men  went 
through  their  different  classes,  and  when  they  came  out  they  were 
broken  down  in  mind  and  body;  and  of  the  principles  of  the  business 
they  embraced,  they  knew  nothing  almost.  If  they  were  taught  to 
labor,  they  would  turn  out  something  else.  Every  man  should  have 
more  or  less  a  practical  education.  The  farmer  had  no  need  to  know 
the  dead  languages;  but  he  might  the  modern  and  the  natural  scien 
ces.  He  should  be  taught  every  thing  appertaining  to  the  manage 
ment  of  the  farm.  The  gentleman  last  up  did  not  attach  any  impor- 
tsnce  to  the  model  farm — he  (Mr.  C.)  did,  for  this  reason:  that  when 
a  man  studied  anything  in  the  laboratory,  he  would  go  out  a  practi 
cal  man,  and  apply  the  principle  which  he  had  previously  studied. 
A  man  would  thus  become  imbued  with  a  spirit  for  the  application 
of  the  sciences  to  agriculture,  so  that  in  after  life,  when  he  went 
upon  a  farm,  he  would  understand  thoroughly  the  theory  and  prac 
tice  of  farming.  A  great  deal  might  be  said  on  this  subject;  but 
he  would  simply  say  that  he  considered  the  model  farm  of  impor 
tance,  and  if  any  portion  of  the  proposition  was  retained  that  should 
be. 

Mr.  BRITAIN  thought  that  the  best  school  in  which  men  learned 
farming,  was  a  practical  one.  The  agricultural  school  the  best 
adapted  for  making  farmers,  was  the  farm  under  the  direction  of  the 
owner,  whose  interest  it  was  to  apply  every  facility  for  the  better  cul 
tivation  of  his  property.  He  would  venture  the  opinion  that  if  we 
gave  $50,000  to  the  Regents  of  the  University,  or  three  other  men, 
that  farm  would  never  be  carried  on  as  well  as  if  it  had  received  no 
government  sustenance. 

If  the  University  was  so  fixed  as  to  have  the  mechanical  labor 
system  connected  with  it,  he  would  readily  approve  of^it.  But  that 
was  out  of  the  question.  If  it  should  happen  that  the  farm  were  lo 
cated  at  some  place  far  away  from  the  University,  the  pupils  would 
lose  the  advantages  pointed  out  by  the  gentleman  from  Jackson,  [Mr. 
Cornell.]  He  could  not  see  how  we  were  to  attach  a  model  farm  to 
the  University.  Let  farmers  be  taught  geology,  chemistry,  &e.,  &c., 
and  then  go  home  and  apply  that  knowledge".  But  he  should  like 
to  know  what  farmer  would  think  of  sending  his  son  abroad  to  be 
taught  how  to  plow,  reap,  or  sow,  or  to  do  anything  connected  with 
a  farm  in  that  way  I  He  would  venture  to  say  that  any  practical 
farmer  could  teach  these,  or  any  professors,  in  everything  relating  to 


249 

a  farm.     As  to  the  benefits  resulting  from  this  proposition,  he  was 
entirely  in  the  dark. 

Mr.  WILLIAMS — I  am  somewhat  surprised  at  the  remarks  made, 
especially  by  the  gentleman  from  Livingston,  [Mr.  Grouse. J  Now, 
the  design  is  exactly  contrary.  It  is  to  take  those  who  are  certain 
to  be  skilled  in  manual  labor,  and  teach  them  the  general  laws  by 
which  every  thing  grows  and  thrives;  to  illustrate  to  them,  by  prac 
tice,  the  newest  discoveries  in  agriculture;  to  open  their  minds  to  the 
reception  of  every  useful  truth,  come  from  whence  it  may;  and  more 
than  all,  relieve  the  young  from  the  thraldom  of  any  traditionary 
errors  which  may  have  clung  to  their  fathers  from  generation  to  gen 
eration.  Teach  rich  men's  sons  to  work!  To  work  with  the  hoe 
and  the  plow!  Every  boy  in  the  country  understands  that.  But  the 
object  of  such  a  school  is  to  teach  a  man  how  to  promote  and  pro 
tect  all  his  interests.  I  hardly  know  how  to  illustrate  the  subject. 
But,  suppose  the  farmers  of  this  State  had,  by  a  thorough  educa 
tion  of  the  young  wheat  growers,  increased  the  value  of  the  wheat 
one  cent  per  bushel.  If  we  raise  7,000,000  bushels,  it  would  make 
$70,000.  If  it  could  be  increased  in  quantity  ten  per  cent.,  it  would 
make  a  difference  in  the  production  of  the  State  for  a  single  year, 
of  $500,000.  Bring  sharpened  intellects  to  every  daily  pursuit  of 
the  farmer,  and  produce,  by  the  use  of  study,  experiment  and  sci 
ence,  a  corresponding  increase  of  the  productions  of  the  State,  and 
the  cost  of  a  hundred  schools  would  soon  be  saved. 

There  are  many  branches  of  study  that  a  farmer's  boy  ought  to 
know,  and  which  he  does  not  learn  in  ordinary  schools,  which  are 
rather  calculated  to  fit  a  man  for  the  counting  room  or  college.  I 
recollect  a  short  time  since,  that  I  saw  a  man — a  respectable  and 
intelligent  man — upon  the  point  of  losing  quite  a  large  a  sum  in  a 
court,  because  he  could  not  measure  wood,  piled  in  the  shape  of  a 
section  of  a  cone,  for  a  coal  pit.  A  man  will  find  every  day,  in  prac 
tical  life,  that  he  could  save  himself  from  expense  and  loss  of  time, 
if  he  had  a  knowledge  of  such  matters.  He  ought  to  be  familiar 
with  the  laws  by  which  mechanical  powers  are  applied.  He  ought 
to  understand  the  readiest  methods  by  which  measurements  of  all 
kinds  are  made.  I  will  put  a  case  to  the  gentleman  from  Livingston: 
Suppose  he  and  a  neighbor  had  a  large  bin  of  wheat  to  measure, 
before  they  could  settle  or  divide.  An  untaught  man  might  measure 
it  all  over,  and  handle  all.  His  boy,  if  taught  rightly,  could,  in  less 
than  five  minutes,  calculate  from  the  cubic  contents,  the  number  of 
bushels,  and  save  the  whole  time  and  expense.  These  are  the  kinds 
of  knowledge  which  he  would  have  every  farmer  learn  while  young. 
But  the  great  advantage  of  these  schools  was  in  the  instruction  which 
might  be  obtained  in  agricultural  chemistry — a  knowledge  of  the 
elements  necessary  to  each  crop;  and  that  knowledge  of  physiology 
which  would  enable  a  man  to  propagate  with" success  the  finest  breed 
of  animals,  or  bring  to  the  most  perfect  development,  vegetable  life. 
But  the  five  minutes  had  expired,  and  he  would  not  encroach  on  the 
rule,  though  he  could  pile  up  abundant  proofs  to  show  the  advanta 
ges  of  such  a  school. 
32 


250 

Mr.  GROUSE  remarked  that  he  was  as  anxious  as  the  gentleman 
[Mr.  Williams]  for  farmers  to  have  their  sons  educated,  tie  be 
lieved  that  this  article  provided  for  their  education,  without  a  model 
farm.  He  certainly  would  be  glad  for  his  son  to  be  able  to  calculate 
quantities.  But,  if  he  had  a  son  who  could  not  calculate  the  con 
tents  of  an  oat  or  corn  bin,  he  certainly  would  sit  up  with  him  at 
night  and  teach  him.  He  would  not  send  him  to  a  model  farm  or 
to  the  University  to  learn  it.  The  article  made  such  a  provision  that 
every  child  could  be  at  school  three  months  in  every  year,  for  four 
teen  years,  or  three  and  a  half  years  in  all.  He  would  venture  to 
say  that  nine-tenths  of  the  people  had  never  been  within  the  walls 
of  a  school  house  for  that  period.  The  article  also  provided  that  the 
course  of  education  should  be  pursued  under  competent  teachers; 
and  altogether  it  would  afford  sufficient  facilities,  under  existing  cir 
cumstances,  for  the  acquisition  of  a  good  education. 

Mr.  J.  D.  PIERCE  concurred  very  fully  with  the  gentleman  from 
St.  Joseph,  [Mr.  Williams.]  To  give  a  proper  direction  to  knowl 
edge  in  this  department,  (agriculture,)  was  of  the  utmost  importance 
to  mankind;  for  in  fact  the  entire  subsistence  of  the  earth  depended 
on  it  Knowledge,  and  varied  knowledge,  was  highly  needed  in 
farming.  In  Europe,  they  were  ahead  of  us,  in  this  respect.  The 
reason  was  this;  they  turned  their  young  men  to  farming,  and  sent 
them  to  farming  schools.  They  raise  in  Europe  as  much  as  from 
sixty  to  seventy  bushels  to  the  acre;  and  in  some  instances  we  suc 
ceed  in  doing  so  in  this  country. 

If  the  gentleman  from  Livingston,  [Mr.  Grouse,]  or  any  other 
gentleman,  hired  a  man  who  had  been  trained  in  one  of  these  schools, 
and  set  him  plowing  along  side  of  a  man  who  had  not  been  so  edu 
cated,  he  would  see  that  the  former  did  twice  the  work  of  the  latter. 
He  [Mr.  P.]  had  a  man  for  some  time,  who  had  been  two  years  in 
one  of  these  schools,  and  in  the  sowing  season  he  would  not  have  a 
furrow  that  was  not  of  equal  length  with  the  rest,  and  all  straight. 

Mr.  ROBERTSON  (interposing)  inquired  in  what  country  in  Europe 
farmers  sent  their  sons  to  farming  schools. 

Mr.  J.  D.  PIERCE,  in  reply,  said  that  in  Germany  yeung  men  were 
sent  to  them,  and  in  many  parts  of  Great  Britain  such  schools  had 
been  established,  supported  by  private  patronage.  He  saw  no  diffi 
culty  in  carrying  out  the  proposition,  and  would  vote  for  it. 

Mr.  CORNELL  observed  it  was  well  understood  that  when  the  law 
•was  passed  establishing  the  State  University,  there  was  provision 
made  for  branches  thereto,  and  one  of  them  was  to  be  an  agricul 
tural  branch;  the  branches  had  been  lopped  off,  and  this  proposition 
was  only  intended  to  carry  out  that  provision.  The  utility  of  the 
plan,  he  thought  no  man  acquainted  with  farming  operations,  could 
for  a  moment  question;  and  that  science  should  to  some  extent  direct 
practice,  and  practice  follow  its  teachings,  none  would  deny.  It  was 
not  claimed  that  the  professors  in  this  establishment  were  to  be  prac 
tical  farmers;  their  business  would  be  to  show  the  best  mode  of  ap 
plying  scientific  knowledge  to  agriculture.  He  would  here  refer  to  one 
simple  matter — he  would  refer  to  our  manures.  Our  lands  are  rich 


251 

enough  without  manures  now,  but  the  time  would  come  when  they 
would  require  them.  What  sort  of  manure  would  a  farmer  apply  to  his 
lands  unless  he  knew  something  of  chemistry?  If  he  did  not  know, 
he  would  guess  at  it.  A  man  might  apply  a  manure  containing  all 
the  elements  sufficient  to  raise  forty  bushels  to  the  acre,  yet,  lacking 
one  other  element,  it  would  not  produce  three  bushels.  Practical 
farmers  knew  that  such  was  the  case.  He  knew  an  instance  of  a 
farmer  in  North  Carolina  who  had  a  farm  that  had  been  an  excellent 
wheat  farm;  the  quantity  of  wheat,  however,  decreased  from  year 
to  year.  The  farmer  manured  his  lands  with  all  sorts  of  manures, 
but  to  no  purpose.  At  length  the  farmers  in  his  neighborhood  said 
he  should  not  sow  wheat  except  once  in  three  years,  and  they  re 
commended  certain  descriptions  of  manure.  The  farmer,  however, 
got  nothing  but  straw,  and  about  three  bushels  of  wheat.  Some  of 
the  farmers  then  recommended  him  to  apply  plaster;  still  he  got  but 
three  bushels.  Then  they  told  him  to  put  on  lime  and  plaster,  and 
still  he  got  no  more.  Then  a  committee  was  appointed  to  investigate 
the  case,  and  they  finally  stated  the  facts  to  the  editor  of  an  agricul 
tural  paper,  described  the  manure  applied,  and  it  was  found  out  that 
the  manure  lacked  but  one  element,  which,  if  the  farmer  had  gone 
to  the  expense  of  twelve  shillings  or  so,  in  procuring,  he  would  have 
had  twenty-eight  or  thirty  bushels  to  the  acre.  The  ingredient 
wanted  was  simply  phosphoric  acid;  that  which  was  found  in  bones. 
It  was  so  that  where  a  necessary  element  of  a  manure  was  lacking, 
the  farmer  received  but  very  little  return  for  his  outlay. 

Mr.  COMSTOCK  expressed  himself  in  favor  of  retaining  the  provis 
ion;  he  thought  it  due  to  the  farming  community  that  means  for 
the  acquisition  of  this  very  useful  information  should  be  afforded 
them. 

Mr.  GROUSE  said  it  was  observed  by  the  gentlemen  from  Calhoun, 
that  they  attained  to  greater  perfection  in  Europe  than  we  did  here. 
In  his  part  of  the  country  there  were  farmers  Avho  had  been  brought 
up  in  England,  and  for  his  life  he  could  not  see  that  they  were  any 
better  farmers  than  we  were,  and  in  some  instances  they  were  not  as 
good. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  Mr.  Warden's  motion  to  strike 
out,  and  was  lost. 

The  question  then  recurred  upon  agreeing  to  the  amendments  re 
ported  from  the  committee  of  the  whole. 

Mr.  MCCLELLAND  moved  to  amend  by  inserting  after  the  word 
"and,"  where  it  first  occurred,  the  word  "it  shall  be  competent  for 
the  Legislature  to  appropriate;"  and  also  to  strike  out  "set  apart,"  in 
the  sixth  line  of  the  section  as  amended. 

Mr.  McClelland  said  his  object  was  to  prevent  these  lands  being 
put  beyond  the  reach  of  the  Legislature,  if  there  should  be  a  failure 
in  the  farm.  He  had  great  confidence  in  the  scheme,  if  it  did  not  get 
into  the  hands  of  politicians.  We  had  had  a  great  deal  of  experience 
on  this  subject;  for  it  had  been  found  that  wherever  collegiate  insti 
tutions  were  in  the  hands  of  State  officers,  they  had  generally  be 
come  merely  political  machines,  and  turned  out  a  failure. 


252 

Mr.  WILLIAMS  said  he  was  opposed  to  the  amendment.     *  * 

*  *  *  *     Twenty-five  sections  of  these  salt 

lands,  by  sections  eight  and  nine,  had  been  created  a  perpetual  and 
inviolable  fund  for  the  support  of  the  State  Normal  School,  and  for 
the  asylum  for  the  insane,  and  for  deaf  mutes,  and  the  blind.  If  we 
were  satisfied  with  the  expediency  and  importance  of  an  agricultural 
school,  there  were  no  reasons  bearing  on  the  application  of  the  fifty 
sections,  which  would  not  justify  us  in  appropriating  the  last  twenty- 
two  sections,  as  inviolably  as  the  other  fifty. 

Mr.  MCCLELLAND  said — The  Normal  School  plan  has  been  most 
fully  tested  in  nearly  all  the  old  States  of  the  Union.  But  gentle 
men  must  admit  that  in  this  country  at  least,  this  model  farm  or  ag 
ricultural  school,  exclusively  agricultural  in  its  character,  is  an  ex 
periment.  Well,  if  it  be  an  experiment,  I  ask,  is  it  judicious  or  wise 
in  us  to  bind  up  forever  these  salt  spring  lands?  Why  does  the  gen 
tleman  mistrust  the  Legislature?  If  the  people  be  in  favor  of  ap 
propriating  lands  for  this  purpose,  the  Legislature  will  act  in  accord 
ance  with  their  wishes,  as  a  matter  of  course;  and  our  making  this 
provision  will  show  them  what  we  intend  should  be  done  with  these 
lands.  But  if  this  experiment  should  fail,  yet  the  gentleman  [Mr. 
Williams]  would  make  it  imperative  on  the  people  to  sustain  this 
school  in  this  way,  and  no  other.  But  if  it  prove  a  failure,  would  it 
be  reasonable  to  ask  any  man  to  support  it?  I  should  think  it  would 
not. 

Mr.  CORNELL  observed  that  he  was  willing  enough  the  amendment 
should  be  made.  He  thought  that  if  the  school  failed,  as  remarked 
by  the  gentleman  last  up,  the  Legislature  should  have  the  control  of 
these  lands.  The  gentleman  was  mistaken  in  saying  that  this  school 
was  to  be  exclusively  agricultural.  Such  was  not  the  case;  all  the 
mechanical  arts,  and  the  various  scientific  matters  would  be  taught 
in  it. 

Mr.  BRITAIN  hoped  the  amendment  would  be  adopted.  There 
was  a  feeling  throughout  the  State  to  advance  the  cause  of  agricul 
tural  education.  These  lands  would  be  safe  in  the  hands  of  the 
Legislature;  if  the  experiment  should  be  found  to  be  impracticable, 
the  funds  could  then  be  diverted  to  some  other  channel. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  Mr.  McClelland's  amendment, 
and  was  sustained. 

The  amendments  reported  from  the  committee  of  the  whole,  were 
then  severally  concurred  in. 

Mr.  BRITAIN  moved  to  amend  section  eleven  by  adding  after  the 
word  "farm,"  in  the  eighth  line,  the  words  "until  otherwise  appro 
priated  by  law;"  which  was  agreed  to. 

Mr,  WILLIAMS  moved  to  amend  by  inserting  after  "farm,"  in  sixth 
line,  "and  it  shall  be  competent  for  the  Legislature  to  make  the  same 
a  branch  of  the  University  for  instruction  in  agriculture  and  the 
natural  sciences  connected  therewith,  and  place  the  same  under  the 
supervision  of  the  Regents  of  the  University." 

Mr.  W.  said — Though  the  Convention  have  refused  to  place  the 
proposed  school  under  the  supervision  of  the  Regents,  yet,  as  they 


253 

have  left  the  creation  of  the  school  itself  to  the  discretion  of  the  Le 
gislature,  there  can  be  no  harm  in  leaving  this  subject  also  to  their 
discretion.  I  only  want  the  Legislature  to  have  the  power  to  con 
nect  the  school  with  the  University,  by  ever  so  slight  a  tenure.  Surely 
there  can  be  no  more  fit  repository  of  the  management  of  the  insti 
tution  than  the  Regents.  They  will  be  likely  to  be  practical  men,  of 
wide  experience,  of  integrity  and  public  spirit.  But  I  wish  it  made 
a  branch  for  the  reason  stated  before.  An  agricultural  school  would 
probably  be  placed  under  a  farmer  of  great  comprehensiveness  of 
mind,  and  great  practical  skill,  and  a  professor  of  agricultural  chem 
istry,  and  such  other  teachers  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  required. 
There  will  necessarily  be  connected  with  the  University,  professors 
who  have  no  very  onerous  duties,  and  who  are  employed  but  a  por 
tion  of  the  year.  It  so  happens  that  these  were  the  very  professors 
whose  lectures  and  instructions  would  be  invaluable  to  an  agricultural 
school,  which  may  be  too  poor  to  employ  a  separate  corps.  They 
would  probably  perform  all  the  duties  of  both  institutions,  for  the 
same,  or  very  little  additional  compensation.  The  professor  of  anat 
omy  and  physiology  could  deliver  a  course  of  lectures,  embracing 
that  knowledge  of  general  laws  regulating  health,  life  and  growth, 
"  and  the  improvement  and  cultivation  of  both  the  animal  and  vegeta 
ble  creation,  and  the  preservation  of  the  physical  man  of  the  stu 
dents  themselves.  The  professors  of  natural  philosophy,  geology, 
and  natural  history,  could  all  be  made  valuable  to  the  branch.  The 
professor  (if  such  shall  be  employed)  of  the  application  of  science  to 
the  arts,  and  an  illustration  of  the  manner  in  which  the  wonderful 
discoveries  and  inventions  of  this  wonderful  age  are  put  into  daily 
practical  use,  would  confer  great  benefits  on  the  school  by  his  occa 
sional  instructions.  Now,  if  an  agricultural  school  is  ever  organized, 
I  wish  to  connect  it  by  some  tie  that  will  enable  it  to  avail  itself  of 
such  valuable  instruction,  so  nearly  gratuitous  as  it  must  be,  if  these 
duties  are  imposed  by  the  Regents  on  the  professors  of  the  Univer 
sity. 

THE  UNIVERSITY IN    CONVENTION. 

Mr.  WHIPPLE  offered  the  following  substitute  for  section  four  of 
the  article: 

"There  shall  be  appointed  by  both  branches  of  the  Legislature,  hi 
joint  convention  assembled,  in  the  year  1852,  eight  Regents  of  the 
University;  two  for  the  term  of  eight  years,  two  for  the  term  of  six 
years,  two  for  the  term  of  four  years,  and  two  for  term  of  two  years; 
and  at  each  subsequent  election  two  Regents  shall  be  elected  in  the 
manner  aforesaid,  who  shall  hold  their  office  for  the  term  of  eight 
years." 

Mr.  W.  said — The  number  of  Regents  provided  for  in  the  article, 
as  it  now  stands,  I  think,  is  too  small;  because  we  all  know  that  the 
board  of  Regents  perform  their  duties  without  any  compensation — 
their  labors  are  gratuitous.  And  it  is  very  difficult,  and  will  be 
found  difficult,  perhaps,  in  five  cases  out  of  seven,  to  obtain  a  full 
attendance  at  the  board;  and  it  may  be  very  important,  on  occasions, 


254 

that  the  board  should  be  full.  The  Regents  reside  in  remote  parts 
of  the  State;  that  is,  at  places  distant  from  that  at  which  the  meeting 
is  to  be  held.  In  fact,  sir,  I  am  unwilling  to  trust  the  great  interests 
of  the  University  to  a  less  number  of  my  fellow  citizens  than  six. 
The  interests  are  of  too  much  magnitude  to  be  trusted  to  the  con 
trol  of  less  than  six  men.  I  therefore  propose  that  there  shall  be 
eight  Regents,  under  the  impression  that  as  a  general  rule  they  can 
obtain  six  at  any  called  meeting  of  the  board.  And  then,  again,  I 
am  exceedingly  anxious  to  multiply  the  number  for  another  reason: 
if  we  select  eight,  (and  I  should  prefer  twelve,)  your  Regents  will 
be  distributed  over  every  part  of  the  State,  and  the  public  will  thus 
obtain  a  knowledge  of  the  character  of  this  institution;  for  the  Con 
vention  will  observe  that  the  concerns  of  this  University  are  to  be 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Regents.  They  will  obtain  very  impor 
tant  knowledge  in  regard  to  this  establishment,  and  the  people 
among  whom  they  live  will  become  informed  as  to  the  nature  of  this 
institution,  and  will  become  interested  in  it. 

As  I  said  before,  I  should  prefer  twelve;  six  is  too  small.  I  know 
it  has  been  said  that  a  small  board  will  effect  more  than  a  large  one. 
That  may  be  a  very  good  rule;  but  I  do  not  see  the  applicability  of 
it  to  the  case  before  us.  I  do  not  see  how  we  can  effect  the  object 
which  we  have  in  view,  more  effectually  than  by  providing  that  there 
shall  be  eight  Regents. 

The  second  branch  of  my  proposition  proposes  that  instead  of 
electing  the  Regents  by  the  people  at  large,  they  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  Legislature  in  joint  Convention.  My  object  is  this,  to  place 
the  University  beyond  all  political  influence.  There  is  no  gentle 
man,  I  suppose,  in  this  Convention,  disposed  to  put  this  institution 
within  the  grasp  of  either  political  party  of  the  State,  or  to  bring  it 
under  any  improper  influence.  Now,  it  is  well  known  .that  since  the 
organization  of  that  institution,  the  Governor  and  Senate  have  se 
lected  from  the  different  parts  of  the  State  the  most  distinguished 
and  worthy  individuals  to  fill  this  office,  and  the  happiest  results 
have  been  had.  The  difficulty  in  electing  the  Regents  by  general 
ticket,  I  take  it,  is  this:  one  party  meets  to  nominate  State  officers, 
among  others  six  Regents  of  the  University,  or  eight,  if  this  amend 
ment  be  adopted;  the  question  then  arises  in  my  mind  whether  they 
will  nominate  all  or  part,  by  one  party.  "What  will  be  the  result? 
It  may  be  that  the  Regents  will  thus  be  thrown  all  in  one  portion  of 
the  State.  I  take  it  for  granted  that  in  electing  Regents,  men  may  or 
may  not  be  governed  by  party  predilections.  The  result  might  be 
this:  when  the  eastern  part  of  the  State  was  represented  by  six  Re 
gents,  the  other  portions  of  the  State  would  be  represented  by  but 
two. 

I  think  that  instead  of  leaving  the  appointment  to  the  Governor 
and  Senate  as  heretofore,  it  would  be  safer  in  the  hands  of  the  Legis 
lature  in  joint  convention.  It  appears  to  me  that  by  adopting  this 
course,  we  will  accomplish  the  object  that  we  all  have  in  view,  with 
more  certainty  than  if  we  left  it  open  to  the  ordinary  party  contests 
of  the  day. 


255 

Mr.  MCCLELLAND — I  would  suggest  to  my  friend  from  Berrien 
the  propriety  of  having  these  Regents  appointed  by  the  Governor  and 
Legislature.  It  would  be  better  than  leaving  the  appointment  with 
the  Legislature  alone;  because,  if  left  to  them,  some  of  the  difficul 
ties  suggested  might  arise.  I  think  it  would  be  much  better  to 
leave  it  to  the  Governor,  to  be  approved  by  the  Legislature  in  joint 
convention. 

Mr.  WIIIPPLE  had  no  objection  to  so  amend  his  proposition;  and 
the  substitute  was  then  amended  as  suggested. 

Mr.  BAGG — I  am  opposed  to  the  substitute  offered  by  the  gentle 
man  from  Berrien,  [Mr.  Whipple,]  and  the  amendment  suggested  by 
the  gentleman  from  Monroe.  1  am  for  having  the  people  elect  these 
men.  I  knovr  no  good  reason  why  the  people  cannot  as  well  elect 
these  Regents  as  the  Legislature.  Sir,  I  believe  the  people  have  the 
good  sense  to  make  a  proper  selection  in  this  matter.  If  there  be  any 
argument  against  the  election  of  these  officers  by  the  people,  it  ap 
plies  equally  against  their  being  appointed  by  the  creatures  of  the 
people,  the  Legislature.  1  never  desired  to  see  them  appointed  by 
the  Governor;  but  I  prefer  the  substitute  as  modified,  to  the  original 
proposition.  However,  I  should  desire  to  amend  in  this  way:  '-there 
shall  be  elected  at  the  first  election  after  the  ratification  of  this  con 
stitution,  twelve  Regents." 

Mr.  WALKER  said  he  had  no  great  feeling  on  this  subject.  It  was 
considered  by  the  committee  that  the  Board  of  Regents,  as  heretofore 
organized,  was  too  large,  and  that  more  efficiency  would  be  introdu 
ced  by  reducing  the  number.  Their  object  in  fixing  upon  "  six,"  was 
to  insure  a  more  direct  responsibility  on  the  part  of  the  Board.  He 
believed,  from  knowing  it  was  demanded  that  all  officers  should  be 
elected  by  them,  that  those  should  also.  He  had  no  fear  in  leaving 
the  election  of  the  Regents  to  the  people,  and  so  making  them  di 
rectly  responsible  to  the  public. 

Mr.  IS7.  PIERCE  observed  that  the  government  of  the  University 
was  not  such  as  it  should  be.  With  the  large  amount  of  funds 
which  it  had  at  its  disposal,  for  the  last  fifteen  years,  it  graduated  only 
about  twelve  students  in  the  year.  This  institution  did  not  educate 
one-half  the  number  that  other  chartered  institutions  in  this  State 
did;  and  this  resulted  merely  from  the  goverment.  In  the  Albion 
Seminary  they  graduated  about  fifty  this  year.  There  was  some 
thing  wrong  about  all  this.  He  made  these  remarks  merely  to  set 
forth  some  information  which  he  received  last  year,  as  a  member  of 
the  Legislature.  He  would  much  prefer  that  any  sectarian  religious 
society  had  care  of  this  institution,  than  to  have  no  one  tanght  in  it. 
They  taught  no  one — their  rules  and  course  of  study  were  good,  but 
still  ihey  did  not  get  pupils.  The  University  was  surrounded  by 
difficulties  that  should  be  looked  into. 

Mr.  CHURCH  could  not  look  with  any  complacency  upon  the  idea 
of  taking  the  Regents  of  the  University  into  the  two  great  caucuses 
of  the  political  parties  of  the  State,  every  two  years.  There,  no 
doubt,  they  would  be  used  as  a  sort  of  small  change.  He  knew 
what  sort  of  people  there  were  in  State  conventions;  and  in  settling 


256 

between  the  different  candidates  of  the  State,  the  settlement  for  the 
smaller  candidates,  and  the  claims  of  one  section  of  the  State,  would 
be  made  up  in  this  way:  "  we  will  give  you  a  Regent  if  you  go  with 
us  for  Treasurer."  Such  would  be  the  case;  they  would  certainly 
become  "  small  change,"  if  the  plan  of  electing  them  by  the  peo 
ple  were  carried  out.  He  agreed  with  the  delegate  from  Macomb, 
[Mr.  Walker,]  as  to  the  number  of  Regents.  He  did  not  think  it 
well  to  increase  the  number.  But  in  view  of  the  difficulty  of  col 
lecting  a  small  number  from  the  different  parts  of  the  State,  that  faet 
would  be  sufficient  to  recommend  the  proposition  of  the  delegate 
from  Berrien,  [Mr.  Whipple.] 

Mr.  LEACH  expressed  himself  as  being  opposed  to  the  substitute. 
He  thought  that  the  question  in  regard  to  the  election  of  officers  by 
the  people,  had  been  finally  disposed  of.  The  argument  against  tha 
election  of  Regents  by  the  people,  he  considered,  held  equally  against 
the  election  of  any  other  officers  whatever.  Education  demanded 
that  these  men  should  be  protected  from  all  sectarian  and  party  in 
fluence.  If  the  appointment  were  left  to  the  Legislature,  would  not 
the  Regents  be  party  men?  He  expected  they  would.  If  elected 
by  a  democratic  Legislature,  they  would  be  democrats,  and  vice  versa. 
He  thought,  from  the  history  of  the  past,  they  would  be  political 
men.  He  would  assert,  that  as  a  general  thing,  men  nominated  by 
the  Legislature  had  been  political  men. 

The  question  being  upon  the  adoption  of  the  substitute,  [Mr. 
Whipple's,]  the  same  was  taken  by  yeas  and  nays — yeas  30,  nays  28. 

Mr.  WHIPPLE  submitted  the  following,  to  stand  as  a  new  section, 
(5;)  and  the  same  was  agreed  to: 

"The  Regents  elected  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  the  foregoing 
section,  and  their  successors  in  office,  shall  continue  to  constitute  the 
body  corporate,  known  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  "Regents  of 
the  University  of  Michigan." 

On  the  6th  of  August,  Mr.  CORNELL  moved  to  re-commit  the  ar 
ticle  on  Education  to  the  committee,  with  instructions  to  strike  out 
section  3  and  insert:  "The  Legislature  shall,  as  soon  as  practicable, 
establish  a  system  of  primary  schools,  the  tuition  of  which  shall  be 
free  throughout  the  State,  and  provide  for  their  support."  After  de 
bate,  the  vote  being  taken  upon  instructing,  as  proposed  by  Mr.  Cor 
nell,  the  result  was  yeas  45,  nays  23,  and  the  article  was  re-commit 
ted.  The  article  was  reported  back  on  the  same  day.  After  some 
further  amendments  were  proposed  without  success,  the  question  be 
ing  upon  ordering  the  article  to  a  third  reading,  it  was  LOST  by  a  vote 
of  33  to  28. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  J.  D.  PIERCE,  the  vote  was  re-considered,  and 
the  article  laid  upon  the  table.  As  remarked  by  Mr.  Pierce,  the  sys- 


257 

tern  of  free  schools  had  the  decided  majority  of  the  Convention,  but 
a  provision  had  been  inserted  which  destroyed  that  principle. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  J.  D.  PIERCE,  the  article  was  again  taken  from 
the  table,  and  re-committed  to  the  committee  on  Education.  It  was 
reported  back  by  the  committee  on  the  following  day,  with  section 
3  as  follows: 

The  Legislature  shall,  within  five  years  from  the  adoption  of  this 
constitution,  provide  for  and  establish  a  system  of  common  schools. 
Such  schools  shall  be  kept  without  charge  for  tuition  for  at  least 
three  months  in  each  year,  in  every  school  district  in  the  State. 

Mr.  BRITTAIM  moved  to  add  to  the  substitute:  "and  all  instruction 
in  said  schools  shall  be  conducted  in  the  English  language,"  which 
was  accepted  by  the  committee.  A  substitute  was  offered  by  Mr. 
FRALICK,  which  was  not  adopted,  and  the  substitute  as  reported  by 
the  committee,  was  then  concurred  in.  The  section  which  related 
to  the  election  of  Regents  was  again  discussed. 

Mr.  BAGG  offered  the  following  substitute  for  section  four: 

"  There  shall  be  elected  at  the  first  general  election  for  judges  in  this 
State  after  the  ratification  of  this  constitution,  twelve  Regents  of  the 
University;  four  for  the  term  of  six  years,  four  for  the  term  of  four 
years,  and  four  for  two  years;  and  at  each  subsequent  election  for 
judges,  there  shall  be  four  Regents  of  the  University  elected,  who 
shall  hold  their  office  for  the  term  of  six  years." 

Mr.  B.  hoped  the  substitute  just  offered  by  himself,  would  pre 
vail.  *  *  *  Gentlemen  agreed  that  the  Regents  of  this  institu 
tion  should  be  placed  beyond  the  operation  and  effects  of  party,  and 
therefore  should  be  elected  by  the  Legislature.  Would  this  remove 
the  objection?  Would  the  Legislature  be  any  less  free  from  the  ma 
chinery  of  party?  Certainly  not.  That  arena  was  as  liable  to  be 
affected  by  party  as  the  general  election  by  the  people  themselves. 
The  substitute  proposed  to  elect  the  Regents  of  the  University  at 
the  same  time  and  in  the  same  manner  as  the  circuit  judges.  Were 
the  Regents  of  the  University  of  more  consequence  than  your  judges 
of  the  Supreme  Court?  Was  not  the  judiciary  at  the  very  base  of 
your  government?  Did  not  these  judges  adjudicate  on  the  whole, 
ultimately?  If  so.  was  not  what  was  applicable  to  one  applicable  to 
the  other?  He  could  see  no  ^  difference. 

After  debate,  the  substitute  was  agreed  to,  yeas  44,  nays  26. 

The  article  was  then  ordered  to  a  third  reading,  and  the  delibera 
tions  of  the  Convention  resulted  in  the  13th  article  of  the  revised 
constitution,  adopted  by  the  people,  and  which  is  mow  the  organic 
law  of  the  State. 

33 


258 

ARTICLE  Xltl. EDUCATION. 

Sec.  1.  The  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  shall  have  the 
general  supervision  of  public  instruction,  and  his  duties  shall  be  pre 
scribed  by  law. 

Sec.  2.  The  proceeds  from  the  sales  of  all  lands  that  have  been  or 
hereafter  may  be  granted  by  the  United  States  to  the  State  for  edu 
cational  purposes,  and  the  proceeds  of  all  lands  or  other  property 
given  by  individuals,  or  appropriated  by  the  State  for  like  purposes, 
shall  be  and  remain  a  perpetual  fund,  the  interest  and  income  of 
which,  together  with  the  rents  of  all  such  lands  as  may  remain  un 
sold,  shall  be  inviolably  appropriated  and  annually  applied  to  the 
specific  objects  of  the  original  gift,  grant  or  appropriation. 

Sec.  3.  All  land,  the  titles  to  which  shall  fail  from  a  defect  of  heirs, 
shall  escheat  to  the  State;  and  the  interest  on  the  clear  proceeds  from 
the  sales  thereof,  shall  be  appropriated  exclusively  to  the  support  of 
primary  schools. 

Sec.  4.  The  Legislature  shall,  within  five  years  from  the  adoption 
of  this  constitution,  provide  for  and  establish  a  system  of  primary 
schools,  whereby  a  school  shall  be  kept  without  charge  for  tuition, 
at  least  three  months  in  each  year,  in  every  school  district  in  the 
State;  and  all  instruction  in  said  schools  shall  be  conducted  in  the 
English  language. 

Sec.  5.  A  school  shall  be  maintained  in  each  school  district,  at 
least  three  months  in  each  year.  Any  school  district  neglecting  to 
maintain  such  school,  shall  be  deprived  for  the  ensuing  year  of  its 
proportion  of  the  income  of  the  primary  school  fund,  and  of  all  funds 
arising  from  taxes  for  the  support  of  schools, 

Sec.  6.  There  shall  be  elected  in  each  judicial  circuit,  at  the  time 
of  the  election  of  the  judge  of  such  circuit,  a  Regent  of  the  University, 
whose  term  <>f  office  shall  be  the  same  as  that  of  such  judge.  The  Re 
gents  thus  elected  shall  constitute  the  Board  of  Regents  of  the  Uni 
versity  of  Michigan. 

Sec.  7.  The  Regents  of  the  University  and  their  successors  in  of 
fice  shall  continue  to  constitute  the  body  corporate,  known  by  the 
name  and  title  of  "the  Regents  of  the  University  of  Michigan." 

Sec.  8.  The  Regents  of  the  University  shall,  at  their  first  annual 
meeting,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  may  be,  elect  a  president  of  the  Uni 
versity,  who  shall  be  ex-officio  a  member  of  their  Board,  with  the 
privilege  of  speaking,  but  not  of  voting.  He  shall  preside  at  the 
meetings  of  the  Regents,  and  be  the  principal  executive  officer  of  the 
University.  The  Board  of  Regents  shall  have  the  general  supervis 
ion  of  the  University,  and  the  direction  and  control  of  all  expendi 
tures  from  the  University  interest  fund. 

Sec.  9.  There  shall  be  elected  at  the  general  election  in  the  year 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-two,  three  members  of  a  State 
board  of  education;  one  for  two  years,  one  for  four  years,  and  one 
for  six  years,  and  at  each  succeeding  biennial  election  there  shall  be 
elected  one  member  of  such  board,  who  shall  hold  his  office  for  six 
years.  The  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  shall  be  ex-officio 
a  member  and  Secretary  of  such  board.  The  board  shall  have  the 


259 

general  supervision  of  the  State  Normal  school,  and  their  duties  shall 
be  prescribed  by  law. 

Sec.  10.  Institutions  for  the  benefit  of  those  inhabitants  who  are 
deaf,  dumb,  blind  or  insane,  shall  always  be  fostered  and  supported. 

Sec.  11.  The  Legislature  shall  encourage  the  promotion  of  intel 
lectual,  scientific  and  agricultural  improvement;  and  shall,  as  soon  as 
practicable,  provide  for  the  establishment  of  an  agricultural  school. 
The  Legislature  may  appropriate  the  twenty-two  sections  of  salt 
spring  lands  now  unappropriated,  or  the  money  arising  from  the  sale 
of  the  same,  where  such  lands  have  been  already  sold,  and  any  land 
which  may  hereafter  be  granted  or  appropriated  for  such  purpose, 
for  the  support  and  maintenance  of  such  school,  and  may  make  the 
same  a  branch  of  the  University,  for  instruction  in  agriculture  and 
the  natural  sciences  connected  therewith,  and  place  the  same  under 
the  supervision  of  the  Regents  of  the  University. 

Sec.  12.  The  Legislature  shall  also  provide  for  the  establishment 
of  at  least  one  library  in  each  township;  and  all  fines  assessed  and 
collected  in  the  several  counties  and  townships  for  any  breach  of  the 
penal  laws,  shall  be  exclusively  applied  to  the  support  of  such  libra 
ries. 


THE   FIRST  AND  THE  REVISED   CONSTITUTION. 

A  comparison  of  these  instruments,  the  first  of  which  will  be  found 
on  page  eighteen  of  this  document,  will  show  the  points  of  difference 
and  the  improvements  made  in  the  latter. 

The  first  article  of  the  old  constitution  provided  for  a  Superintend 
ent  of  Public  Instruction,  who  was  to  be  appointed  by  the  Governor, 
by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Legislature,  in  joint 
vote. 

The  revised  constitution,  under  article  VIII;  entitled  "  Of  State 
Officers,"  provides  for  his  election  biennially,  by  the  people,  and  he 
is  to  keep  his  office  at  the  seat  of  government. 

The  first  constitution  provided  that  the  funds  accruing  from  the 
sale  or  rents  of  University  and  school  lands,  should  remain  a  perpet 
ual  fund,  &c.  The  revised  constitution  provides  that  the  proceeds 
of  the  sales,  and  of  all  lands  or  other  property  given  by  individuals, 
or  appropriated  by  the  State  for  such  purposes,  should  remain  a  per 
petual  fund,  which,  together  with  the  rents,  &c.,  shall  be  inviolably 
appropriated,  and  annually  applied  to  the  specific  objects  of  the  origi 
nal  grant  or  appropriation. 

The  revised  constitution  provides  that  all  lands,  the  titles  to  which 
shall  fail  from  defect  of  heirs,  shall  escheat  to  the  State,  and  the  in- 


260 

terests  on  the  clear  proceeds  of  the  sales,  are  to  be  exclusively  appro 
priated  to  the  support  of  primary  schools.  The  first  constitution 
had  no  such  provision. 

The  first  constitution  required  that  the  Legislature  should  provide 
for  a  system  of  common  schools,  by  which  a  school  should  be  kept 
up  and  supported  in  each  school  district  at  least  three  months  in  each 
year;  and  any  school  district  that  neglected  this,  was  deprived  of  its 
equal  proportion  of  the  interest  of  the  fund. 

The  revised  constitution  requires  that  the  Legislature  shall  within 
five  years,  provide  for  and  establish  a  system  of  primary  schools,  to 
be  kept  without  charge  of  tuition,  at  least  three  months  in  every  year, 
in  every  school  district,  and  ..jail  instruction  is  to  be  in  the  English 
language;  and  any  school  district  neglecting  to  maintain  such  school, 
for  such  time,  is  to  be  deprived  riot  only  of  its  proportion  of  the 
school  fund,  but  of  all  funds  arising  from  taxes  for  the  support  of 
schools. 

The  revised  constitution  provides  for  the  election  of  Regents  of  the 
University.  It  provides  for  the  election  of  the  members  of  the  board 
of  education,  to  have  charge  of  the  Normal  School,  and  it  further 
provides  that  institutions  for  the  benefit  of  the  deaf,  dumb  and  blind, 
and  insane,  shall  be  fostered  and  supported.  It  provides  also  for 
the  establishment  of  an  Agricultural  school.  The  first  constitution 
provided  for  none  of  these. 

The  first  constitution  provided  for  the  establishment  of  libraries, 
one  at  least  in  each  township,  and  appropriated  for  their  establish 
ment  and  support,  the  money  paid  for  exemptions  from  military  duty, 
and  the  clear  proceeds  of  all  fines  assessed  for  breach  of  the  penal 
laws. 

The  revised  constitution  provides  that  alljines  assessed  and  collected 
in  the  several  townships  and  counties  for  breach  of  the  penal  laws, 
shall  be  applied  to  the  support  of  the  libraries  ;  there  being  no 
longer  any  moneys  required  to  be  paid  for  exemptions  from  military 
duty. 

Both  enjoin  upon  the  Legislature  the  encouragement  and  promo 
tion  of  intellectual,  scientific  and  agricultural  improvement. 

Under  the  head  of  "finance  and  taxation,"  the  revised  constitution 
further  provides  that  all  specific  taxes  except  those  received  from  the 


•261 

mining  companies  of  the  upper  peninsula,  shall  be  applied  in  paying 
the  interest  upon  the  primary  school,  University  and  other  educational 
funds,  and  the  principal  of  the  State  debt,  in  the  order  herein  recited, 
until  the  extinguishment  of  the  State  debt  other  than  the  amount 
due  to  educational  funds,  when  such  specific  taxes  shall  be  added  to 
and  constitute  a  part  of  the  primary  school  interest  fund. 

A  comparison  will  show  that  the  trust  confided  by  the  people  to 
their  delegates  in  Convention,  was  satisfactorily  executed  in  relation 
to  education;  that  if  they  did  not  wholly  agree  upon  the  details  to 
be  embodied  in  the  article  upon  this  subject,  they  established  it, 
finally,  upon  a  basis  of  wisdom  and  improvement.  It  proved  to  be 
satisfactory  to  the  people;  and  it  only  remains  for  those  who  are 
charged  with  carrying  its  provisions  into  effect,  to  act  with  the  same 
amount  of  industry,  zeal  and  fidelity,  to  ensure  to  the  people  of  Mich, 
igan  and  to  their  posterity,  a  system  of  public  instruction  and  educa 
tional  institutions,  worthy  of  an  enlightened  and  improving  age. 


1851. 

EXTRACT    FROM  GOT.  BARRY'S    MESSAGE. 

In  view  of  the  paramount  interest  of  agriculture,  the  framers  of 
the  constitution,  while  they  did  not  fail  to  provide  for  intellectual  and 
scientific  instruction,  at  the  same  time  enjoined  upon  the  Legislature 
the  duty  of  promoting  agricultural  improvement,  and  the  establish 
ment  of  an  agricultural  school. 

Opinions  will  be,  perhaps,  in  some  degree  divided,  whether  the 
school  contemplated  shall  be  one  of  manual  labor  with  farm  attached, 
or  on3  in  which  the  theory  and  science  of  agriculture  alone  shall  be 
taught.  It  will  be  the  province  of  the  Legislature  to  determine  its 
character  in  this  regard;  but  the  object  to  be  effected  should  be  kept 
in  view,  and  the  best  method  of  inculcating  agricultural  improve 
ment  adopted. 

Of  the  salt  spring  lands,  the  Legislature  is  authorized  to  appropri 
ate  to  this  purpose  twenty-two  sections;  but  of  these  lands  less  than 
fifteen  sections  remain  unappropriated,  exclusive  of  the  twelve  sec 
tions  mentioned  in  another  part  of  this  communication,  erroneously 
confirmed  to  the  State,  after  their  sale,  by  the  general  government. 
The  appropriation,  therefore,  must  be  limited  to  the  sections  on  hand, 
at  least  until  the  action  of  Congress  be  obtained  upon  our  claim  for 
the  remainder. 

It  may  not  be  fruitless  of  results  to  inquire  whether,  by  some  ap 
propriate  legislation,  with  small  expenditures,  you  may  not  put  within 
reach  of  the  husbandman  a  knowledge  of  the  improvements  made 
in  the  implements  of  agriculture,  and  also  communicate  to  him  the 
discoveries  made  by  the  application  of  science  to  this  pursuit. 


262 

Universal  education  of  the  masses  is  the  only  sure  guarantee  of 
the  permanency  of  a  republican  government.  Without  general  in 
telligence,  a  people  can  neither  know  nor  appreciate  the  benign  in 
fluence  of  free  institutions.  If  ignorance  and  consequent  degrada 
tion  characterize  the  mass  of  a  nation,  the  despotism  of  a  tyrant,  or 
the  worst  despotism  of  anarchy,  characterize  its  government.  All 
history,  whether  ancient  or  modera,  affords  abundant  and  satisfactory 
evidence  of  this. 

Common  schools  are  designed  for  the  education  of  the  masses,  and 
so  beneficial  is  their  influence  that  their  discontinuance  would  not 
only  work  a  great  evil  to  society,  but  endanger  even  the  permanence 
of  our  political  institutions.  In  a  government  so  complex  and  em 
bracing  relations  so  delicate  as  ours,  greater  intelligence  and  conse 
quent  moral  power  is  required  for  its  maintenance  than  in  governments 
otherwise  constituted;  and  these  alone  will  secure,  if  any  thing  can 
secure,  its  indestructible  perpetuity. 

Few  new  States  have  exceeded  Michigan  in  providing  for  the  edu 
cation  of  youth.  The  grant  of  every  sixteenth  section,  as  far  as  pos 
sible,  in  the  settled  portions  of  the  State,  has  been  made  available, 
and  further  means  have  been  provided  by  taxation,  so  that  the  whole 
amount  expended  for  the  promotion  of  common  schools,  including 
voluntary  contributions,  will  favorably  compare  with  the  expenditures 
of  other  and  older  States  for  the  same  purpose. 

One  step  more  is  required  to  secure  to  all  the  children  of  the  State 
the  benefits  of  a  common  school  education,  and  that  step  is  the  estab 
lishment  of  FREE  SCHOOLS.  Though  hitherto  the  charge  of  tuition 
has  always  been  remitted  to  those  not  able  to  pay,  yet,  from  a  senti 
ment  of  delicacy  or  pride,  the  poor  have  not,  in  all  cases,  sent  their 
children  to  school.  By  provision  of  the  revised  constitution  ife  is 
made  the  duty  of  the  Legislature,  within  five  years,  to  provide  for 
and  establish  a  system  of  primary  schools,  to  be  kept  in  each  district 
of  the  State,  at  least  three  months  in  the  year  without  charge  of  tui 
tion. 

A  provision  of  this  kind  cannot  but  meet  the  cordial  approbation 
of  every  patriotic  individual  and  wed  wisher  of  his  country.  The 
taxation  necessary  to  carry  this  into  effect,  will  hardly  exceed  that  of 
the  last  and  previous  years  collected  for  the  purpose  of  education;  and 
the  common  schools  will,  in  name  and  in  fact,  be  free  to  all.  Com 
plaint  of  taxation,  for  the  purpose  of  education,  has  scarcely  ever 
been  made,  for  the  proprietors  of  estates,  though  without  children 
to  educate,  have  property  to  protect,  and  the  tax  paid  is  but  a  small 
premium  advanced  for  insurance  of  its  safety. 

The  number  of  children  in  the  State  reported  between  the  ages  of 
four  and  eighteen  years,  is  132,234,  and  the  whole  number  that  have 
attended  school  the  year  past,  is  110,478. 

After  the  liquidation  of  the  public  debt,  the  primary  school  interest 
fund  will  be  greatly  increased  by  the  addition  thereto  of  all  specific 
taxes  collected  in  the  State. 

The  number  of  students  in  the  department  of  arts  and  sciences  in 
the  University,  is  64;  and  the  number  in  the  medical  department 


exceeds  80.     The  whole  amount  paid  last  year  to  the  treasurer  of  the 
University,  from  the  University  interest  fund,  is  $'9,644  70. 

The  organic  law  of  the  University  makes  it  the  duty  of  the  Re 
gents  to  establish  and  maintain  branches;  but,  from  the  insufficiency 
of  the  funds  placed  under  their  control,  they  have  not  been  able  fully 
to  comply  with  this  requirement.  The  consequence  has  been  that, 
from  the  want  of  sufficient  institutions  to  prepare  young  men  to  enter 
the  University,  the  number  of  its  students,  in  the  department  of  the 
arts  and  sciences,  has  been  limited.  Other  causes  have,  doubtless, 
contributed  to  this  result;  but  the  main  reason,  I  doubt  not,  may  be 
found  in  the  want  of  preparatory  schools,  constituting  an  intermedi 
ate  grade  between  primary  schools  and  the  University.  The  means 
at  the  disposal  of  the  Regents  not  being  adequate,  we  must  look  for 
their  establishment  to  some  other  source,  as  their  existence,  beyond 
doubt,  is  indispensable  to  the  prosperity  of  the  University,  and  the 
promotion  of  intellectual  and  scientific  improvement  made  imperative 
on  the  Legislature.  The  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  sug 
gests,  as  worthy  of  consideration,  whether,  in  the  absence  of  suffi 
cient  means  to  sustain  the  branches,  we  may  not,  with  advantage, 
extend  assistance  to  existing  incorporated  institutions  of  learning,  on 
equivalent  terms,  and  in  such  manner,  as,  working  no  detriment  to 
the  University,  will  make  them  tributary  to  that  institstion,  and 
prevent,  ultimately,  that  antagonism  and  rivalry  which  otherwise 
might  arise. 

The  advantages  offered  to  the  student,  in  the  department  of  the 
arts  and  sciences,  in  the  University  of  Michigan,  are  scarcely  excee 
ded  in  the  colleges  of  the  older  States;  and  the  expenses  of  the  col 
legiate  course  in  the  former  are  considerably  less.  And  though  the 
number  of  students  are  less,  than  with  the  advantages  offered,  we 
might  have  reason  to  expect,  yet  perhaps  no  other  like  institution, 
not  longer  established,  has  contributed  more  to  the  promotion  of 
science. 

The  present  class  of  students  in  the  medical  department,  being  the 
first  formed,  is  unprecedentedly  large.  The  inducements  offered,  will, 
I  doubt  not,  secure  the  attendance  of  an  increased  number  in  succeed 
ing  years. 

The  Regents  are  hereafter  to  be  elected  by  the  people,  and  the  first 
election  is  to  be  held  on  the  first  Monday  of  April  next,  at  the  time 
of  the  election  of  judges  of  the  circuit  courts.  A  State  board  of  ed 
ucation  is  also  to  be  elected  at  the  general  election  in  1852.  The 
requisite  provisions  of  law  should  be  passed  at  the  present  ses&ion. 

The  board  of  education  have  contracted  for  the  erection  of  a  suit 
able  edifice  for  the  State  normal  school,  for  $15,000;  and  of  this 
sum  $12,000  have  already  been  paid  the  contractor,  in  notes  and  ob 
ligations  donated  by  the  citizens  of  Ypsilanti.  Ample  security  has 
been  taken  for  the  completion  of  the  contract  by  the  1st  day  of  March, 
1852,  when  it  is  expected  the  institution  will  be  in  readiness  to  re 
ceive  pupils. 

The  board  of  trustees  of  the  Michigan  asylum  for  the  education  of 
the  deaf  and  dumb  and  blind,  and  of  the  asylum  for  the  insane,  wil^ 


264 

in  due  time,  present  a  report  of  their  proceedings.  The  means  ap 
propriated,  it  is  believed,  will  be  found  entirely  inadequate  to  effect 
the  objects  contemplated. 

EXTRACT  FROM    SUPERINTENDENT'S  REPORT. 

The  management  and  supervision  of  the  University  continues  to 
be  a  subject  of  very  general  and  deep  interest.     Its  condition  at  the 
present  time,  as  far  as  official  information  has  come  to  this  office,  is 
derived  from  the  reports  of  the  Board  of  Regents,  and  the  Board  of 
Visitors,  appointed  in  pursuance  of  the  provisions  of  section  15  of 
chapter  57  of  the  revised  statutes,   to  both  of  which  the  Legislature 
is  respectfully  referred.     The  estimated  receipts  for  the  coming  year 
are  calculated  at  $17,088  23.     The  estimated  expenses,  81 6,*263  33. 
The  former  exceeds  the  receipts  of  last  year  by  $5,088  23,  while  the 
expenses  are  also  increased  $4,976  92.     The  sum  of  $6,010  00  is 
set  apart  in  this  estimate,  to  pay  interest  upon  the  loan  of  $100,000, 
and  the  balance  for  the  support  of  professors,  officers  of  the   board, 
expenses  of  Regents,  insurance  and  incidental  expenses.     It  would 
be  of  no  utility  at  this  time,  perhaps,  to  discuss  the  financial  or  gen 
eral  policy  which  has  been  adopted  by  successive  Boards  of  Regents. 
The  heavy  loan  early  contracted,  and  the  large  amount  invested  in 
buildings,  has  proved  a  serious  detriment  to  the  interests  of  the  insti 
tution,  and  will   continue   to  embarrass  its  legitimate  field  of  opera 
tions  until  effectual  provision  is  made  for  sinking  the  debt.      What 
provision  has  been  made  for  this  purpose  is  unknown  to  this  depart 
ment.     Information  in  this  respect  wras  required  from  the  Board  of 
Regents,  but  not  in  season  for  that  body  to  prepare  and  submit  it  at 
this  time.     It  is  believed,  however,  that  the  importance  of  relieving 
the  University  from  this  burden  must  be  apparent  to  all.     A  heavy 
expenditure  has  been  incurred  in  erecting  the  building  for  the  medical 
department.  According  to  the  report  of  the  building  committee  it  has 
cost  nearly  $9,000,  and  the  whole  of  this  amount  will  be  required  to 
complete  it.     An  increase  has  been  made  in  the  number  of  medical 
professors,  and  one  professor  has  been  transferred.     The  whole  num 
ber  of  professors  in  the  institution  is  ten;  who  are  receiving  a  salary 
each  of  $333  33  per   term,   for   the    time  actually  employed — the 
academic  year  consisting  of  three  terms.     The  importance  of  this 
branch  of  the  University  is  fully  appreciated,   and  it  is  justly  re 
marked  by  the  executive  committee,  that  the  "  young  men  of  out- 
State  who  have  heretofore  in  large   numbers  sought  instruction  in 
other  institutions  abroad,  are  now  assured  of  at  least  equal  advan 
tage  at  home."     The  reputation  of  the  medical  corps  of  professors 
stands  deservedly  high,  and  in    this  respect  the  greatest  inducement 
is  afforded,  not  only  for  a  large  accession  of  students  from  our  own, 
but  from  neighboring  States.     While  it  is  gratifying  that  this  depart 
ment  is  now  ready  for  service,  it  continues  to  be  a  question  whether 
heavy  expenditures  for  building  purposes,  or  for  objects  collateral  to 
the  main  department  of  the  institution,  and  in  some  respects  second 
ary  in  irapartance,  (though  by  no  means  to* be  neglected  under  bet 
ter  auspices,)  will  not  still  further  embarrass  and  retard  the  progress 


265 

of  the  main  collegiate  interests  of  the  University.  No  misfortune 
has  ever  occurred  to  this  institution  equal  in  extent  to  that  which 
has  grown  out  of  that  system  of  policy  which  has  permitted,  or  ren 
dered  necessary,  perhaps,  the  abandonment  of  branches;  and  it  would 
seem  to  be  of  the  first  importance,  if  the  means  of  the  institution  will 
permit  the  outlay  of  a  large  amount  of  capital  for  any  purpose,  that 
it  should  be  directed  into  this  channel.  It  is  the  settled  judgment 
of  this  department  that  so  soon,  at  least,  as  the  debt  is  extinguished, 
further  effort  and  renewed  exertion  should  be  made,  that  the  Uni 
versity  "may  represent  itself  in  the  different  sections  of  the  State 
through  its  branches."  Reasons  are  multiplied,  indicating  this  policy 
as  the  only  sure  means  of  filling  up  the  institution,  and  guarding 
against  the  multiplication  of  sectarian  colleges. 

At  this  peculiar  juncture  of  affnirs  in  the  educational  world,  when 
old  usages  and  systems  seem  to  be  giving  way  to  the  onward  march 
of  intellectual,  moral  and  physical  progression,  it  becomes  a  matter 
of  the  deepest  interest  to  the  friends  of  our  educational  system,  and 
the  University  especially,  to  investigate  the  means  of  keeping  full  pace 
with  this  advancing  spirit.  The  change  in  the  collegiate  course  and 
system,  ^contemplated  and  adopted  in  pursuance  of  the  recommenda 
tion  of  President  Wayland.  of  Brown  University,  is  attracting  much 
attention,  and  giving  rise  to  much  favorable  discussion.  The  views 
advanced  in  the 'report  of  the  president  of  this  institution  commend 
themselves  to  the  consideration  of  the  friends  of  education,  and  may 
doubtless  suggest  in  the  future,  important  subjects  of  reflection  con 
nected  with  the  University  of  Michigan. 

The  following  views  of  President  Wayland,  in  relation  to  the  sub 
ject  of  collegiate  education,  develope  the  character  of  the  change 
contemplated  at  Brown  University.  The  President  says: 

To  us  it  seems  little  option  is  left  to  the  colleges  in  this  matter. 
Any  one  who  will  observe  the  progress  which,  within  the  last  thirty 
years,  has  been  made  by  the  productive  classes  of  society,  in  power, 
wealth  and  influence,  must  be  convinced  that  a  system  of  education 
practically  restricted  to  a  class  vastly  smaller,  and  rapidly  decreasing 
in  influence,  cannot  possibly  continue.  Within  a  few  years  the  man 
ufacturing  interest  has  wrung  the  Corn  Laws  from  the  aristocracy  of 
Great  Britain.  Let  any  one  recall  the  relative  position  of  the  pro 
fessions,  and  of  the  mercantile  and  manufacturing  interest,  in  any  of 
our  cities,  twenty  years  since,  and  compare  it  with  their  relative  posi 
tion  now,  and  he  cannot  but  be  convinced  that  a  great  and  progress 
ive  change  has  taken  place.  Men  who  do  not  design  to  educate  their 
sons  for  the  professions,  are  capable  of  determining  upon  the  kind  of 
instruction  which  they  need.  If  the  college  will  not  furnish  it,  they 
are  able  to  provide  it  themselves,  and  they  will  provide  it.  In  New 
York  and  Massachusetts,  incipient  measures  have  been  taken  for 
establishing  agricultural  colleges.  The  bill  before  the  Legislature  of 
New  York  provides  for  instruction  in  all  the  branches  taught  in  our 
colleges,  with  the  exception  of  languages.  It  is  to  be,  in  fact,  an 

34 


266 

institution  for  giving  all  the  education  which  we  now  give,  agricultural 
science  beino;  substituted  for  Latin  and  Greek.  What  is  proposed  to 
be  done  for  the  farmers,  must  ooon  be  done  either  for  or  by  the  man 
ufacturers  and  merchants.  In  this  manner  each  productive  depart 
ment  will  have  its  own  school,  in  which  its  own  particular  branch  of 
knowledge  will  be  taught,  beside  the  ordinary  studies  of  a  liberal 
education.  A  large  portion  of  the  instruction  communicated,  will 
thus  be  the  same  in  all.  Mathematics,  mechanics,  chemistry,  rhet 
oric,  moral  and  intellectual  philosophy,  and  political  economy,  will 
be  taught  in  them  all.  The  colleges  teach  precisely  the  same  sci 
ences,  with  the  addition  of  Latin  and  Greek,  in  the  place  of  the 
knowledge  designed  in  these  separate  schools  for  a  particular  profes 
sion. 

If  the  prestige  of  colleges  should  be  thus  destroyed,  and  it  be  found 
that  as  good  an  education  as  they  furnish  can  be  obtained  in  any  of 
those  other  schools,  the  number  of  their  students  will  be  seriously 
diminished.  If,  by  this  dissemination  of  science  among  all  the 
other  classes  of  society,  the  tendency  towards  the  professions  should 
be  still  further  arrested,  the  colleges  will  be  deserted  by  yet  larger 
numbers.  They  may  become  very  good  foundations  for  the  support 
of  instructors,  but  very  few  will  be  found  to  avail  themselves  of  their 
instructions. 

The  objection  that  would  arise  to  this  plan  would  probably  be  its 
effect  upon  the  classics.  It  will  be  said  that  we  should  thus  diminish 
the  amount  of  study  bestowed  on  Latin  and  Greek.  If,  by  placing 
Latin  and  Greek  upon  their  own  merits,  they  are  unable  to  retain 
their  present  place  in  the  education  of  civilized  and  christianized 
man,  then  let  them  give  place  to  something  better.  They  have,  by 
right,  no  pre-eminence  over  other  studies,  and  it  is  absurd  to  claim 
it  for  them.  But  we  go  farther.  In  our  present  system  we  devote 
some  six  or  seven  years  to  compulsory  study  of  the  classics.  Beside 
innumerable  academies,  we  have  one  hundred  and  twenty  colleges, 
in  which,  for  a  large  part  of  the  time,  classical  studies  occupy  the 
labors  of  the  student.  And  what  is  the  fruit?  How  many  of  these 
students  read  either  classical  Latin  or  Greek,  after  they  leave  college? 
If,  with  all  this  labor,  we  fail  to  imbue  our  young  men  with  a  love  of 
the  classics,  is  there  any  reason  to  fear  that  any  change  will  render 
their  position  less  advantageous?  Is  there  not  reason  to  hope  that, 
by  rendering  this  study  less  compulsory,  and  allowing  those  who  have 
a  taste  for  it  to  devote  themselves  more  thoroughly  to  classical  read 
ing,  we  shall  raise  it  from  its  present  depression,  and  derive  from  if 
all  the  benefit  which  it  is  able  to  confer? 

METEOROLOGICAL    OBSERVATIONS. 

This  subject  was  earnestly  commended  to  the  attention  of  the  Le 
gislature. 

The  establishment  of  a  system  of  observations  upon  the  subject  of 
meteorology,  and  more  especially  as  connected  with  mean  tempara- 
ture,  the  direction  and  force  of  winds,  state  of  the  atmosphere,  &c., 


267 

was  suggested  in  the  last  communication  from  this  department,  as  an 
important  object  to  all  classes  of  our  people,  and  more  especially  to 
our  agricultural  and  commercial  interest.  The  expense  attending  it 
•would  be  trifling  in  comparison  with  the  amount  of  good  to  be  ac 
complished,  and  the  work  may  be  properly  performed  by  the  profes 
sors,  without  detriment  to  their  other  duties.  This  system  of  obser 
vations  is  becoming,  and  is  now,  in  fact,  national — both  the  general 
government  and  particular  States  alike  interesting  themselves  is  an 
object  which  is  so  nearly  allied  to  the  most  useful  pursuits  and  pur 
poses  of  life.  The  most  valuable  information  in  this  respect  is  dis 
seminated  by  the  Board  of  Regents  of  the  New  York  University, 
who  last  year  revised  their  system,  and  recommended  that  proper  in 
struments  be  furnished  to  the  principal  towns  and  flourishing  literary 
institutions.  It  would  be  an  object  of  interest  and  profit,  both  in  a 
scientific  and  pecuniary  point  of  view,  to  all  our  citizens,  to  adopt  a 
similar  course  in  this  State,  and  to  furnish  various  institutions  in  dif 
ferent  sections  with  a  set  of  instruments,  the  cost  of  which  for  a  set 
very  well  adapted  to  the  purpose,  does  not  exceed  $32.  The  re 
marks  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Romeo  branch  upon  this  sub 
ject,  transmitted  with  their  report,  are  commended  to  the  attention  of 
the  Legislature. 

K.EPORT  OF  THE  REGKNTS. 

Since  the  last  report,  an  increase  had  been  made  in  the  number  of 
professors  by  the  appointment  of  Doctors  Gunn,  Allen  and  Denton, 
and  the  transfer  of  Professor  Sager  to  the  medical  department,  which 
was  now  organized.  The  first  announcement  of  the  medical  faculty 
was  published  this  year. 

In  the  department  of  arts  and  sciences,  the  whole  number  of  stu 
dents  was  72. 

The  estimated  receipts  for  the  ensuing  year  were  117,088  23.  The 
estimated  expenses  $16,263  33.  The  amount  received  to  the  credit 
of  the  University  fund,  from  July  1,  1849,  to  June  1,  1850,  was 
$10,682  47.  The  quantity  of  University  land  sold  during  the  same 
period  was  623.93  acres,  amounting  in  all  to  $9,568  09. 

The  following  is  a  statement  of  the  course  of  studies,  &c.,  pur 
sued  at  the  University: 

ADMISSION. 

Candidates  for  admission  to  the  Freshman  Class  must  not  be  less 
than  fourteen  years  of  age,  and  must  sustain  an  examination  in  Eng 
lish  Grammar,  Geography,  Arithmetic,  Algebra  through  simple 
equations,  first  part  of  Krebs'  Guide  for  the  writing  of  Latin,  Latin 
Reader,  Cornelius  Nepos,  (Arnold's,)  Cicero's  Orations  against  Cata- 
line,  Virgils  JCneid,  Greek  Reader  to  the  poetry,  the  four  Gospels, 
Latin  and  Greek  Grammar,  Keightley's  Grecian  and  Roman  His 
tory. 


268 

Candidates  for  au  advanced  standing,  in  addition  to  the  preparatory 
studies,  are  examined  in  the  studies  to  which  the  class  they  propose 
to  ehter  have  attended. 

All  applicants  for  admission  must  present  testimonials  of  good 
moral  character,  with  a  letter  from  a  parent  or  guardian;  and  students 
coming  from  other  colleges,  a  certificate  of  honorable  dismission. 

No  student  is  considered  a  regular  member  of  the  University,  until 
after  a  probation  of  twelve  weeks. 

RECITATIONS  AND  EXAMINATIONS. 

Each  class  attends  three  recitations  or  lectures  daily,  except  Sat 
urdays,  when  there  is  an  exercise  in  Elocution.  There  are  also 
frequent  exercises  in  translation,  composition  and  oral  or  written  dis 
putations. 

Public  examinations  are  held  at  the  close  of  each  term  attended  by 
the  board  of  visitors,  appointed  annually  by  the  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction,  and  by  a  committee  of  the  Regents. 

The  following  scheme  exhibits  the  subjects  studied  in  the  several 
terms  of  each  year: 

FRESHMAN  YEAH. FIRST  TERM. 

Livy,  (Lincoln's  or  Folsom's,)  Roman  Antiquities,  (Eschenberg's 
Manual')  Homer's  Odyssey,  (Owen's,)  Bourdon's  Algebra,  New 
man's  Rhetoric. 

SECOND    TERM. 

Livy,  Ancient  History,  Grecian  Antiquities,  (Esch.  Manual,)  Ho 
mer's  Odyssey,  Algebra,  Legendre's  Geometry. 

THIRD    TERM. 

Horace,  Odes,  Xenophon.  Anab.,  (Owen's,)  Geometry,  Botany. 
Zoology. 

Monday  morning,  throughout  the  year,  Greek  Testament,  (Gos 
pels.) 

SOPHOMORE    TEAR FIRST  TERM. 

Newman's  Rhetoric,  Horace  Satires,  Xenophons'  Anabasis,  Plane 
and  Spherical  Trigonometry,  Conic  Sections. 

SECOND  TERM. 

Analyt,  Geometry  and  Calculus,  Tacitus,  Germania  et  Agricola, 
(Tyler's,)  Demosthenes  de  corona,  Isocrates. 

THIRD    TERM. 

Sophocles,  Cicero  de  Senectute  et  de  Amicitia,  French. 

Monday  morning,  throughout  the  year,  Greek  Testament,  (Acts.) 

JUNIOR  YEAR — FIRST  TERM. 

Wayland's  Political  Economy,  Logic,  French,  Olmstead's  Natural 
Philosophy. 

SECOND  TERM. 

Tacitus,  Historia,  Euripides,  Natural  Philosophy,  Chemistry,  Mi 
neralogy. 


269 

THIRD  TERM. 

German,  Blair's  Rhetoric,  Olmstead's  Astronomy. 
Monday  morning1,   throughout  the  year,  Greek  Testament,  (Epis 
tles.) 

SENIOR  YEAR FIRST  TERM. 

Geology,  Upham's  Mental  Philosophy,  German. 

SECOND  TERM. 

Upham's  Mental  Philosophy,  (3d  Vol.,)  Whateley's  Logic,  Way- 
land's  Moral  Science,  Natural  Theology,  Evidences  of  Christianity. 

THIRD    TERM. 

Butler's  Analogy,  Plato's  Gorgias. 

Monday  morning,  throughout  the  year,  Greek  Testament,  (Epis 
tles.) 

BOOKS  OF  REFERENCE. 

Ramshorn's  or  Dumcsnil's  Latin  Synonymes,  Smith's  Dictionary 
of  Greek  and  Roman  Antiquities,  Anthon's  Classical  Dictionary, 
Mitchell's  or  Butler's  Atlas  Ulassica,  Mitchell's  Ancient  Geography, 
Cousin's  Psychology,  Stewart's  Philosophical  Works,  Locke  on  the 
Human  Understanding,  Edward's  on  the  Will,  Whe well's  Elements 
of  Morality. 

EXPENSES. 

The  only  charges  of  the  institution  are  an  admission  fee  of  $10, 
and  a  sum,  ranging  from  $5  to  $7  50  a  year,  for  room  rent  and  the 
services  of  the  janitor,  a  receipt  for  the  payment  of  which,  signed  by 
the  inspector  of  the  University  buildings,  must  be  presented  to  the 
president  of  the  faculty,  before  a  student  can  be  permitted  to  recite. 
Tuition  is  gratuitous.  Including  board,  washing  and  books,  the  ne 
cessary  expenses  of  a  student,  for  a  year,  will  range  from  $70  to 
$100. 

GOVERNMENT. 

In  the  government  of  the  institution,  the  faculty  ever  keep  in  mind 
that  most  of  the  students  are  of  an  age  which  renders  absolutely 
necessary  some  substitute  for  parental  superintendence.  It  is  believed 
that  no  college  in  our  country  can  secure  public  confidence,  without 
•watching  over  the  morals  of  its  students,  and  making  strict  propri 
ety  of  conduct,  as  well  as  diligent  application  to  study,  a  condition  of 
membership. 

Considering,  therefore,  the  government  of  the  students  as  a  sub 
stitute  for  the  regulations  of  home,  the  Faculty  endeavor  to  bring  it 
as  near  to  the  character  of  parental  control  as  the  nature  of  the  case 
will  admit,  and  to  attain  the  end,  not  wholly  nor  chiefly  by  constraint 
and  the  dread  of  penalty,  but  by  the  influence  of  persuasion  and  kind 
ness. 

But  there  may  be  in  the  college,  es  well  as  in  the  family,  or  com 
munity,  perverse  individuals,  whom  nothing  but  the  fear  of  penalty 
will  influence.  In  respect  to  such,  the  faculty  consider  themselves 
bound,  as  standing  in  the  place  of  parent  or  guardian,  to  see  that 


270 

the  student  be  kindly  and  faithfully  advised  and  admonished,  and  also 
that  the  parent  be  fully  informed  of  any  improper  conduct  in  his  son. 
If  such  correction  prove  insufficient,  a  regard  for  the  best  interests  of 
such  a  young  man,  and  certainly  a  proper  care  for  the  other  mem 
bers  of  the  institution,  require  that  he  should  be  removed.  He  has 
forfeited  all  claims  on  the  institution,  by  violating  the  indispensible 
conditions  on  which  its  advantages  are  to  be  enjoyed,  and  is,  there 
fore,  forthwith  to  be  returned  to  his  parent  or  guardian. 

Parents  are  advised  to  appoint  a  guardian  in  Ann  Arbor,  to  take 
charge  of  funds  for  the  use  of  their  sons. 

No  student  shall  be  excused  to  return  home,  unless  at  the  written 
request  of  his  parent  or  guardian. 

PUBLIC  WORSHIP. 

The  students  are  required  to  attend  prayers  daily  in  the  college 
chapel,  and  to  attend  public  worship  on  the  Sabbath,  at  such  one  of 
the  churches  in  the  village  of  Ann  Arbor,  as  their  parents  or  guar 
dians  may  direct 

LITERARY  SOCIETIES. 

There  are  two  literary  societies  connected  with  the  college,  which 
hold  weekly  meetings  during  term  time,  and  possess  valuable  libra 
ries  of  select  and  miscellaneous  books. 

VACATION. 

Vacations  are  as  follows,  viz: 

From  commencement,  the  3d  Wednesday  in  July — eight  weeks. 
From  Wednesday  next  preceding  the  25th  December — two  weeks- 
Froin  the  3d  Wednesday  in  April — three  weeks. 

CALENDAR  FOR   1850. 

Jan'ry  3.  Winter  term  begins. 
April  10.  Examinations  commence. 

"       17.  JUNIOR  EXHIBITION — term  ends. 
May     9.  Summer  term  begins. 
July  10.  Examinations  commence. 

"       16.  Annual  meeting  of  Regents. 

"       17.  COMMENCEMENT — term  ends 

"       18.  Examination  of  candidates. 
Sept-  11.  Examination  of  candidates. 

"      12.  Fall  term  begins. 
Dec.  11.  Examinations  commence. 

*'      18.  PUBLIC  DECLAMATION — term  ends. 

DEPARTMENT  OF  MEDICINE. 

Arrangements  are  being  made  to  commence  a  course  of  instruc 
tion  in  this  department,  in  the  autumn  term  of  1850. 

The  Board  of  Regents  have  adopted  the  plan  of  requiring  attend 
ance  upon  but  one  course  of  lectures,  which,  in  consequence,  will  be 
extended  through  the  academic  year,  and  subject  to  the  same  vaca 
tions  as  in  the  department  of  science  and  arts. 


271 

The  requirements  for  admission  will  be  made  to  conform  to  those 
advised  by  the  National  Medical  Convention,  viz:  "  a  good  English 
education,  the  knowledge  of  natural  philosophy,  the  elementary 
mathematical  sciences,  and  such  an  acquaintance  with  the  Latin  and 
Greek  languages,  as  will  enable  the  student  to  appreciate  the  techni 
cal  language  of  medicine,  and  read  and  write  prescriptions." 

EXTRACT  FROM  REPORT  OF    THE  BOARD  OF' VISITORS. 

The  board  consisted  of  the  following  gentlemen,  viz:  Rufus  Hos- 
mer,  Esq.,  Hon.  Ellsworth  Walkley,  Hon.  Wm.  Finley,  Rev.  L.  Smith 
Hobart,  Geo.  C.  Gibbs,  Esq. 

Of  the  board  of  visitors  appointed  to  make  a  personal  exam 
ination  into  the  state  of  the  University  for  the  current  year,  Messrs. 
Gibbs,  Walkley  and  Hobart  were  present  at  the  exercises  of  com 
mencement  in  July  last;  at  which  time  they  attended  in  part  to  the 
duty  assigned  them.  The  examination  of  the  students  was  atttended 
only  by  the  last  named  member.  The  examination,  which  com 
menced  on  the  llth  ultimo  and  continued  six  days,  was  attended 
throughout  by  Messrs.  Hosmer,  Walkley  and  Hobart,  with  the  ex 
ception  of  a  day  each,  in  the  case  of  Messrs.  Hosmer  and  Walkley. 
Having  endeavored  to  become  as  fully  acquainted  with  the  state  of 
the  University  in  all  respects,  as  their  opportunities  would  permit, 
the  undersigned  would  respectfully  submit  the,following  report: 

The  addresses  of  the  graduating  class  at  commencement,  evinced  a 
good  degree  of  talent  and  study.  They  were  bold  and  manly  in 
sentiment,  generally  marked  by  good  taste  in  composition,  free  and 
vigorous  in  elocution.  We  were  deeply  impressed  with  the  great 
need  there  is  for  more  spacious  accommodations  for  these  exercises 
than  have  hitherto  been  enjoyed.  Commencement  at  the  University 
is  the  literary  festival  of  our  State.  It  is  an  occasion  when  large 
numbers  from  all  parts  feel  disposed  to  meet  at  our  ATHENS;  many 
too  whose  presence  adds  to  the  interest,  and  stimulates  a  generous 
emulation  among  the  candidates  for  collegiate  honors.  But  it  is 
known  to  this  board  that  not  a  few  are  annually  deterred  from  atten 
dance,  by  the  probability  that  if  they  come  to  the  place  they  may 
fail  of  gaining  access  to  the  crowded  room  where  the  exercises  are 
held;  or  at  best,  witness  them  only  from  the  midst  of  so  dense  a 
crowd  as  to  deprive  the  occasion  of  all  enjoyment.  We  think  that 
not  one-fourth  the  number  of  our  citizens  attend  commencement  that 
would  attend  gladly  if  they  were  sure  of  a  favorable  opportunity  to 
witness  the  exercises.  It  is  true,  the  plan  of  the  University  contem 
plates  the  erection  of  a  chapel  much  more  spacious  than  either  of 
the  churches  now  used  on  commencement  occasions.  But  we  sup 
pose  that  a  number  of  years  yet  must  elapse,  before  that  can  be  done; 
and  besides,  we  doubt  whether,  when  erected,  it  will  not  then  be 
found  as  inadequate  to  accommodate  those  who  will  desire  to  attend 
this  literary  anniversary,  as  the  churches  now  used. 

We  suggest,  therefore,  as  what  seems  to  us  a  far  preferable  mode 
of  meeting  this  want,  the  purchase  of  a  large  canvas  tent.  The  one 


272 

owned  at  Oberlin,  Ohio,  was  procured  and  used  on  one  occasion  with 
great  satisfaction.  A  tent  of  that  descripttou,  which  will  easily  ac 
commodate  2,500  persons,  will  cost  about  $500.  Should  a  tent  be 
purchased,  the  erection  of  a  chapel  might  be  deferred  without  seri 
ous  inconvenience,  for  a  number  of  years.  So  crowded  are  the 
churches  now  used,  and  so  liable  to  damage,  that  it  is  with  much  and 
increasing  reluctance  that  their  use  is  allowed.  Some  of  them,  in 
deed,  can  no  longer  be  obtained.  We  believe  the  best  interests  of 
the  University  demand  that  the  proposed  purchase  should  be  made 
without  needless  delay. 

The  recent  term  was  closed  with  public  declamation  by  several 
members  from  each  of  the  three  lower  classes.  The  speaking,  with 
few  exceptions,  was  highly  creditable.  Excellence,  in  this  respect, 
is  so  important  in  our  country,  and  its  attainment  may  be  so  effectual 
ly  eaeouraged,  that  we  would  strongly  recommend  the  bestowment 
of  a  prize  upon  the  best  speaker  in  each  of  the  classes.  These  pri 
zes  might  very  appropriately  consist  of  books  with  suitable  inscrip 
tions,  signed  by  the  Faculty;  and  they  would  be  sought,  not  so  much 
for  their  intrinsic  worth,  which  might  indeed  be  small,  as  for  the 
testimonial  which  they  would  afford  of  pre-eminence  in  elocution. 

#  *  #  #  •&  *  * 

The  Board  have  given  some  attention  to  the  course  of  instruction 
pursued  in  the  University.  We  suppose  that  the  great  aim  of  all  in 
tellectual  culture  is  two-fold — the  discipline  of  the  mind  and  the  sto 
ring  it  with  knowledge.  Of  these,  in  a  collegiate  course,  discipline 
is  doubtless  the  more  important;  and  yet,  to  a  great  extent,  it  must 
be  sought  in  the  use  of  means  by  which  also  knowledge  may  be  ac 
quired.  There  are  doubtless  some  studies  more  largely  conducive 
to  mental  discipline  than  others,  and  yet  we  judge  that  discipline  will 
be  the  sure  result,  in  some  valuable  degree,  of  all  study,  the  pursuit 
of  which  is  marked  by  accuracy  and  self-reliance;  and  here,  in  our 
view,  is  indicated  the  true  work,  to  a  great  extent,  of  the  instructor. 

In  regard  to  the  knowledge  to  be  imparted  in  a  collegiate  course, 
it  is  obvious  then,  that  the  aim  should  be  not  to  perfect  the  pupil  in 
merely  a  few  branches  of  learning;  nor,  on  the  other  hand,  to  furnish 
a  little  of  almost  everything;  nor  yet,  to  complete  the  details  of  either 
a  professional  or  a  practical  education,  but  rather  to  commence  a  thor 
ough  course,  and  carry  it  as  far  as  the  term  of  collegiate  study  will 
allow;  to  be  regarded,  and  to  be  in  fact,  the  proper  and  substantial 
foundation  of  whatever  superstructure,  professional  or  practical,  each 
man  may  see  fit  to  rear  upon  it.  In  this  view,  it  is  clearly  necessa 
ry,  if  a  proper  symmetry  and  balance  of  character  is  to  be  secured, 
that  all  the  important  faculties  be  brought  duly  into  exercise.  In 
selecting  the  subjects  upon  which  the  powers  of  the  mind  shall  be 
employed,  respect  must  be  had  to  those  kinds  and  degrees  of  knowl 
edge  which  are  properly  fundamental  to  all  professions  and  pursuits, 
and  which  may  be  compassed  within  the  period  of  collegiate  study; 
and  then  with  a  view  to  the  attainment  of  that  mental  discipline  in 
dispensable  to  true  scholarship,  the  subjects  of  study,  judiciously  se 
lected,  must  be  pursued  with  the  spirit  of  manly  self-reliance  and 
critical  accuracy. 


273 

How  far  this  latter  object  is  likely  to  be  secured  by  the  manner  in 
which  the  business  of  instruction  is  con  lucted  in  the  University,  has 
been  already  indicated.  In  regard  to  (he  course  of  study  adopted 
for  the  University,  we  believe  it  in  the  main  to  be  good — that  which 
the  experience  of  our  best  institutions  has  shown  to  be  best,  both  ia 
the  subjects  and  the  authors.  We  learn,  however,  wilh  regret,  that 
the  stu  ly  of  History  has  been  dropped  from  the  course.  We  would 
suggest  whether,  for  reasons  that  surely  need  not  be  stated,  it  ought 
not  to  be  restored,  if  so  important  a  subject  has  been  omitted  for 
the  want  of  time,  we  would  suggest  further,  that  the  recitation  ia 
the  Greek  Testament,  which  now  occupies  every  Monday  morning 
throughout  the  whole  course,  and  in  which  no  examination  is  sus 
tained  by  the  students,  and  which  we  have  reason  to  believe  is  near 
ly  valueless,  be  stricken  from  three  years  of  the  course,  and  its  place, 
or  time  equivalent,  occupied  by  History.  The  exercise  in  the  Greek 
Testament  we  would  limit  to  one  year,  and  require  the  class  study 
ing  it  to  sustain  a  rigid  examination,  as  in  other  studies. 

We  would  also  suggest  whether  the  value  of  the  course  would  not 
be  somewhat  enhanced  by  substituting  for  Botany  and  Zoology,  an 
equal  amount  of  instruction  in  Human  Physiology,  and  the  general 
principles  of  civil  law.  Not  indeed,  as  introductory,  or  specially  re 
lated  to  medical  or  legal  science,  but  as  affording  knowledge  emi 
nently  practical,  and  fundamental  in  all  the  pursuits  in  life. 

We  hive  given  some  attention  to  the  relative  importance  of  t lie  sub 
jects  in  the  course  of  study,  and  to  the  amount  of  time  which  is  in 
fact  bestowed  upon  each.  A  careful  examimtion  shows  that  the  ag 
gregate  of  the  recitations  and  lectures  in  the  whole  course  of  ^tudy, 
as  it  is  arranged  and  exhibited  in  the  catalogue  for  1^50.  is  2?3if>,  to 
which  should  be  added  200.  as  the  estimated  value  of  the  exercises 
in  elocution  and  cridcisra.  making  a  total  of  2,545. 

Of  these,  330  are  devoted  to  Latin, 
6:10  Greek, 

495  Mathematics,  pure  and  mixed, 

236  "  Modern  languages, 

854  "  all  other  subjects. 

Now,  to  us,  there  has  appeared  no  sufficient  reason  for  giving  to 
the  Greek  languao-c  in  the  curriculum  the  pre-eminence  over  the 
Lttin.  We  are  of  the  opinion  that  it  holds  no  such  pre-eminence  in 
the  best  colleges  in  our  country  as  it  holds  in  our  University,  where 
it  will  be  seen  that  Greek  has  nearly  double  the  time  that  is  assigned 
to  Latin.  We  would  suggest  that  at  least  70  recitations  should  be 
added  to  the  Latin,  making  its  number  400;  and  that  the  Greek 
should  be  reduced  to  the  same  number.  This  would  make  the  num 
ber  representing  the  ancient  languages,  800.  Now,  while  we  are 
not  prepared  to  say  that  the  Mathematics  (including  Natural  Philos 
ophy  and  Astronomy)  should  receive  the  sume  amount  of  attention 
as  the  languages,  yet  we  are  well  persuaded,  whether  respect  be  h  -d 
to  the  attainment  of  mentd  d  s  ipline  or  useful  knowledge,  that  this 
department  of  studv  should  occupy  a  larger  place  thun  ei'her  Latin 
or  Greek  alone.  We  would  therefore  recommend,  without  hesitation,, 
35 


274 

that  the  number  representing  the  mathematics  be  so  far  increased 
as  to  stand  at  five  hundred.  It'  it  should  be  thought  that  the  pro 
posed  limit  ition  in  respect-  to  L»tin  and  Greek  will  leave  the  gradu 
ate  with  too  imperfect  a  knowledge  of  these  languages,  we  can  only 
say  we  know  of  no  remedy  for  the  evil  better  than  that  which  was 
suggested  by  the  bo  »rd  of  visitors  last  preceding  us.  Let  a  larger 
amount  of  classical  knowledge  be  required  as  a  condition  of  mem 
bership  in  the  University. 

On  the  subject  of  Modern  Languages,  we  concur  with  a  former 
board  of  visitors,  in  saving  that  students  in  our  University  possess 
in  this  respect  superior  privileges;  and  that  the  provision  made  for 
them  is  particularly  appropriate  to  our  western  States,  tilling  up  as 
they  are  with  a  foreign  population  from  most  of  the  European  na 
tions.  We  regret  that  the  Regents  have  found  occasion  to  strike 
from  the  course  the  Spanish  and  Italian  languages,  but  especially  the 
former.  The  extension  of  our  territorial  limits  in  thesouihwest,  has 
made  the  demand  for  an  acquaintance  with  that  language  by  many 
of  our  people,  somewhat  more  practical  and  urgent  than  formerly. 
But  what  we  regret  much  more  in  relation  to  this  subject,  is  that  only 
two  terms  of  study  are  allowed  to  each  of  the  languages  retained, 
the  French  and  the  German.  Although  much  is  accomplished,  yet 
this  brief  period  leaves  the  acquisition  so  imperfect,  that  it  is  felt, 
both, by  the  student  and  the  instructor,  that  there  is  great  danger 
that  all  will  be  lost.  So  important  has  it  seemed  to  the  professor  in 
this  department  that  the  instruction  should  be  carried  further,  that  we 
understand  he  has  offered  to  instruct  the  classes  in  French  and  Ger 
man  another  term  in  each  year,  gratuitously,  if  he  might  be  allowed 
the  opportunity.  We  therefore  strongly  recommend  that  the  instruc 
tion  in  French  and  German  be  extended  to  two  hundred  recitations 
in  each,  that  is,  through  the  year,  instead  of  being  confined  to  two 
terms,  as  at  present. 

The  board  of  visitors  have  been  led  to  inquire  whether  the  Uni 
versity  may  not  be  made  more  largely  to  promote  the  educational 
interests  of  the  State,  by  extcnding'its  advantages,  in  part  at  least,  to 
many  to  whom  they  are  not  now  open.  We  think  the  number  is 
considerable  of  those  who,  from  the  want  of  time  or  means,  or  a  dis 
position,  will  never  enter  the  University  to  pursue  the  full  course  of 
instruction  as  now  laid  down;  who  still,  if  it  were  allowed,  would 
gladly  avail  themselves  of  the  instruction  imparted  upon  a  part  of 
the  subjects  of  the  course.  Why,  then,  while  the  University  shall 
continue  to  confer  degrees  only  upon  those  who  have  finished  the 
usual  prescribed  course,  shall  not  other  students  who  do  not  aim  at 
the  honors  of  the  Univerbiiy,  be  allowed,  under  proper  regulations,  to 
attend  on  the  instruction  of  the  classes,  as  far  as  they  shall  choose? 
And,  indeed,  why  may  not  the  daughters  of  our  citizens,  as  well  as 
their  sons,  participate  in  the  advantages  afforded  bv  the  University, 
at  least  so  f -r  as  to  attend  the  various  courses  of  lectures  that  may 
be  delivered  to  the  undergraduates?  This  plan  would  afford  the 
very  best  advantages  to  those  who,  from  circumstances,  wish  for  a 
limited  education.  And  such  an  education  must  after  all,  be  that 


•275 

which  is  acquired  by  the  great  body  of  our  public  and  practical  men. 
That  the  means  of  such  mi  education  should  be  abundant,  and  the 
encuur  'gements  every  way  adequate,  uone  will  deny.  If  there  are 
any  valid  objections  to  die  proposed  extension  ot  the  advantages 
afforded  by  the  University,  they  have  riot  occurred  to  us;  and  we 
de.-ire  that  the  suggestion  should  receive  a  respectful  consideration. 

We  wUh  distinctly  to  reiterate  the  suggestions  of  former  visitors 
in  regard  to  the  employment  of  Tutors.  We  believe  at  least  two  to 
be  greatly  needed. 

1st.  1  hat  the  so  called  professors  may  become  professors  in  fact; 
that  they  may  be  relieved  in  part  from  ihu  mere  detail  and  drudgery 
of  drill,  and  devote  themselves  to  the  preparation  and  delivery  of 
courses  of  lectures,  illustrating  and  enlivening  the  subjects  of  study 
in  their  several  departments — lectures  which  shall,  besides,  answer 
some  valuable  end  to  the  students  as  models  of  writing  and  effective 
elocution. 

*2d.  Because,  while  on  the  one  hand  there  is  needed  the  experience 
of  those  who  have  been  long  resident  at  the  institution,  there  is  equil 
need  on  the  other  of  the  fresh  and  minute  information  of  those  who, 
having  more  recently  mingled  with  students,  have  a  distinct  recollec 
tion  of  their  peculiar  feelings,  prejudices,  and  habits  of  thinking. 
We  doubt,  indeed,  whether  elementary  principles  are  not  generally- 
more  likely  to  be  taught  to  the  best  advantage  by  the  voung  than  by 
those  whose  researches  have  carried  them  so  far  beyond  the  simpler 
truths  that  they  come  b-ick  to  them  with  reluctance  and  distaste. 
Young  men  have  usually  more  ardor  than  those  more  adv. meed,  in, 
communicating  familiar  principles,  and  in  removing  those  lighter  dif- 
fieulues  of  the  student  which,  not  long  since,  were  found  lying  across 
their  own  path. 

3d.  They  are  needed  for  purposes  of  police  f*nd  salutary  restraint. 
When  so  runny  young  men,  of  every  variety  of  character  are  as 
sembled  in  collegiate  halls,  away  from  parental  restraint,  and  the  lar 
ger  ptrt  of  their  time,  both  day  and  night,  from  the  oversight  of 
their  instructors,  it  would  indeed  be  strange  if  there  were  not  m?my 
improprieties  and  irregularities,  greatly  detrimental  to  the  student's 
advancement  in  study,  injurious  to  his  physical  constitution,  and  des 
tructive  to  his  morals.  The  desirableness  of  Tutors  in  respect  to  the 
restraint  which  they  may  t  xercise  upon  students — being  always  with 
them — not  only  during  the  business  of  the  day,  but  in  hours  as 
signed  to  rest,  may  nut  be  appreciated  by  some,  simply  from  their 
not  knowing  how  gretit  and  how  constant  the  occasion  is  for  such 
surve'llance. 

We  have  much  pleasure  in  thinking  that  one  of  the  important 
wants  of  the  University  is  at  lengih  to  be  supplied.  We  refer  to  a 
President.  By  the  eiglvh  section  in  the  thirftemh  article  of  the  new 
constitution,  the  first  Bo  id  of  Regents  elected  by  the  people,  are 
required  »t  their  first  annunl  meeting  or  »s  soon  thereafter  as  may 
be  to  elect  a  piesidem  ot  the  Universi  y,  who  shall  be  its  prin<  i;  al 
executive  officer,  and  aUo  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Regents.  "We 
believe  that  the  accession  of  a  president,  who  shall  be  worthy  of  the 


276 

place — having  a  reputation  already  established,  combining  the  essen 
tial  qualifications  of  an  efficient  executive  officer,  and  a  successful 
instructor — will  be  a  happy  era  in  the  history  of  the  institution.  We 
hope  the  election  of  a  president  will  take  place  at  the  earliest  possible 
period. 

This  board  would  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  well  tried  and 
time  honored  system,  nearly  universal  in  the  higher  literary  institu 
tions  of  oar  country,  of  graduating  the  merit  of  the  higher  classes, 
and  awarding  collegiate  honors  at.  commencement  and  junior  exhibi 
tions,  find  no  place  in  our  University.  This  subject  has  been  noticed 
in  the  reports  of  several  former  boards,  and  we  shall  cordi  lly  adopt 
the  following  extract  frosa  the  report  of  last  year:  "The  board  are 
not  satisfied  that  the  government  of  the  University  act  wisely  in 
withholding  all  inducements  to  application,  except  such  as  arise  from 
the  love  of  books  and  the  hope  of  future  usefulness.  Many  a  stu 
dent  may  l  trim  his  midnight  lamp  and  watch  his  lone  taper  till  the 
stars  go  out,'  from  such  high  incentives — but  many  more  will  be 
found  to  flag  in  their  onward  course  to  the  summit  of  the  hill  of  sci 
ence.  To  many  of  the  latter,  competition  for  the  prizes  of  a  colle 
giate  course,  furnishes  constant  stimulus  to  honorable  action;  and 
when  those  prizes  are  won,  the  distinction  feeds  ambition  with  fur 
ther  desire.  Let  the  Regents  devise  a  judicious  system  for  the  dis 
tribution  of  such  rewards,  and  they  will  soon  discover  their  salut  ry 
effects  upon  the  students,  by  a  regular  attendance  at  the  University, 
and  general  application  to  study." 

In  the  opinion  of  this  board,  the  interests  of  the  University  have 
been  seriously  neglected,  in  respect  to  philosophical  and  astronomical 
apparatus.  Although  the  Regents  have  been  fully  authorized  from 
the  beginning,  to  expend  so  much  of  the  interest  arising  from  the 
University  fund  as  might  be  necessary  for  the  purchase  of  such  ap 
paratus;  yet,  up  to  the  present  time;,  there  is  nothing  deserving  the 
name.  Six  classes  have  been  obliged  to  graduate  without  the  impor 
tant  advantages  afforded  by  even  a  moderate  supply  of  apparatus, 
and  for  ought  that  appears,  the  prospect  is  no  better  for  still  other 
classes.  We  are  aware  that  it  will  be  alledged  that  the  funds  were 
all  needed  for  the  erection  of  additional  buildings.  We  believe,  how 
ever,  that  it  was  due  to  the  young  men  who  have  graduated  at  the 
University — to  the  best  reputation  of  the  insti  ution  itself,  and  to  'he 
claims  of  thorough  scholarship — that  the  erection  of  the  last  two 
buildings  should  have  been  deferred  for  one  or  two  years  longer,  and 
the  money  appropriated  to  the  purchase  of  such  a  supply  of  app?ira- 
tus  as  would  at  least  have  met  the  more  urgent  wants  of  the  Univer 
sity  in  that  respect.  We  would  strongly  urge  that  this  interest  should 
receive  immediate  attention. 

The  Min  era  logical  Cabinet,  which  for  the  number  of  specimens  it 
contains  is  believed  to  be  unsurpassed  in  the  country,  appears  to  be 
in  good  condition,  yet  it  seems  to  us  that  its  utility  is  greatly  circum 
scribed  from  the  want  of  a  catalogue  containing  an  easy  re  U  re  nee  ro 
every  specimen,  together  with  a  concise  description  of  each.  The 
only  catalogue  of  the  Cabinet  is  a  manuscript  in  the  German  lun- 


277 

guage,  prepared  by  the  gentleman  of  whom  the  collection  was  p\ir- 
chased.  Hence  the  Cabinet  is  nearly  as  unintelligible  to  the  students 
through  a  large  part  of  their  course,  as  would  be  a  volume  of  Chi 
nese.  The  same  is  true  of  the  numerous  visitors  to  the  University. 
A  catalogue,  which  the  professor  of  mineralogy  has  assured  us  tie 
would  cheerfully  prepare  without  charge,  (such  is  his  sense  of  its 
desirableness,)  and  the  printing  of  which  might  cost  thirty-five 
dollars,  would  essentially  aid  the  study  of  this  important  branch  of 
knowledge,  as  well  as  add  greatly  to  the  pleasure  and  profit  of  our 
citizens,  and  of  strangers  who  have  occasion  to  visit  the  Cabinet. 
We  judge  it  highly  important,  therefore,  that  an  appropriation  of  the 
small  sum  necessary  should  be  immediately  made  for  the  printing  of 
such  catalogue  of  the  I'abinet  as  we  have  suggested. 

The  Medical  Department  of  the  University  went  into  operation  the 
first  Wednesday  in  October  last.  Five  professors  are  occupied  in 
giving  instruction  at  the  rate  of  four  lectures  a  day  for  nearly  seven 
mon  hs  in  the  year.  The  editice  which  had  been  erected  for  this 
department,  is  elegant  and  commodious,  and  capable  of  accommo 
dating  a  large  class  of  students.  The  number  of  students  now  in 
attendance  is  eighty-eight,  of  whom  nine  are  candidates  for  degrees. 

With  gratuitous  instruction,  with  the  ample  material  and  means 
of  illustration  which  will  soon  be  possessed,  and  with  a  diligent  and 
skillful  Faculty,  the  prospect  is  flattering  that  this  department  will  be 
highly  prosperous. 

By  the  law,  (II.  S.,  chapter  57,  section  15  )  it  is  made  the  duty  of 
the  superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  annually  to  appoint  a  board 
of  i*isitors<  "whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  make  a  personal  examination 
into  the  state  of  the  University  in  all  its  departments,  and  report  the 
result  to  the  Superintendent,  suggesting  such  improvements  as  they 
may  deem  important,  which  report  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  Legis 
lature  at  its  next  session."  We  suppose  this  law  was  intended  to  se 
cure  to  the  public  a  means  of  full  and  accurate  information  concern 
ing  the  University,  additional  to  and  independent  of  all  other  means; 
and  we  beliwve  the  accomplishment  of  this  ooject  to  be  highly  im 
portant,  both  to  the  people  and  to  the  University  itself.  If  the  peo 
ple  know  that  the  institution  is  wisely  managed  and  useful,  it  will 
possess  their  confidence  and  be  sacredly  cherished.  If  mismanage 
ment  and  inefficiency  are  sure  to  be  exposed,  they  will  rarely  exist. 
It  ought  however  to  be  understood  that  the  duties  of  a  board  of  visi 
tors,  such  as  the  law  contemplates,  cannot  be  properly  performed  by 
a  mere  attendance  on  commencement  exercises,  or  by  a  few  hours 
spent  in  witnessing  the  examination  of  students,  or  by  a  pleasant  walk 
through  the  library  and  cabinet.  It  is  demanded  that  they  should 
prosecute  their  work  in  a  business  like  manner,  giving  to  it  time 
enough  to  investigate  thoroughly  the  condition  of  the  University  in 
all  respects;  and  then  to  miike  a  full  report  of  the  results — and  to 
do  this,  even  though  it  ixny  sometimes  occasion  the  sacrifice  of  per 
sonal  feelings  and  interests  for  the  general  good.  It  has  been  alleged 
that  the  duties  of  the  visitors  have  generally  been  performed  in  a 
superficial  manner.  This  may  be  true;  but  it  is  pertinent  to  inquire 


278 

whether  it  may  not  be  traced,  in  part  at  least,  to  the  fact  that  but 
few  persons  can  be  found  who  are  willing  to  give  not  only  their  time 
and  their  labor  to  such  an  investigation,  but  also  to  bear  their  own 
expenses  while  thus  employed. 

The  board  of  visitors  had  desired  to  make  a  full  examination  into 
fae  financial  condition  of  the  University,  but  the  want  of  time,  and 
an  intimauon  that  the  Regents  of  the  University  had  been  called  upon 
for  a  full  and  detailed  statement  of  the  financial  affairs  of  the  insti 
tution  from  its  commencement  to  the  present  time,  by  the  {Superin 
tendent  of  Public  Instruction,  they  are  satisfied  that  information  upon 
the  subject  referred  to,  long  desired,  and  of  much  importance,  will 
be  furnished. 

In  view  of  the  expenditure  of  about  $H5,000  in  the  erection  of 
buildings  and  the  purchase  of  books  and  apparatus,  and  ihe  annual 
expenditure  of  about  $|U.U50  »s  salaries  of  the  professor,-,  supeiin- 
tendent  of  building,  and  other  incidental  expenses,  with  an  endow 
ment  sufficient  to  carry  out  all  the  benith-ent  designs  of  its  original 
founders,  the  inquiry  naturally  arises,  wlnj  is  it  that  with  such  an  ex 
penditure  the  number  of  students  actually  in  attendance  should  be  so 
Witt?  The  number  of  students  actually  in  attendance,  WHS  ascer 
tained  to  be  fifty,  besides  five  or  six  who  were  said  to  be  absent 
teaching,  but  who  are  pursuing  their  studies.  This  number,  it  is 
believed,  is  about  an  average  of  the  number  for  the  past  ten  years, 
but  less  than  an  average  for  the  past  five  years.  The  largest  class 
which  has  graduated  in  any  year  numbered  twenty-three,  and  the 
smallest,  ten;  and  the  whole  number  who  have  graduated  is  eighty- 
n  ne. 

The  institution  was  intended  to  be  a  free  institution,  and  it  is  nearly 
so  to  the  student.  With  an  adequate  number  of  professors  and 
rooms  sufficient  to  accommodate  more  than  double  the  number  of 
students  in  attendance,  from  some  cause  the  inducements  or  advan- 
tage8  offered  seem  not  to  be  sufficient.  It  has  been  said  that  the  in 
stitution  has  not  yet  acquired  a  reputation,  bur  we  cannot  learn  when 
one  will  be  acquired  under  its  present  management.  An  institution 
without  a  head  that  can  command  the  confidence  or  respect  of  the 
community  or  students,  with  professors  in  some  cases  selected  less 
for  their  scientific  attainments  and  reputation  as  instructors  than  for 
other  considerations,  and  without  unity  of  feeling  or  action,  it  cannot 
be  surprising  that  the  expectations  of  the  framers  of  the  institution 
have  not  yet  been  realized,  or  that  the  institution  has  not,  yet  acqui 
red  a  reputation  sufficient  to  fill  its  halls  with  students  willing  to  be 
educated  gratis. 

Our  State  is  not  so  destitute  of  young  men  of  natural  ability  and 
ambition  as  a  superficial  view  of  the  Uni verity  would  indicate.  The 
original  pl*n  of  the  institution  would  not  furnish  accommodations 
sufficient  for  those  who  would  ask  to  partake  of  i:s  advantages,  if  it 
h  id  a  responsible  head,  wiih  an  established  reputation  sufficient  lo 
command  respect  and  confidence,  (  -s  we  are  satisfied  soon  will  be 
the  case,)  and  the  professors'  chairs  were  filled  with  those  not  only 
competent  to  di&charge  the  duties  assigned  them,  but  willing  to  act 


279 

in  concert  for  the  advancement  of  the  institution  and  the  welfare  of 
the  students  committed  to  their  ch  rge. 

It  is  with  mortification  that  we  have  felt  compelled  to  sp<  ak  of  this 
subject,  but  our  duty  required  it,  and  we  have  looked  tor  no  other 
rule  to  guide  us. 

In  closing  this  report,  we  would  express  our  strong  hope  th^t 
those  who  luve  predicted  evil  to  the  University  from  the  change 
which  is  soon  to  take  place  in  the  manner  of  constituting  the  Board 
of  Regents,  will  be  thoroughly  disappointed;  and  we  are  sure  they 
will  be  if  the  friends  of  the  University  are  duly  active,  and  show 
themselves  more  anxious  for  its  prosperity  than  for  the  gratification 
of  their  political  preferences. 

Let  the  University  be  preserved  entirely  free  from  party  strife; 
let  it  be  kept  a  common  object  of  friendly  and  favoring  regard  among 
the  sever d  religious  denominations  of  the  State;  let  its  ample  endow 
ment  be  vigilantly  guarded,  and  all  its  expenditures  made  with  a 
strict  regard  to  wisdom  and  economy;  let  its  Regents  be  educated 
men,  men  of  broad  and  comprehensive  views,  practical  and  ener 
getic,  and  devoted  to  the  interests  of  the  University;  let  its  corps  of 
instructors  be  able  and  earnest  men  skillful  to  teach,  and  wise  and 
faithful  in  administering  the  discipline  of  the  institution — and  our 
University  will  indeed  be  the  pride  of  the  State,  destined  to  hold  a 
distinguished  place  among  the  varied  agencies  for  diffusing  useful 
knowledge  among  men. 

STATE  NORMAL  8CHOOL. 

The  members  of  the  board  consisted  of  the  following  gentlemen, 
in  addition  to  the  Lieut.  Governor,  Sta:e  Treasurer,  and  Superinten 
dent  of  Public  Instruction,  viz:  Isaac  E.  Crary,  Samuel  Barstow, 
and  Elias  M.  Skinner.  During  the  past  year,  four  additional  acres 
of  land  had  been  purchased,  a  plan  of  building  adopted,  and  a  con 
tract  executed  for  the  performance  of  the  work,  for  $15,200,  twelve 
thousand  of  which  was  to  be  paid  by  the  citizens  of  ^psilanti. 

INCORPORATED  LITERARY  INSTITUTIONS. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  report  of  the  Superintendent, 
in  relation  to  these  institutions: 

In  pursuance  of  suggestions  contained  in  the  last  report  from  this 
office,  and  of  the  statute  various  institutions  have  forwarded  reports 
of  their  condition  and  course  of  study.  All  of  these  institutions 
are  of  a  high  grade,  and  situated  in  various  parts  of  the  State,  are 
educating  annually  a  large  number  of  our  youth.  In  these  institu 
tions  it  is  not  definitely  known  how  m  my  young  men  are  preparing 
for  the  University.  Some  of  them  have  the  privilege  of  conferring 
degrees  and  granting  diplomas  under  acts  passed  during  the  last  ses 
sion.  This  right  granted  to  them  in  their  charters,  it  would  seem, 
forbids  the  hope  that  the  young  men  attending  them  are  to  be  grad 
uates  of  the  State  institution.  It  was  suggested  heretofore  by  this. 


280 

department,  that  some  system  might  be  devised  which  would  have 
induced  these  institutions  to  become  tributaries  to  the  University,  and 
if  it  be  considered  a  settled  policy  on  the  part  of  the  Regents  that 
branches  are  not  eventually  to  be  sustained,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that 
some  inducement  may  be  held  out  by  legislation  to  effect  the  great 
object  of  tilling  up  the  halls  of  the  University  with  students.  The 
Union  schools  which  are  now  beginning  to  be  put  into  successful  ope 
ration  in  our  principal  villages,  may  perhaps  eventually  become  pre 
paratory,  and  till  up  the  chasm  which  now  exists  in  the  system. 
Granting  this,  some  system  might  nevertheless  be  adopted,  and  will, 
it  is  thought,  become  necessary,  in  order  to  excite  proper  emulation 
among  them  all,  as  well  as  among  other  institutions,  to  contribute  to 
the  welfare  of  the  "  University  of  Michigan,"  by  bestowing  to  it  each 
their  full  quota  of  pupils. 

It  was  suggested  in  the  report  of  this  office  to  the  Legislature  of 
last  winter,  that  the  creation  of  the  office  of  Superintendent  of  Public 
Instruction  was  intended  to  embrace  the  supervision  of  the  entire 
system  of  public  instruction  in  our  State,  including  not  only  primary 
schools,  but  all  other  inslitutions.  By  this  supervision,  it  was  not 
intended  to  refer  to  any  control  over  these  institutions,  but  that  they 
should  be  included  in  the  general  system  of  reports  to  this  office. 
In  this  way  information  is  accumulated  and  concentrated,  and  full 
means  afforded  of  watching  the  progress  of  education  in  all  its  de 
partments,  and  of  forming  a  better  and  more  accurate  judgment  as  to 
the  relative  operations  of  the  general  system  and  of  each  incorpora 
ted  institution.  This  is  important  to  a  full  development  of  the  educa 
tional  means  of  our  State,  and  the  construction  given  of  the  original 
design  of  the  framers  of  our  first  constitution,  is  fortified  by  the  ac 
tion  of  the  framers  of  the  recent  organic  law,  who  have  defined  the 
duties  of  the  office,  and  ordained  that  it  shall  have  a  "  a  general  su 
pervision  of  Public  Instruction.''  With  this  view,  it  has  from  the  first 
been  an  object  of  solicitude  that  full  reports  from  all  institutions, 
whether  existing  under  the  patronage  of  the  State  or  not,  should  be 
received. 

Reports  were  received  from  the  Romeo  branch  of  the  University, 
the  Wesleyan  Seminary,  Michigan  Central  College,  Olivet  Institute, 
Young  Ladies  Seminary  at  Monroe,  Misses  Clark's  School  at  Ann 
Arbor,  and  St.  Mark's  College  at  Grand  Rapids. 

ROMEO  BRANCH  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY. 

The  whole  number  of  students,  201,  forty-three  of  whom  were 
pursuing  classical  studies,  nineteen  French,  and  one  hundred  and 
twenty -seven  the  higher  mathematics,  and  branches  of  English  edu 
cation.  The  following  list  of  instructors  was  reported,  viz: 

Charles  II.  Palmer,  A.  M,  Principal,  and  Instructor  in  Mathemat 
ics,  Chemistry  MnJ  Natural  Philosophy;  Charles  C.  Torrey,  A.  B., 
Instructor  in  Ancient  Languages,  Rhetoric  and  Moral  Philosophy; 


281 

Mrs.  B.  A.  Palmer.  Principal  of  the  Female  Department,  and  In 
structor  in  French,  Botany  and  History;  Miss  Sarah  J.  Gillett,  In 
structor  in  Philosophy  and  Natural  History;  George  A.  Hoyt,  In 
structor  in  Vocal  Music.  The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  report 
of  the  trustees  for  this  year: 

The  Institution  has  been  furnished  with  a  cabinet  of  minerals  and 
an  extensive  chemical,  philosophical  and  astronomical  apparatus, 
costing  more  than  $.")00.  This  apparatus  was  purchased  in  Boston, 
of  Mr.  Weightm  «n,  well  known  as  one  of  the  most  extensive  manu 
facturers  in  the  United  States.  The  telescope  is  a  line  achromatic, 
capable  of  showing  clearly  the  moons  and  belts  of  Jupiter,  and  the 
rings  of  Saturn. 

During  the  fair  term,  particular  attention  is  given  to  a  class  of 
young  ladies  and  gentlemen  desirous  of  qualifying  themselves  for 
teaching.  This  class  is  reviewed  in  all  the  studies  usually  pursued 
in  primary  schools.  Frequent  lectures  are  given  upon  subjects  con 
nected  with  their  profession,  and  no  p^ins  are  spared  to  enable  them 
to  become  able  and  efficient  instructors.  Those  who  are  found  qual 
ified,  are,  if  desired,  furnished  with  schools.  The  number  of  stu 
dents  connected  with  this  department  was  57;  who,  during  some  part 
of  the  year,  were  engaged  in  teaching  common  schools.  It  is  wor 
thy  of  remark  that  the  compensation  paid  teachers  of  primary 
schools,  the  present  season,  is  more  in  accordance  with  the  education 
and  qualifications  necessary  to  discharge  faithfully  the  duties  of  a 
calling  so  responsible  and  important, 

It  is  very  much  to  be  regretted  that  there  is  not  some  legislative 
provision  in  this  State,  or  system  adopted  by  the  Regents,  by  which 
regular  meteorological  observations  might  be  made  at  convenient 
places.  This  subject  has  not  received  the  attention  which  its  impor 
tance  demands.  Accurate  meteorological  tables,  kept  at  different 
points,  would  do  much  towards  correcting  an  erroneous  impression 
in  reference  to  the  climate  of  the  State,  which  its  latitude  is  calcula 
ted  to  produce.  On  account  of  its  proximity  to  the  great  lakes,  the 
climate  is  much  milder  than  is  generally  supposed:  and,  no  doubt, 
these  observations  will  show  that  the  mean  temperature  of  the  south 
ern  half  of  this  State  is  higher  than  that  of  the  interior  of  Ohio. 
The  meteorology  of  the  region  bordering  upon  the  great  lakes  would 
possess  a  high,  scientific  value,  and  it  would  at  the  same  time  con 
tribute  greatly  to  show  the  congeniality  of  the  climate  to  the  most, 
valuable  agricultural  products  of  the  country,  as  well  as  to  promote 
the  safe  navigation  of  the  lakes,  that  add  so  much  to  the  commer 
cial  importance  of  the  State. 

Il  seems  very  desirable  that  some  plan  be  adopted  by  which  the 
academies  shall  be  placed  under  a  general  supervision,  and  made  to 
share  in  a  fund  provided  for  th  .t  purpose,  similar  to  the  excellent 
system  established  in  the  State  of  New  York.  Such  a  system  was 
commenced  a  few  years  since  by  the  Regents,  and  this  institution 
received  from  the  University  fund  -$200  for  two  years.  This  appro- 

36 


282 

priation  was  afterwards  discontinued,  and  no  further  aid  was  given 
till  last  winter  &10  was  appropri  -ted  by  the  Regents  to  this  branch, 
the  payment  of  which  was  refused,  in  order  to  test  the  legality  of  ap 
propriations  to  br  nches  from  the  University  fund,  by  making  a  case 
for  the  Supreme  Court.  This  case  is  now  pending  in  th  it  court.  Il 
is  hardly  perceived  how  nny  doubt  could  be  entertained  upon  this 
point.  The  intention  of  Congress  is  so  clearly  expressed  in  the 
grants  of  University  lands  to  the  other  north-western  States,  that  the 
omission  to  p  «rticularize  in  the  grant  to  this  State  could  not  lead  to 
any  ambiguity  in  reference  to  the  design  Cong-ess  had  in  appropria 
ting  these  lands. 

It  can  hardly  be  expected  that  the  academies  of  the  State  will  long 
continue,  MS  nt  present,  disconnected  from  its  general  plan  of  educa 
tion  The  State  has  manifested  its  great  interest  in  the  educati  m  of 
every  class,  by  its  wise  provi>ions  for  common  schools,  its  liberal 
policy  towards  the  University,  and  its  benevolent  regard  for  the 
blind,  and  the  deaf  and  dumb,  in  commencing  an  institution  for  their 
instruction. 

The  primary  school  system  of  this  State,  and  its  primary  schools, 
are  decidedly  in  advance  of  any  new  Stite,  and  are  not  excelled  by 
many  of  the  old.  The  University,  for  the  timrt  it  has  been  in  exist 
ence,  has  met  with  abundant  success.  Such  having  been  the  course 
and  progress  of  the  State,  it  cannot  be  supposed  th  <t  its  academies, 
forming  so  necessary  a  part  of  the  system — so  necessary  to  supply 
its  common  schools  with  well  qu  ilitied  teachers — so  necessary  to 
furnish  annually  young  men  prepared  to  enter  the  University,  will, 
much  longer  be  permitted  to  remain  without  its  fostering  cure  and 
support. 

There  is  an  orgnnized  literary  society  in  the  institution,  the  mem 
bers  of  which  meet  regul  irly,  once  a  week,  for  tlu»  purpose  of  extem 
poraneous  debate.  Essays  «nd  addresses  are  occasionally  delivered 
before  the  society,  and  all  the  proceedings  are  conducted  in  a  manner 
well  calculated  to  promote  the  improvement  of  its  members. 


WE8LEYAN    SEMINARY  AT  ALBION. 

* 

The  departments  in  this  institution  consisted  of  the  following 
branches:  1st.  Moral  and  Intellectual  Science;  2d.  Natural  Science; 
3d.  Ancient  Languages  and  Elocution;  4th.  Mathematics;  5th.  Mod 
ern  Languages;  6th.  Belles  Lettres;  7th.  Primary  English  Litera 
ture;  8th.  Fine  Arts. 

In  addition  to  the  course  for  male  students,  adeparfmenthad  been 
estab'ished  for  a  Female  Collegiate  Institute,  and  a  large  and  com 
modious  building  was  about  completed  for  this  purpose.  The  design 
of  this  institution  was  to  afford  those  who  entered  it,  a  thorough  and 
systematic  course  of  study,  equal  at  least  to  the  scientific  course  pur 
sued  in  many  of  our  colleges.  The  trustees  say: 


•283 

The  question  of  the  ability  of  the  female  mind  to  contend  success 
fully  in  the  scientific  and  literary  arena,  wii.h  the  more  favored  sex, 
has  been  too  long  settled  to  require  discussion;  nor  is  the  custom  of 
granting  the  merited  honors,  without  a  precedent;  but  if  it  were,  110 
apology  could  be  required  for  bestowing  what  is  fairly  earned. 

An  Indian  department  had  been  established,  the  object  of  which 
was  to  furnish  instruction  in  the  several  branches  taught  in  the  Sem 
inary,  to  those  Indians  who  expect  to  become  pre  tchers,  interpre 
ters,  or  teachers  of  schools,  among  their  aborigin  d  brethren  of  the 
West.  This  department  is  purely  missionary  in  its  ch  <racter,  and 
believed  to  be  the  first  and  only  one  of  its  kind,  in  the  West. 

The  institution  was  furnished  with  a  valuable  Planetarium,  costing 
$600;  a  solar  and  compound  microscope;  a  full  pneumatic  appara 
tus;  a  model  steam  engine;  galvanic  batlery;  electrical  apparatus; 
air  pump;  mathematical  instruments;  optical  apparatus;  magic  Jan- 
tern;  terruleum;  globes,  maps,  <fec.,  with  suitable  apparatus  and 
tests  for  illustrating  the  principles  of  chemistry.  The  library  con 
tained  about  700  volumes,  to  which  was  attached  a  reading  room. 

MICHIGAN  CENTRAL  COLLEGE. 

The  following  extract  from  the  report  of  the  trustees,,  exhibits  the 
condition  of  this  institution  in  1851: 

COURSE  OF  STUDY. 

The  charter  of  the  institution  having  been  so  amended  at  the  last 
session  of  the  Legislature  as  to  confer  upon  it  full  college  power,  it 
is  intended,  from  the  beginning  of  the  next  year,  (commencing  Sept. 
4,)  to  pursue  a  full  college  course  as  herein  l*id  down,  and  those  pur 
suing  it  will  be  entitled  to  the  regular  collegiate  degree  of  Bachelor 
of  Arts.  But  to  meet  the  wants  of  a  large  class  of  young  men  who 
•wish  to  obtain  merely  a  thorough  English  education,  aRother  course 
of  study  is  prescribed  for  those  who  prefer  it.  Those  completing 
this  course  or  its  equivalent,  will  receive  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of 
Science  and  English  Literature. 

The  ladies'  course  is  particularly  adapted  to  those  for  whom  it  is 
designed;  and  is  at  least  fully  equal  to  that  pursued  in  any  female 
college  in  the  country.  Upon  those  who  complete  it,  or  its  equiva 
lent,  the  ordinary  diploma  will  be  conferred. 

It  is  highly  desirable  in  all  the  departments  to  pursue  in  the  regu. 
larorder,  as  laid  down,  the  various  studies.  But  where  this  is  im 
practicable,  as  in  m-iny  cases  it  will  be,  other  arrangements  will  be 
made.  In  some  branches  of  study  it  is  found  necessary  to  organize 
classes  every  term. 

The  method  of  instruction  in  the  common  and  higher  English 
branches,  has  constant  reference  to  the  wants  of  those  who  design  to 


284 

teach  more  or  less;  and  during  the  first  half  of  the  fall  term,  a  course 
of  lectures  on  the  instruction  and  management  of  common  schools, 
is  delivered  by  one  or  more  of  the  Faculty,  to  such  of  the  students 
as  may  choose  to  attend.  In  both  winter  and  summer  the  demand 
for  teachers  in  the  vicinity  is  greater  than  the  supply. 

LIBRARY,   APPARATUS,  AC. 

The  college,  though  yet  in  its  infancy,  is  furnished  with  a  valuable 
library  of  1,700  volumes,  and  a  philosophical  apparatus,  superior  to 
any  other  at  present  in  the  State;  consisting  in  part  of  an  electrical 
machine,  with  a  three  feet  plate  and  its  accompaniments,  a  powerful 
magneto-electrical  machine,  galvanic  batteries,  air  pump,  orrery,  tel 
lurium,  magic  lantern,  with  astronomical  slides,  microscope,  globes, 
&c.,  &c.  Also  a  chemical  apparatus  sufficient  for  most  of  the  ex 
periments  in  that  study. 

The  reading  room  connected  with  the  Institute  is  furnished  with 
about  thirty  different  periodicals,  carefully  selected,  representing  the 
different  partita,  sects  and  sections  of  the  country. 

MANUAL  LABOPv. 

Manual  labor  has  been  furnished  more  or  less  to  all  the  students 
who  have  desired  it,  and  it  is  designed,  as  soon  as  practicable,  to 
make  arrangements  for  furnishing  regular  labor,  that  shall  at  the 
same  time  be  healthful  and  profitable  to  all  who  may  wish  to  spend 
a  few  hours  a  day  in  this  way. 

EXAMINATIONS,  &C. 

There  is  a  public  examination  of  the  several  classes  at  the  close 
of  each  term,  conducted  in  the  presence  and  under  the  direction  of 
an  examining  committee,  invited  to  attend^for  that  purpose. 


CLINTON    INSTITUTE. 

This  institution  was  incorporated  in  1851.     The  trustees  reported 

Thai,  they  have  purchased  a  property  in  Mt.  Clemens,  and  fitted 
up  a  building  for  educational  purposes,  estimated  to  be  worth  from 
one  thousand  to  fifteen  hundred  dollars. 

The  institute  has  been  in  successful  operation  since  the  second 
Monday  of  September  last,  under  the  superintendence  of  Nathaniel 
Colver,  Jr.,  A.  B.,  of  Boston,  Massachusetts,  late  a  graduate  of  Dart 
mouth  College  N.  II..  as  principal;  Miss  Harriet  P.  Murdock,  late  a 
graduate  of  Jacksonville  Seminary,  111.,  as  preceptress,  and  Miss 
Catherine  Trover,  teacher  in  the  primary  department. 

IS  umber  of  pupils  last  full  term,  seventy-five. 

Number  of  pupils  (present)  winter  quarter,  seventy. 

Salaries  established  as  follows:  for  the  principal,  $500  per  annum: 
for  the  preceptress,  $250  per  annum;  for  the  teacher,  $150  per  an 
num.  Total,  $900  per  annum. 

There  "re  six  rooms  in  the  building,  the  largest  of  which  is  38 
feet  by  42  ?md  the  smallest  12  by  12;  the  main  room  is  14  feet  high, 
well  warmed  »nd  ventilated,  and  furnished  with  desks  and  chairs  af 
ter  a  model  from  Barnard's  School  Architecture. 


285 

We  have,  as  the  property  of  the  Institute,  a  piano  for  instruction 
in  music,  a  small  library,  apparatus  &c. 

They  would  deem  it  very  desirable  to  obtain  a  small  cabinet  of 
mineralogical,  geological,  zoological  and  botanical  specimens  from 
the  collections  of  the  late  Dr.  Houghton.  some  twelve  or  fifteen  suits 
of  tvhich  are  now  in  the  dormitories  of  the  University  buildings  at 
Ann  Arbor,  entirely  out  of  use,  and  fast  going  to  destruction. 


OLIVET  IN'STITCTK. 

The  bowl  of  trustees  of  Olivet  Institute  report  that  the  institution 
is  still  in  a  flourishing  condition.  The  number  of  students  in  attend 
ance  during  the 

Spring  term, .. 30 

Fall  "      "      00 

Winter    "      95 

Whole  number,  by  terms, . _ . .  2 1 9 

Of  this  number,  nearly  fifty  have  been  engaged  in  the  business  of 
teaching  during  a  part  of  the  year. 

Five  instructors  have  been  employed  regularly  during  most  of  the 
year,  and  three  assistants  during  a  part  of  the  time. 

The  course  of  study  pursued  is  designed  to  prepare  those  who 
shall  complete  it,  to  become  eminent,  teachers,  or  those  who  may 
wish  can  pursue  a  course  that  shall  fit  them  to  enter  the  University, 
or  any  college  they  may  choose,  two  years  in  advance. 

Instruction  has  been  given  in  the  ancient  classics,  the  mathematics, 
the  natural  intellectual  and  moral  sciences. 

The  teachers'  class  was  formed,  as,  usual,  in  the  fall  term  of  the 
school,  and  continued  seven  weeks,  during  which  time  a  thorough 
review  of  the  studies  taught  in  common  schools  was  completed;  and 
in  addition  to  this,  a  course  of  lectures  was  delivered  before  the  class 
upon  subjects  connected  with  teaching. 

'I  he  trustees  are  in  possession  of  about  100  acres  of  land,  a  build 
ing  two  stories  in  highth,  valued  at  $300.  This  building  is  used  for 
a  chapel,  recitation  room,  reading  room,  &c.  Another  three  story 
edifice  is  completed,  which  furnishes  four  recitation  rooms,  a  library 
and  apparatus  room,  and  accommodates  about  forty  students.  The 
cost  of  the  building  is  not  far  from  $3,000.  Additions  h»ve  been 
made  to  the  apparatus  of  the  institution,  so  trnt  it  now  possesses  an 
air  pump,  with  its  accompanying  fixtures,  worth  $100;  an  electrical 
machii  e,  worth  $100,  and  globes,  with  other  apparatus,  to  the  value 
of  another  hundred. 

The  library  of  the  institute  has  been  increased  to  more  than  1,000 
volumes. 

The  trustees  feel  de'ermined  to  do  all  in  their  power  to  place  this 
in^fi'u'ion  upon  a  permanent  bisis;  and  wiih  (he  aid  of  friends  and 
pntnms.  to  mnke  it  worthy  of  the  confidence  and  patronage  of  the 
public  generally. 


286 

Thus  far  the  success  of  the  work  has  more  than  equalled  the  high 
est  anticipations  of  its  warmest  friends.  Should  this  success  contin 
ue,  we  confidently  hope  that  this  Institute  may  yet  become  a  great 
blessing  to  this  our  rapidly  growing  State. 


LADIES   SEMINAR?  AT  MONROE. 
The  trustees  of  this  instirution  made  their  first  report. 

The  institution  WHS  opened  for  the  reception  of  young  ladies  on 
the  13th  of  December  last,  with  four  teachers  and  titty-two  pupils; 
since  which  time  it  has  been  on  the  steady  increase,  until  over  120 
young  ladies  have  enjoyed  its  advantages. 

The  instructors  are  at  present  as  follows: 

Rev.  E.  J.  Boyd,  A.  M.,  principal,  and  instructor  in  ancient  lan 
guages,  mental  and  moral  science;  Mrs.  Sarah  0  Boyd,  principal  and 
instructress  in  history;  Miss  J.  E.  Babbitt,  instructress  in  mathemat 
ics;  Miss  J  C.  Tachaberry,  instructress  in  instrumental  music  and 
drawing;  Miss  IvUe  Bennett,  instructress  in  voca!  music;  Miss  E.  J. 
Walsh,  instructress  in  French;  Miss  Helen  Smith,  assistant  instruct 
ress  in  English  branches. 

During  the  p»st  autumn,  the  trustees  have  erected,  in  addition  to 
their  previous  buildings,  a  fine  three  story  brick  building.  36  by  60, 
designed  for  school  and  lodging  rooms,  with  a  basement  story  for 
dining  rooms,  &c.;  and  when  finished,  with  its  observatory,  and  pi- 
azzi  extending  the  entire  length,  this  centre  building,  in  connection 
with  the  others,  will  be  truly  an  ornament  to  the  city.  The  entire 
cost  of  the  buildings  and  furniture  will  amount  to  more  than  .§8,000. 

The  pupils  have  pursued  the  following  studies,  viz:  In  Latin,  12; 
French,  9;  instrumental  music,  17;  drawing, -i4;  vocal  music,  entire 
school;  algebra,  58;  geometry,  9;  chemistry,  15;  natural  philosophy, 
25;  moral  science,  4;  physiology  and  anatomy,  34;  arithmetic,  133; 
astronomy,  20;  geology,  9;  grammar,  94. 

It  is  furnished  with  maps,  globes,  and  philosophical  apparatus  to 
some  extent.  It  is  intended  to  make  it  a  seminary  for  young  ladies, 
equal  to  any  in  the  country,  where  all  the  solid  as  well  as  ornamen 
tal  branches  of  a  finished  female  education  are  pursued. 


CLARKS  SCHOOL,  AT  ANN  AEBOR. 

The  number  of  students  in  this  institution  was  eighty-two.  The 
following  is  a  sketch  of  its  history,  progress  and  design: 

At  the  request  of  some  of  the  most  respectable  citizens,  and  an 
intimation  tint  Ann  Arbor  demanded  and  could  support  an  institution 
where  young  L  idies  could  receive  a  thorough  and  polite  education, 
this  school  was  commenced  November  18th.  1839.  Up  to  the  pre 
sent  time,  it  numbers  433  different  pupils,  of  whom  94  have,  become 
teachers,  principally  in  our  common  schools.  Average  attendance 
during  the  year,  8i).  The  scholastic  year  embraces  two  terms,  of 
two  quarters  each — eleven  weeks  in  a  quarter.  Public  examinations 


287 

occur  uniformly  at  the  close  of  each  term,  this  being  now  the  '21st 
examination. 

Every  member  of  a  class  is  expected  to  be  present  at  the  ex-imi- 
nation  of  that  class,  unless  excu-ed  by  the  principal,  or  on  account 
of  Mekness,  or  other  very  sufficient  e.tuse. 

There  have  been  twenty  nine  graduates.  None  receive  the  cer 
tificate  accorded  to  graduates  but  such  as  have  passed  a  critical  ex 
amination  in  the  sever.il  branches  of  a  solid  English  education,  and 
who  have  been  members  of  the  school  at  least  one  year.  This  may 
be  thought  a  brief  trial,  but  testimonials  are  never  promiscuously 
given,  and  always  specifying  for  wrut  received.  It  is  also  to  be  ta 
ken  into  consideration  that  the  circumstances  heretofore  of  most  of 
our  citizens,  have  precluded  their  children  from  along  continu  <nce  at 
school,  and  especially  that  not  a  few  of  our  senior  class  are  of  those 
dependent  upon  their  own  exertions  for  an  education,  and  who  come 
to  us  with  much  maturity  of  mind,  as  well  as  of  years — those  who, 
if  they  have  been  debarred  from  the  usual  instruction,  have  ever  been 
thinkers  and  close  observers  of  N  iture.  Such  are  persevering  stu 
dents — acquit  themselves  well,  leaving  us  with  views  enlarged  by 
converse  with  science,  and  with  that  disposition  for  acquiring  knowl 
edge,  which,  when  well  disciplined,  carries  forward  its  own  mental 
imptovement. 

Though  the  intellect  be  peculiarly  our  charge,  mere  intellectual 
advancement  would  be  far  from  desirable,  and  productive  only  of  an 
ill-bal  meed  mind;  therefore,  it  is  our  endeavor  closely  to  watch  the 
moral  culture  of  our  pupils.  With  no  sectarian  fee/iff/,  but  with  a 
deep  sense  of  religious  responsibility,  we  would  seek  to  ijive  that 
tone  to  character  which  renders  it  practicably  titted  lor  every  station 
— yielding  to  duty,  but  tirm  to  principle. 

The  intelligence  of  the  present  age  expects  the  sound  mind  only 
in  the  sound  body.  Attention  to  health  is  a  sacred  duty.  By  every 
suitable  means  we  would  aim  to  secure  it — inculcating  strict  obser 
vance  of  the  physical  laws — early  rising  and  retiring — frequent  out 
door  exercise — equanimity,  but  cheerfulness  of  temper. 

Twice  in  each  week,  in  the  se  ison  for  walks,  the  School,  accompa 
nied  by  a  teacher,  make  excursions  into  the  neighboring  country,  in 
pursuit  of  minerals  and  flowers,  for  which  there  is  no  better  tield 
than  Ann  Arbor.  In  our  State  Geological  Report,  H40,  it  is  s.tid 
that  "the  hilly  region  of  Ann  Arbor  aftords  a  tine  loculity  for  procu 
ring  every  variety  of  granites,  quartz  and  hornblende,  found  in  the 
State;"  to  which  we  may  add  al?o,  fossil  remains  of  numerous  spe 
cies  of  crustaceans.  To  the  stranger,  the  wild  flowers  of  Michigan 
are  ever  a  subject  of  admiftion  for  their  lovliness  and  beauty. 
These,  in  their  luxuriance,  deck  our  pleasant  environs  and  the  Bo- 
tanieal  Class  being  always  required  to  collect  specimens,  we  have 
herbariums  of  much  value — individuals  having  often  preserved  sev 
eral  hundred  specimens  in  a  season. 

The  extensive  library  and  cabinet  of  the  University  can  be  vi-ifed 
when  it  is  desir.ble.  Our  own  library,  too,  numbers  l,0t>8  volumes, 
to  which  additions  are  constantly  being  made;  we  have  also  a  good 


288 

cabinet  for  the  study  of  natural  histoj-y;  and  the  philosophical  appa 
ratus  comprises  electrical  machine,  globes,  optical  instruments,  &c. 

Situated  in  a  pleas  mt  and  commodious  building,  in  a  healthy  and 
convenient  part  of  the  town,  no  efforts  or  expense  in  our  power  have 
ever  been  spared  to  make  this  institution  an  agreeable  and  profitable 
residence  to  those  entrusted  to  our  care  The  young  ladies  under 
our  particular  supervision,  are  considered  as  constituting  a  family, 
looking  to  us  as  elder  sisters,  from  whom  is  expected  the  kindest  re 
gard,  and  upon  whose  example  and  teachings,  may,  perhaps,  rest 
their  immortal  hopes. 

Though  it  would  be  impossible  to  enumerate  all  our  rules — to  pre 
vent  erroneous  impressions,  we  would  say,  that  the  boarders  are  not 
allowed  to  attend  public  balls,  or  without  permission  accept  invita 
tions  to  waJk,  ride  or  visit;  and  unless  from  family  friends,  to  receive 
calls,  except  on  Friday  and  Saturday  evenings,  and  then  with  the 
principal  or  vice  principal.  On  Wednesday  or  Saturday  afternoons 
they  attend  to  their  shopping,  returning  calls,  &c.,  and  on  no  other 
days,  as  it  is  not  our  desire  to  promote  an  undue  love  of  society,  un 
fitting  alike  for  present  duties  and  future  usefulness;  but  an  acquain 
tance  with  the  ^courtesies  of  life — those  observances  resultant  from 
the  law  of  kindness  and  sound  conventional  rule. 

Regular  attendance  at  some  place  of  worship  is  required;  and  as 
seats  are  provided  in  the  different  churches,  it  is  requested  that  pa 
rents  and  guardians  would  designate  their  own  preference. 

As  there  are  always  some  scholars  from  abroad,  not  resident  with 
us,  we.  would  earnestly  request  the  parents  of  such,  to  leave  them 
under  other  than  than  their  own  control,  for  it  is  not  possible  to  induce 
habits  of  study  in  the  school-room,  when  the  hours  out  of  it,  which 
should  have  been  devoted  to  preparation  for  recitation,  are  passed  in 
a  manner  destructive  to  that  systematic  and  orderly  arrangement  of 
time,  so  important  to  be  acquired  by  the  young.  *  *  *  * 

The  catechetical  mode  of  teaching  we  entirely  discard.  An  an 
alysis  of  the  lessons  is  required  in  several  classes,  and  in  ALL  the 
pupil  is  encouraged  to  think  independently,  and  any  errors  corrected 
to  the  best  of  our  ability  by  familiar  lec'ures. 

Recitations  "in  the  words  of  the  book"  are  not  allowed,  that  be 
ing  considered  the  work  of  mere  memory,  and  not  an  exercise  of  the 
understanding1. 

ST.  MARK'S  COLLEGE,  AT  GRAND  RAPIDS. 

This  institution  had  but  recently  been  organized,  but  had  already 
in  attendance  160  students.  It  had  adopted,  as  far  as  possible,  the 
text  books  recommended  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruc 
tion.  The  trustees  say : 

The  prospect  of  an  increase  of  students  is  encouraging.  Owing 
to  the  very  recent  establishment  of  the  insHui'ion,  a,  full  holy  of 
professors  had  not  been  secured;  additions  will  be  made  as  soon  as 
practicable. 


289 

f 

The  foregoing  sketches  develope  an  increasing  field  of  usefulness,  irr 
this  class  of  institutions,  and  also  the  fact,  that  an  increasing  in 
terest  is  felt  among  the  people,  to  extend  to  them  a  larger  share  of 
patronage.  Although  reports  were  not  received  as  the  law  required,, 
from  all  that  had  been  incorporated,  yet  it  will  be  seen,  that  in  sev 
eral  of  them,  departments  have  been  organized  for  the  preparation 
and  instruction  of  young  men  and  ladies,  as  teachers  of  the  primary 
schools,  and  others  have  been  fitted  for  the  University. 

They  receive  no  pecuniary  support  from  the  State,  and  are  the 
result  of  the  enterprise  of  individuals  and  communities  in  the  several 
portions  of  the  State,  where  they  are  located.  The  Legislature  has 
granted  acts  of  incorporation,  and  bestowed  upon  several,  the  power 
of  conferring  degrees.  It  is  in  the  natural  course  and  order  of  things, 
that  these  institutions  will  continue  to  grow  up  and  increase  in  num 
ber  and  in  influence.  They  are  not  deemed  in  any  wise,  as  institu 
tions  antagonistical  to  the  system  established  by  the  State,  nor  do  they 
desire  to  become  so.  On  the  other  hand,  they  are  most  important 
and  praise-worthy  auxiliaries  to  the  great  cause  of  education.  They 
form  a  part  of  our  system  of  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION,  though  receiving 
no  aid  from  the  funds  of  the  State.  Their  progress  and  prosperity 
is  none  the  less  a  subject  of  deep  interest  to  the  friends  of  education, 
and  should  be  of  watchful  and  fostering  care  on  the  part  of  every 
officer  whose  fortune  it  may  be  to  be  placed  by  the  people  at  the 
head  of  the  system. 

FREE  SCHOOLS  OF  DETROIT  CITY. 

The  board  of  education  reported  nineteen  schools  in  operation, 
and  one  colored  school.  The  highest  quarterly  returns  of  scholars 
during  the  past  year  was  2,334,  being  an  increase  of  201  over  the 
highest  quarterly  return  of  1848,  and  being  an  average  of  122 
scholars  for  each  school.  It  was  estimated  that  in  the  course  of  the 
year,  4,000  scholars  had  attended  the  schools,  being  more  than  two- 
thirds  of  the  shildren  between  the  ages  of  five  and  seventeen.  The 
total  expenditures,  including  permanent  improvements  was  $9,413.71. 
The  total  receipts,  $9,014.34. 

THE  PRIMARY  SCHOOLS. 

The  SUPERINTENDENT  reported,  in  relation  to  primary  schools,  that 
the  success  of  the   system  adopted   in  Michigan,   had  met,    and  in 
deed  exceeded,  the  most  sanguine  expectations.     The  changes  which 
37 


290 

from  time  to  time  had  been  engrafted  upon  it,  as  its  defects  were 
developed  by  trial  and  experience,  had,  as  a  general  rule  operated 
successfully,  and  tended  to  give  greater  perfection  to  the  system  in 
all  its  departments.  To  render  it,  if  possible,  still  more  perfect,  and 
to  give  it  full  adaptation  to  the  situation  and  wants  of  our  people,  is 
the  chief  duty  of  this  department.  With  this  view,  in  accordance 
with  suggestions  heretofore  made,  the  Legislature  of  last  winter  en 
grafted  radical  alterations  in  the  system  of  reporting  to  this  office. 
In  almost  all  other  respects,  with  comparatively  few  exceptions,  the 
school  law  was  operating  satisfactorily  and  successfully.  But  in  this 
respect  there  appeared  to  be  a  necessity  for  amendment.  Previous 
to  the  present  year,  directors  of  districts  made  their  reports  to  the 
board  of  school  inspectors — the  inspectors  to  the  clerks  of  the  sev 
eral  counties;  each  of  whom  prepared  abstracts,  which  latter  were 
forwarded  to  this  office.  The  reason  for  the  change  was  founded 
upon  facts,  ascertained  by  an  inspection  of  the  reports  of  school  in 
spectors,  on  file  in  the  office  of  the  clerks,  that  an  erroneous  and  un 
just  distribution  of  the  public  moneys  was  annually  taking  place, 
from  the  wrongful  action  of  fractional  districts  in  making  their  re 
ports.  To  correct  the  evil,  it  was  deemed  essential  that  the  reports 
of  the  inspectors  should  come  under  the  direct  and  personal  inspec 
tion  of  the  Superintendent.  The  useful  results  anticipated  in  this 
respect  have  not  been  fully  attained,  as  yet,  for  two  reasons:  firstly, 
because  the  school  officers  in  all  sections  have  not  fully  described 
the  fractional  districts;  and  secondly,  because  sufficient  time  has  not 
yet  been  afforded  since  their  reception,  to  make  a  complete  and  full 
examination. 

The  result,  however,  cannot  fail  to  be  accomplished  in  the  mode 
suggested,  when  accurate  and  full  descriptions  of  these  districts  are 
obtained. 

A  critical  examination  of  the  reports  of  inspectors,  which  for  the 
first  time  have  come  into  this  office  since  November  last,  has  led  to 
the  conclusion  that,  for  other  important  reasons,  the  change  will  re 
sult  in  benefit.  The  inaccurate  and  loose  manner  in  which  the  re 
ports  of  directors,  especially,  have  been  hitherto  made,  has  been  the 
cause  of  much  complaint,  both  on  the  part  of  school  inspectors  and 
former  incumbents  of  this  office.  In  turn,  the  reports  of  inspectors 
have  been  imperfect,  and  as  a  natural  consequence,  the  reports  of 
county  clerks  defective.  For  this  reason  no  certainty  or  accuracy 
has  been  or  could  be  arrived  at,  and  no  data  of  a  perfectly  reliable 
character,  upon  which  to  base  conclusions  in  relation  to  the  opera 
tion  of  the  system,  or  upon  which  practical  calculations  could  be 
made.  In  addition  to  this,  an  inspection  of  the  manner  in  which 
the  blank  forms  are  filled  up  by  the  proper  officers,  leads  to  the  de 
tection  and  correction  of  error,  and  to  the  perfection  of  the  forms  by 
this  office.  It  is  readily  perceived  that  while  this  office  was  furnished 
with  nothing  but  the  abstract  of  the  county  clerks,  no  inspection  of 
the  manner  in  which  local  officers  made  up  their  reports  could  be 
had,  without  an  examination  of  the  reports  in  the  various  offices  of 


291 

the  clerks,  or  the  transmission  by  them  of  copies,  which  could  not 
be  practicable,  or  accomplished  without  great  loss  of  time  to  the 
office  or  great  labor  to  the  clerks,  and  expense  to  the  people.  To 
give  perfection  to  the  system  now  adopted,  it  seems  to  be  only  nec 
essary  to  revise  thoroughly,  and  simplify  the  blank  forms. 

With  the  improvements  that  have  been  indicated,  the  school  law 
in  the  main,  will,  it  is  thought,  continue  to  operate  successfully,  with 
out  material  amendment.  While  complaint  is  made  by  some,  in. 
relation  to  the  operation  of  certain  minor  provisions  and  details,  there 
is  no  part  of  the  law  which  seems  to  meet  with  any  general  disap 
probation.  The  law  authorizing  the  voting  of  a  tax  of  $>1  per  scholar, 
in  many  respects  works  unequally;  but  it  is  not  believed  to  be  so 
objectionable  as  to  require  repeal  at  the  present  time.  The  variety 
of  constructions  which  are  frequently  given  to  sections  of  the 
school  law,  and  the  constant  demand  upon  the  office  for  its  opinions, 
will  be  materially  relieved  by  their  publication.  And  as  the  demand 
for  copies  of  the  school  laws  with  notes  and  forms,  is  becoming  im 
perative,  and  the  school  laws  having  been  materially  amended  during 
the  last  year,  it  is  of  the  greatest  importance  that  a  new  edition 
should  be  printed  as  soon  after  the  adjournment  of  the  Legislature  as 
practicable. 

The  object  of  this  delay  would  be  to  include  such  alterations  as 
the  Legislature  may  see  fit  to  make  at  the  present  session,  or  which 
the  people  shall  demand  at  their  hands.  Fortunately,  the  adoption 
of  the  provisions  of  the  new  constitution,  "  that  the  Legislature  shall, 
within  five  years,  provide  for  and  establish  a  system  of  primary 
schools,  whereby  a  school  shall  be  kept  without  charge  for  tuition, 
at  least  three  months  in  each  year,  in  every  school  district,"  will  not 
require  any  general  revision  of  the  present  school  law.  The  princi 
ple  of  free  schools  has  been  adopted  by  the  voice  of  a  large  major 
ity  of  the  people  of  Michigan,  affording  renewed  evidence  of  their 
liberal  and  enlightened  views,  and  their  willingness  under  any  cir 
cumstances  to  contribute  in  the  freest  manner,  to  the  education  of  all 
the  youth  of  our  State.  This  principle,  therefore,  so  far  as  it  is  ap 
plied  in  the  constitution  to  our  own  system,  requires  no  argument. 
The  trouble  elsewhere,  has  been  in  getting  at  the  detail  of  a  law 
which  will  operate  equally  upon  all  the  citizens  of  the  State.  The 
reports  required  by  the  law,  which  are  essential  to  base  our  estimates 
upon,  the  provision  especially  which  relates  to  the  annual  levy  of 
one  mill  upon  the  assessors'  valuation,  for  the  increase  of  libraries 
and  the  support  of  schools,  are  not  sufficiently  reliable  and  certain 
to  ascertain  correctly  the  total  cost  of  tuition  in  our  schools. 

As  suggested  by  the  chairman  of  the  committee  on  education,  to 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  last  winter,  the  mill  tax  for  the  year 
preceding,  should  have  produced  the  sum  of  $29,908  76,  while  the 
returns  show  an  aggregate  of  $17,580  12.  The  tax  of  one  dollar 
per  scholar,  which  is  believed  to  be  very  generally  voted,  is  not  re 
turned  by  many  districts.  For  this  reason,  we  can  but  approximate 
to  what  is  the  actual  cost  of  tuition.  The  amount  of  mill  tax  re- 


292 

ported  this  year  is  but  a  trifle  over  the  amount  reported  last  year, 
being  $17,957  30.  The  nearest  estimate  that  can  be  made  under 
all  circumstances,  will  not  vary  the  total  cost  of  tuition  very  far  from 
the  amount  estimated  by  the  House  committee  last  year,  viz:  $80,- 
000.  The  true  amount  doubtless  exceeds  this  sum.  Bat  no  difficulty 
need  arise  from  this  cause  at  the  present  time.  The  most  desirable 
and  practicable  method  of  adapting  the  law  to  the  provisions  of  the 
new  constitution  is  by  a  simple  increase  of  the  mill  tax.  This  tax 
might  be  increased  to  two  mills  during  the  present  session,  and  thus 
during  the  first  two  years  we  should  approximate  gradually  towards 
the  complete  and  full  requirement  of  the  constitution  for  free  schools. 
The  transition  from  the  present  system  would  be  accompanied  with 
no  confusion,  while  with  more  reliable  data  accumulated  hereafter, 
there  would  eventually  be  no  difficulty  in  arriving  at  .the  actual 
amount  required  to  support  the  schools  free  for  tuition  for  three 
months  in  each  year.  It  is  respectfully  suggested,  therefore,  if  it  is 
deemed  advisable  to  legislate  in  relation  to  the  subject,  during  this 
session,  that  the  one  mill  tax  now  required  by  law  be  increased  to 
two  mills. 

If  we  secure  this,  it  will  be  an  advance  safely  made  towards  the 
system  contemplated  by  the  constitution.  It  is  agreed  by  all,  that 
in  legislating  upon  the  subject,  caution  and  safety  in  our  action  is 
far  more  desirable  than  a  mere  advancement  without  a  full  under 
standing  of  the  probable  effects  of  a  change  in  the  system,  upon  all 
the  interests  with  which  it  is  connected.  When  this  is  secured  and  the 
law,  as  changed,  is  in  successful  operation,  the  only  remaining  evil 
of  which  complaint  may  be  justly  made,  and  which  arises  in  part 
from  the  great  and  wide  spread  irregularity  in  attendance  upon  our 
primary  schools,  should  be  remedied  by  a  change  in  the  basis  of  ap 
portionment.  An  alteration  in  this  respect,  would  be  of  great  and 
immediate  benefit  to  all  our  schools  and  to  the  system  itself.  It  is 
therefore  suggested,  as  the  result  of  investigation  and  much  reflec 
tion,  that  the  apportionment  of  public  moneys  shall  eventually  be  based, 
upon  the  actual  attendance  of  scholars.  This  will  render  it  necessary 
that  teachers  should  make  returns  relative  to  the  subject  in  some 
proper  way,  and  through  some  proper  channel. 

It  must  be  apparent  to  those  who  have  reflected  upon  the  subject, 
that  a  distribution  based  upon  the  number  of  children  residing  m  the 
district  merely,  cannot  be  sustained  by  any  particular  or  sound  rea 
son.  The  principle  of  apportioning  upon  the  number  and  according 
to  the  actual  attendance,  is  evidently  more  just  in  itself,  and  the  ob 
ject  to  be  secured  by  it  apparent. 

The  number  of  children  to  whom  the  public  money  is  now  appor 
tioned  upon  the  basis  of  a  mere  residence  in  districts  where  schools 
have  been  taught  for  three  months,  is  135,23-1.  The  number  actu 
ally  in  attendance  upon  all  the  schools  is  less  than  this  by  21,756. 
A  portion,  doubtless,  attend  private  and  select  schools.  One  effect  of 
the  change  suggested  would  be,  to  induce  the  attendance  of  these  at 
the  primary  schools.  It  is  an  important  object  of  accomplishment 


293 

that  the  large  number  of  children  in  our  State,  who  are  not  attending 
school,  and  who  are  growing  up  without  the  advantages  which  edu 
cation  affords,  and  who  must  eventually,  if  they  continue  to  grow  up 
in  ignorance,  add  to  the  common  stock  of  vice  and  crime,  and  become 
a  burden  to  the  public,  should  be  in  some  manner  brought  within 
the  refining  and  moralizing  influences  of  early  education.  No  greater 
stimulus  could  be  given  among  the  masses  of  the  people  of  the  State 
to  accomplish  this  purpose,  than  to  make  the  apportionment  in  the 
manner  suggested.  Such  a  system  would  give  a  new  impulse  to 
effort,  by  securing  a  general  and  regular  attendance;  and  no  object 
could  be  better  adapted  to  secure  the  highest  and  most  desirable  re 
sults  in  our  system  of  public  instruction. 

The  suggestions  thus  advanced,  constitute  all  of  the  most  impor 
tant  which  are  thought  proper,  under  the  law  requiring  a  report  from 
this  office,  to  present  to  the  attention  of  the  Legislature.  It  is  be 
lieved,  however,  that  teachers'  institutes  are  the  means  of  doing 
much  good,  and  of  eliciting  much  interest  in  behalf  of  the  cause  of 
education. 

Without  some  aid  on  the  part  of  the  State  they  cannot  be  made 
as  efficient  as  might  be  desirable.  With  some  legislative  aid  they 
would,  beyond  question,  be  the  means  of  advancing  greatly  the  in 
terests  of  education.  The  direction  of  these  institutes  might  be 
properly  submitted  to  the  charge  of  the  principal  of  the  State  nor 
mal  school.  The  board  of  education,  if  the  means  at  their  disposal 
will  permit,  have  in  view  the  early  appointment  of  this  officer,  who 
might  well  be  employed  in  holding  a  series  of  institutes  in  various 
parts  of  the  State,  in  making  the  acquaintance  of  the  people,  and  ex 
citing  public  interest  in  the  normal  school,  which  is  calculated  to  be 
in  readiness  for  pupils  by  the  first  of  March,  1852. 

STATISTICAL. 

The  whole  number  of  districts  reported,  during  the  last  year,  is 
3,097,  being  an  increase  of  37  over  last  year.  The  whole  number 
from  which  reports  have  been  received,  is  2,525. 

The  number  of  children  reported  in  each  township  between  the 
ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  residing  in  districts  where  a  school 
has  been  taught  by  a  qualified  teacher  for  three  months,  is  132,234, 
being  an  increase  over  the  number  reported  last  year  of  7,016. 

The  whole  number  that  have  attended  in  all  the  schools  is  110,- 
478,  being  an  increase  in  attendance  over  last  year  of  7,607  schol 
ars. 

There  has  been  an  increase  in  the  number  of  qualified  male  teach 
ers,  and  a  decrease  in  the  number  of  female  teachers. 

Whole  number  of  male  teachers, 1,475 

"  "  female  f<  2,612 

The  amount  of  money  reported  as  received  from  township  trea 
surers  and  apportioned  by  township  clerks,  is  $1,628  70.  The 
amount  of  money  raised  by  tax  in  all  the  townships  during  the  last 
school  year,  was  $61,392  44,  being  an  increase  of  $7,587  45  over 
last  year. 


294 

The  amount  paid  on  rate  bills  for  teachers'  wages,  $32,318  75, 
being  an  increase  of  $2,600  87  over  the  preceding  year. 

There  has  been  expended  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing,  leasing, 
repairing  and  building  school  houses,  $46,797  00,  which  is  less  than 
the  sura  reported  last  year. 

The  amount  of  mill  tax  assessed  by  supervisors,  as  reported, 
amounts  to  $17,957  30,  about  the  same  as  last  year,  and  the  returns 
evidently  imperfect. 

The  number  of  children  attending  private  schools  is  yearly  dimin 
ishing,  but  slowly.  They  amount,  according  to  the  last  returns,  to 
4,065  scholars. 

The  number  of  volumes  in  the  township  libraries  have  increased 
over  last  year,  16,946  volumes,  the  whole  number  reported  being 
84,823. 

The  following  table  shows  the  increase  of  scholars  and  the  amount 
apportioned  for  the  last  six  years,  from  the  income  of  the  primary 
school  fund: 

Years.  Scholars.  Ain't  apportioned.  Ain't  per  Scholar. 

1846 97,006 $22,113  00 28  cents. 

1847 97,258 27,925  72 31     " 

1848 108,130 32,605  20 30     " 

1849 112,272 39,057  67 33     " 

1850 125,866 42,794  44 34     " 

1851 132,234 44,458  56 34     " 

In  concluding  the  report  for  the  year,  it  was  observed  that: 
It  is  considered  a  matter  of  great  importance  to  publish  in  full,  all 
the  decisions  which  have  been  made,  under  the  operation  of  our 
school  laws,  affording  as  they  will  to  the  various  officers,  greater  fa 
cility  in  the  proper  discharge  of  their  respective  duties.  As  the 
annual  report  from  this  office  does  not  go  by  law  to  the  school  offi 
cers,  such  decisions  may,  with  greater  usefulness,  be  embraced  in 
the  pamphlet  edition  of  the  school  laws,  which  it  is  necessary  to  re- 
publish  to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  people.  As  this  cannot  be 
done  until  the  present  Legislature  shall  have  determined  what  amend 
ments,  if  any,  they  will  incorporate  in  it,  or  what  additions  will  be 
required  to  the  present  law,  it  is  respectfully  suggested  that  the  next 
annual  report  from  this  office  be  included  in  the  pamphlet  edition  of 
the  laws,  and  be  distributed  to  the  districts  at  as  early  a  period  as 
practicable.  Although  this  will  delay  the  "o-publication  of  the 
school  laws,  it  will  nevertheless  afford  the  best  facility  for  the  prepa 
ration  of  valuable  statistical  and  other  information,  no\v  greatly  re 
quired  by  all  who  are  connected  with  our  system  of  primary  school 
education.  In  such  document,  for  the  better  information  of  the 
public,  both  at  home  and  elsewhere,  should  also  be  included  the  laws 


•295 

and  rules  relating  to  the  University,  with  more  full  information  con 
nected  with  all  our  institutions  of  learning,  both  academical  and 
primary.  In  this  way  information  will  become  general  among  our 
o.wn  citizens,  and  the  people  of  other  States  will  acquire  that  knowl 
edge  of  our  system  of  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION,  which  will  enable  them 
to  appreciate  its  advantages,  and  realize  the  extent  of  educational 
achievement  which  the  people  of  Michigan  are  destined  to  attain. 

LEGISLATION. 

An  act  was  passed  providing  for  the  election  of  Regents,  approved 
March  10,  1S5L  Also,  an  act  approved  March  28,  providing  that 
all  former  purchasers  of  University  and  school  lands,  who  had  an 
nually  paid  their  interest,  but  failed  to  pay  25  per  cent,  on  the  prin 
cipal,  might  at  any  time  prior  to  the  first  day  of  March,  1852,  pay 
to  the  State  Treasurer  an  amount  which,  together  with  the  sums  al 
ready  paid,  will  make  25  per  cent,  of  the  original  purchase. 

By  act  No.  74,  an  amendment  was  incorporated  into  section  74  of 
the  school  law.  (see  school  law.)  An  act  was  passed  prescribing 
the  duties  of  the  Superintendent,  and  repealing  chapter  50  of  the 
revised  statutes  of  1846;  also  an  act  to  provide  for  the  election  of 
Regent  in  the  upper  peninsula.  The  one  mill  tax  was  raised  to  two 
mills.  An  act  was  also  passed  to  provide  for  the  government  of  the 
University,  and  chapter  57  of  the  revised  statutes  of  1 846  repealed. 
An  act  relating  to  the  State  library,  was  approved  April  8,  1851, 
appropra'ing  the  State  library  room  to  the  use  of  the  Superintend 
ent,  for  his  office,  and  requiring  the  State  Librarian  to  perform  cer 
tain  duties  connected  therewith. 

At  the  extra  session,  an  act  was  passed,  directing  the  Secretary 
of  State  to  send  one  copy  of  the  annual  report  of  the  Superintend 
ent  to  each  school  district,  one  to  each  township,  one  to  each  county 
clerk,  and  treasurer,  ten  to  each  city,  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  the 
State  library,  five  hundred  for  binding,  and  one  hundred  for  the  use 
of  the  Superintendent.  The  sum  of  fifty  dollars  was  appropriated 
for  meteorological  instruments,  which  have  been  purchased. 


296 

SKETCH 
OF  THE  PUBLIC  SCHOOLS  OF  THE  CITY  OF  DETROIT. 

OFFICE  BOARD  OF  EDUCATION  OF  CITY  OF  DETROIT, 

Detroit,  October  25,  1851. 
Hon.  FRANCIS  W.  SHEARMAN, 

Superintendent  of  Public  Jhstntctiari: 

DEAR  SIR— In  compliance  with  your  request  to  furnish  some  facts 
relative  to  the  rise,  growth  and  present  condition  of  the  Free  Schools 
of  Detroit,  I  beg  leave  to  transmit  the  following  sketch,  which  is  ne 
cessarily  general  in  its  character,  and  only  regret  my  want  of  time  to 
respond  more  fully  upon  the  various  topics  in  reference  to  which  you 
inquire: 

The  cause  of  Popular  Education  in  Detroit,  has  progressed  slowly 
for  a  City  that  dates  so  far  back  towards  the  days  of  those  noble 
Pilgrims,  who,  in  their  very  first  legislation,  made  sure  provision  for 
both  the  Free  and  Grammar  School,  by  requiring  every  township  of  a 
certain  number  of  householders,  to  build  up  these  wells  of  learning 
in  their  midst.  But  the  spirit  of  the  Pilgrims  blessed  not  the  found 
ations  of  the  city  of  the  Straits.  They  were  laid  as  early  as  1701, 
but  by  very  different  hands  from  those  which  built  upon  the  rock  of 
Plymouth;  and  while  we  are  compelled  to  acknowledge  that  with  us 
this  great  cause  is  yet  in  its  infancy,  we  nevertheless  claim  it  to  be 
an  infancy  which  already  foretokens  a  strong  and  vigorous  manhood. 
Detroit,  during  the  last  four  years,  has  been  putting  on  the  garments 
of  a  great  Metropolis,  and  occupying  as  she  does  that  peculiar  posi 
tion  of  a  reservoir  of  the  great  tide  of  population  and  trade  now  roll 
ing  in  upon  her  from  the  east,  and  the  mouth-piece  of  the  broad  and 
fertile  valleys  that  lie  far  behind  her,  and  penetrate  into  the  most  re 
mote  regions  of  the  west,  no  one  can  fail  to  see  that  the  day  is  quite 
at  hand  when  she  must  wield  an  influence  more  potent  in  its  extent 
than  any  other  city  west  of  New  York.  How  much  depends  upon 
the  friends  of  popular  education,  in  order  to  render  that  influence  po 
tent  for  good  rather  than  evil,  is  already  well  known  to  yourself,  and 
I  trust  appropriately  felt  by  all  those  among  us  who  have  the  best 
interests  of  their  city  at  heart. 

Previous  to  the  year  1841,  no  such  thing  as  a  Free  School  was 
known  in  the  city  of  Detroit,  and  the  interests  of  general  education 


297 

consequently  languished  to  such  a  degree,  that  the  benevolent  atten 
tion  of  a  few  gentlemen,  interested  in  the  subject,  was  at  length  exci 
ted  to  reform  and  check  the  evils  which  were  rapidly  springing  out 
of  this  unfortunate  state  of  things.  Foremost  among  them,  and  the 
first  to  take  any  steps  in  the  matter,  was  our  much  beloved  fellow 
citizen,  Dr.  Zina  Pitcher,  long  known  for  his  untiring  efforts  in 
behalf  of  every  interest  connected  with  this  important  subject,  and 
widely  esteemed  throughout  our  State,  for  his  arduous  labors  in  aid 
ing  to  organize  and  perfect  our  State  University;  and  associated  with 
him  was  a  no  less  devoted  friend  to  education  in  our  State,  Samuel 
Barstow,  Esq.,  who  for  many  successive'  years  continued  to  act  as 
the  presiding  officer  of  the  board  of  education,  and  still  remains  its 
most  active  and  efficient  member,  and  one  to  whom  the  city  of  De 
troit  must  forever  remain  indebted  for  his  generous  and  tireless  de 
votion  to  this  important  interest.  While  acting  as  Mayor  of  the  City, 
during  the  year  1841,  Dr.  Pitcher  called  the  attention  of  the  several 
members  of  the  Common  Council  to  the  great  need  of  common 
schools  among  us,  and  succeeded  in  obtaining  some  statistics  on  the 
subject  which  exhibited  the  condition  of  the  community  at  that  time 
in  its  connection  with  education.  From  these  statistics  disclosed  at 
the  time,  it  appeared  that  there  were  then  in  the  City  twenty-seven 
English  schools,  one  French  and  one  German  school,  but  all  of  them 
exceedingly  limited  in  numbers,  and  scarcely  deserving  the  name  of 
schools,  except  the  one  connected  with  St.  Ann's  (Catholic)  Churob, 
which  embraced  nearly  all  of  the  children  of  Catholic  Families  then 
resident  in  the  city.  The  whole  number  of  scholars  in  attendance 
upon  these  29  schools  at  this  time,  was  700,  and  this  in  a  city  with 
a  population  of  between  9  and  10,000  inhabitants  !  ! 

The  average  cost  of  tuition,  as  then  estimated,  was  seventeen  dollars 
per  year  for  every  scholar.  It  was  likewise  ascertained  that  there 
were  more  than  2,000  children  of  the  proper  school  age,  within  the 
then  limits  of  the  city,  all  of  whom,  excepting  the  the  seven  hundred 
above  referred  to,  were  not  in  attendance  upon  any  school  whatever, 
while  they  were  daily  ripening  into  full  grown  citizenship,  and  hasten 
ing  to  take  their  places  as  Parents  and  Guardians  in  the  community. 

Speedy  measures  were  then  adopted  by  the  gentlemen  above  re 
ferred  to,  in  connection  with  others  who  came  forward  as  fellow  la- 
38 


298 

borers  in  this  good  work,  and  by  hiring  vacant  rooms  and  securing 
teachers,  upwards  of  seven  schools  were  soon  opened  in  different 
parts  of  the  city,  and  earnest  efforts  made  to  persuade  various  fami 
lies  whose  children  were  then  roaming  the  street,  to  send  them  to 
the  daily  schools  thus  established.  Yet  so  great  was  the  apathy  and 
indifference  felt  by  many  on  the  subject,  that  when  schools  were 
thrown  open  for  the  instruction  of  their  children  at  no  cost  to  them 
selves,  it  still  required  the  continued  personal  and  individual  effort  of 
those  interested  to  bring  this  portion  of  the  community  to  see  the 
great  advantages  they  were  able  to  derive  for  their  families  from  the 
common  schools. 

Much  difficulty,  and  embarrassment  too,  was  felt  from  a  certain 
other  portion  of  our  citizens,  who,  partially  from  a  fear  of  increased 
taxation  likely  to  result,  in  their  opinion,  from  incompetency  in  the 
management  of  the  schools,  or  a  reckless  and  extravagant  policy  on 
the  part  of  those  interested  in  establishing  the  system,  and  also  from 
a  general  want  of  interest  on  the  whole  subject  of  popular  education, 
did  not  hesitate  to  array  themselves  in  an  attitude  towards  the  new 
enterprise  which  savored  much  more  of  hostility  than  good  will.  This 
feeling  pervaded  the  minds  of  a  large  portion  of  the  older  settlers, 
(although  there  were  not  wanting  many  honorable  and  distinguished 
exceptions  among  them  who  approved  and  smiled  encouragingly  on 
the  project,)  and  so  fettered  and  embarrassed  the  work  at  its  very 
commencement,  as  to  render  it  a  matter  of  serious  doubt  for  some 
time,  whether  it  was  destined  to  succeed  or  to  be  crushed  in  the  bud. 
The  friends  of  the  system,  however,  still  persevered  in  their  laudable 
undertaking,  and  though  often  discouraged  at  the  almost  insuperable 
difficulties  with  which  they  were  called  to  contend,  never  once  thought 
of  abandoning  the  noble  enterprise  in  which  they  had  engaged. 
Through  their  instrumentality  an  application  was  made  to  the  next 
succeeding  Legislature,  for  an  act  of  incorporation,  which  was  sub 
sequently  passed,  and  approved  on  the  17th  of  February,  1842. 

This  act  incorporated  the  various  schools  of  tL*  city,  which  had 
just  been  established,  into  one  district,  under  the  style  of  u  The 
Board  of  Education  of  the  City  of  Detroit,"  and  which  is  composed 
of  two  school  inspectors  from  every  ward  in  the  city.  Its  officers 
consist  of  a  President,  Treasurer,  and  Secretary,  who  are  annually 


299 

chosen  by  the  new  board,  at  their  first  meeting.  By  the  provisions 
of  this  act  also,  the  common  council  are  authorized  once  in  each 
year,  to  assess  and  levy  a  tax  on  all  the  real  and  personal  property 
in  the  cit},  which  shall  not  exceed  one  dollar  for  every  child  between 
the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  according  to  the  last  census  ta 
ken  and  on  file  in  the  Secretary's  office.  By  the  same  law,  a  farther 
assessment  of  two  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  for  the  benefit  of  the 
school  library,  is  allowed,  and  generally  collected.  Subsequent  leg 
islation  authorized  the  voting  of  a  special  tax  by  the  freeholders  of 
the  city,  of  a  sum  not  exceeding  fifteen  hundred  dollars,  whenever 
the  same  should  be  required,  for  the  erection  of  school  buildings, 
and  this  extra  tax  has  been  asked  and  granted  in  but  two  instances, 
since  the  organization  of  the  schools. 

This  annual  tax  of  one  dollar  for  every  scholar  between  four  and 
eighteen,  granted  by  the  city,  together  with  the  proportion  of  mon 
eys  received  each  year  from  the  State  school  fund,'(and  which  for  the 
last  two  or  three  years  has  barely  exceeded  two  thousand  dollars,) 
constitutes  and  comprises  the  only  fund  which  supports  the  various 
schools  of  our  city. 

The  board  now  have  twenty-two  schools  in  active  operation,  with 
in  the  limits  of  the  city,  in  which  number  is  included  one  school  ex 
clusively  appropriated  to  colored  children,  and  their  total  annual  ex 
penditure  in  the  support  of  these  schools  is  about  eight  thousand 
dollars,  of  which  sum  more  than  six  thousand  are  absorbed  by  teach 
ers'  salaries. 

About  three  years  after  the  schools  were  fairly  started,  and  just 
as  they  commenced  taking  form  and  shape,  the  board  were  called  to 
encounter  a  storm  which  came  very  near  wrecking  the  whole  sys 
tem,  and  which,  but  for  the  prudent  and  temperate  management  of 
those  then  entrusted  with  the  interests  of  the  schools,  must  necessa 
rily  have  resulted  most  disastrously  to  the  permanent  educational 
interests  of  our  city.  I  refer  to  our  first  encounter  with  that  per 
plexing,  yet  all  important  subject,  the  proper  introduction  of  the  Bi 
ble  into  the  public  schools.  In  a  community  as  largely  Catholic  as 
was  the  city  of  Detroit  at  that  time,  it  may  be  supposed  that  the  op 
position  to  the  introduction  of  the  Bible,  as  a  text  book,  in  the  public 
schools,  would  be  vigorously  and  earnestly  contested,  and  it  was  so 


300 

contested  during  a  period  of  several  months.  The  schools  being  then 
in  their  infancy,  and  the  storm  breaking  upon  them  before  they  were 
fairly  rooted,  involved  them  in  a  peril  from  which  it  seemed  at  one 
time  almost  impossible  successfully  to  extricate  them.  The  religious 
feeling  of  the  citizens  was  thoroughly  aroused  in  reference  to  the 
matter,  and  the  lines  openly  drawn  between  Protestants  and  Catho 
lics.  Petitions  with  innumerable  names  poured  in  upon  the  board, 
some  asking  positively  for  the  introduction  of  the  Bible  as  a  text 
book  in  the  schools,  and  others  soliciting  the  very  contrary,  and  in 
sisting  upon  its  total  exclusion.  So  high  did  the  excitement  rise 
that  many  citizens  on  both  sides  of  the  question  did  not  hesitate 
openly  to  declare,  that  unless  their  particular  views  were  carried  out 
in  this  matter,  they  would  gladly  see  the  entire  school  system  bro 
ken  up  and  swept  away  from  our  city.  After  this  intemperate  zeal 
of  many  had  in  a  measure  abated,  the  board  proceeded  to  the  dis 
charge  of  their  duty  by  calmly  acting  on  the  question;  and  about 
the  third  of  February,  1845,  peacably  settled  the  whole  difficulty, 
by  the  adoption  of  the  two  following  resolutions,  viz: 

"Hesolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  board  that  there  is  noth 
ing  in  their  rules  and  bye-laws  at  all  conflicting  with  the  right  of  any 
teacher  in  the  employment  of  this  board,  to  open  his  or  her  school 
by  reading  without  note  or  comment,  from  any  version  of  the  Bible 
they  may  choose,  either  Catholic  or  Protestant. 

"Resolved,  That  any  teacher  who  shall  in  any  way  note,  comment 
or  remark  in  his  or  her  school,  upon  passages  of  Scripture,  shall  be 
removed  from  his  or  her  school,  upon  the  proof  thereof  being  made 
to  the  committee  of  his  or  her  school — the  decision  of  said  commit 
tee  being  subject,  however,  to  review  by  the  board." 

Thus  was  this  threatening  peril  avoided,  the  influence  of  the  Bible 
fully  preserved  in  the  schools,  and  the  school  system  itself  saved 
from  the  ruin  which  seemed  at  first  impending  over  it.  From 
that  time  to  the  present,  the  policy  set  forth  in  the  resolutions  has 
been  adhered  to  by  the  board,  and  all  parties  seem  to  have  acquies 
ced  in  it  as  the  most  prudent,  judicious  and  impartial  mode  of  ad 
justing  the  difficulty.  Nor  are  those  now  wanting  among  such  as  at 
first  occupied  respectively  both  extremes  in  the  controversy,  who 
have  since  come  frankly  forward  and  vindicated  the  course  pursued 


301 

by  the  members  of  the  board  at  that  time,  as  the  wise  and  proper 
one;  although,  while  standing  in  the  breach,  these  gentlemen  were 
exposed  to  shafts  from  both  sides,  and  were  sustained  only  by  the 
consciousness  of  having  rightly  discharged  their  duty,  and  leaving 
the  future  to  confirm  the  wisdom  of  their  judgment.  That  future  is 
already  here,  and  their  judgment  stands  approved  by  all  who  have 
traced  the  history  of  the  schools  from  that  day  forward. 

The  twenty-two  schools  now  in  operation  under  the  charge  of  the 
board,  and  already  referred  to,  may  be  thus  classified,  viz:  two  Union 
schools,  (the  plan  of  which  will  be  presently  alluded  to,)  one  in  four, 
and  the  other  in  three  separate  departments;  four  middle  schools, 
under  male  teachers,  for  scholars  between  the  ages  of  five  and  eight 
een  years;  eleven  primary  schools,  under  female  teachers,  for  schol 
ars  between  the  ages  of  five  and  ten  years,  and  one  school  for  color 
ed  persons. 

Our  system  of  organization  and  discipline  has  grown  up  as  it  were 
under  our  own  hands,  and  been  adapted  rather  to  our  own  peculiar 
circumstances  and  exigencies,  than  modeled  upon  any  preconceived 
plan  of  those  who  confine  themselves  to  one  particular  mode  of  con 
ducting  a  school,  and  who  regard  it  as  the  one  only  method,  rejecting 
every  thing  else.  We  have  preferred  rather  to  be  eclectic  in  our  va 
rious  organizations,  and  having  first  fully  satisfied  ourselves  as  to 
the  character  of  our  material,  have  then  proceeded  to  adapt  all  that 
we  found  excellent  and  suitable  in  the  numerous  and  varied  systems 
that  prevail  throaghout  the  country. 

We  are,  however,  exceedingly  desirous  of  perfecting  throughout 
our  city,  what  we  style  the  Union  School,  and  which  we  find  to  be 
not  only  the  most  beneficial  in  all  respects,  but  the  most  economical 
also.  Our  poverty  as  a  board,  and  consequently  our  inability  to 
erect  suitable  school  buildings,  delayed  us  a  long  time,  before  we 
were  enabled  to  take  the  first  step  towards  establishing  such  a  school. 
Our  city,  (unlike  the  two  on  either  side  of  us,  Cleveland  and  Chi 
cago,  and  mainly  for  the  reasons  already  stated,)  has  never  erected 
a  uniform  set  of  school  buildings  in  the  different  wards  of  the  city, 
and  the  only  way  in  which  we  have  to  possess  ourselves  of  buildings 
at  all,  is  by  taking  advantage  of  the  extra  tax  occasionally,  of  $1,500, 
and  adding  to  it  whatever  we  can  manage,  by  the  severest  economy,. 


302 

to  save  from  our  annual  receipts,  and  which  you  will  readily  see, 
from  what  has  been  stated,  as  to  the  amount  of  our  receipts  and  ex 
penditures,  must  be  necessarily  small. 

Fortunately,  however,  for  the  cause  of  education  among  us,  the 
large  and  commodious  building  formerly  occupied  as  the  State  Cap 
itol,  in  this  city,  upon  the  removal  of  the  seat  of  government  to  Lan 
sing,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  board  of  education  and  we  were 
thus  favored  with  an  opportunity  of  establishing  a  Union  school  on 
a  large  scale,  which  was  speedily  done.  This  building  now  receives 
and  shelters  over  five  hundred  children  every  day,  and  affords  more 
comfortable  school  privileges  than  can  be  found  in  any  other  buil 
ding  dedicated  to  such  purposes  in  the  Union.  Although  now  ap 
propriated  to  much  more  humble  pursuits  than  formerly,  when  its 
halls  were  used  as  the  theatre  of  State  legislation,  yet  we  confident 
ly  hope  that  the  State  is  deriving  much  more  good  from  the  work 
now  accomplishing  within  its  walls,  than  from  that  which  was  wont 
to  be  enacted  there  in  earlier  days.  If  no  laws  are  now  formally 
framed  there,  the  future  law-makers  of  the  State  are  being  made 
there  daily,  and  it  is  hoped  they  will  be  fully  qualified  for  their  work 
when  the  time  of  their  labor  arrives. 

The  plan  of  the  Union  school,  as  adopted  by  the  board  of  educa 
tion,  is  briefly  as  follows:  in  the  basement  of  the  building  is  an  in 
fant  school,  where  the  children  are  familiarized  with  their  alphabet 
and  taught  to  spell.  They  are  then  elevated  to  the  primary  depart 
ment,  where  they  are  still  further  instructed  in  the  same  studies,  and 
also  in  the  multiplication  table,  and  somewhat  in  geography.  They 
next  pass  into  the  lower  or  middle  department,  where  the  circle  of 
study  is  enlarged,  and  they  commence  their  work  upon  the  text 
books,  and  are  taught  especially  in  Colburn's  mental  arithmetic, 
which  has  long  been  regarded  with  us  as  a  sine  qua  non  in  our  schools. 
The  drill  in  this  work  is  made  very  complete  and  thorough,  and  the 
pupil  is  not  permitted  to  abandon  it  until  he  has  mastered  it  all,  from 
cover  to  cover.  Having  here  qualified  themselves  for  the  upper  or 
higher  department,  they  are  then  transferred  to  the  care  of  teachers, 
who  conduct  them  through  all  the  higher  branches  of  study,  and 
with  whom  they  complete  their  course.  These  studies  embrace  the 
most  finished  style  of  reading  and  writing,  grammar,  geography, 


303 

history,  both  ancient  and  modern,  higher  arithmetic,  algebra,  geom 
etry,  natural  and  mental  philosophy,  astronomy,  composition,  elocu 
tion,  book  keeping,  surveying,  music,  &c.  &c.  The  very  highest 
attainment  in  all  these  studies  is  here  reached,  and  the  most  difficult 
and  abstruse  mathematical  and  geometrical  problems,  as  also  the 
working  out  of  eclipses  may  be  seen  in  diagrams,  as  the  work  of 
the  scholars,  at  every  public  examination. 

The  admission  of  scholars  into  these  various  departments  is  sought 
to  be  regulated,  as  far  as  possible,  by  age,  although  it  is  found  that 
their  respective  attainments  in  a  knowledge  of  the  studies  pre 
scribed,  is  the  safer  and  perhaps  the  better  rule  by  which  to  advance 
them  in  their  course. 

The  primary  departments  are  under  the  care  of  female  teachers 
exclusively,  and  the  middle  and  upper  departments  are  under  the 
conjoint  care  of  both  a  male  and  female  teacher.  Both  sexes  attend 
to  the  same  studies,  and  are  instructed  in  the  classes,  except  as  por 
tions  of  them  are  occasionally  withdrawn  under  the  charge  of  the 
female  teacher  into  the  recitation  rooms  attached  to  the  middle  and 
upper  departments;  and  in  all  matters  of  discipline,  the  male  teacher 
of  the  upper  department  exercises  full  jurisdiction,  not  only  over  his 
own,  but  likewise  over  all  the  inferior  schools  in  his  building. 

In  this  progressive  method  under  competent  teachers,  we  find  our 
scholars  strengthen  with  every  onward  step,  and  by  the  time  they 
hare  completed  the  whole  course  of  the  upper  and  final  department, 
they  are  generally  abundantly  qualified  for  any  responsible  position 
in  life,  either  as  machinists,  surveyors,  or  mercantile  clerks,  according 
as  their  tastes  may  have  most  inclined  or  regulated  their  studies. 
"  Fesina  lentef"  has  been  the  principle  upon  which  we  have  sought 
to  proceed  in  carrying  out  our  system,  and  by  thorough  drill  in  each 
particular  study,  from  the  commencement,  (although  attended  at  first 
with  some  delay,)  we  find  the  scholar  advances  much  more  rapidly 
and  intelligently  in  the  higher  branches,  than  where  he  is  hurried 
along  superficially,  and  with  much  more  apparent  rapidity  through 
his  preliminary  studies.  The  latter  course  never  can  make  a  good 
scholar,  the  former  invariably  will. 

At  present  we  have  but  two  large  Union  schools  conducted  on  this 
plan;  but  we  hope  before  three  years  have  elapsed  to  add  at  least 


304 

two  more  of  this  kind  to  our  present  number,  and  so  go  on  increas 
ing  them  until  we  finally  absorb  all  of  the  primary  and  middle 
schools  now  scattered  abroad  through  the  city  into  Union  schools, 
which  result  we  regard  as  necessary  to  the  perfection  of  such  a  sys 
tem  as  our  city  needs,  and  as  will  prove  most  advantageous  to  its 
youth. 

The  study  of  the  classics  has  not  yet  been  introduced  into  these 
schools,  not  from  any  lack  of  a  due  appreciation  of  their  importance 
by  the  board,  but  mainly  because  of  our  limited  means,  the  present 
want  of  legal  authority  so  to  expend  any  portion  of  our  moneys, 
and  the  overflowing  numbers  of  those  who  demand,  as  of  the  first 
importance,  a  thorough  education  in  the  English  branches.  Were  il 
within  the  range  of  their  power  and  means,  I  doubt  not  the  board 
would  be  glad  to  engraft  upon  their  system  the  grand  peculiarity  of 
the  Parish  schools  in  Scotland,  where  the  teachers  employed  arc 
good  classical  scholars,  and  impart  instruction  in  the  languages  to 
their  pupils,  who  often  time  pass  from  the  parish  school  to  the  Uni 
versity.  It  is  in  fact,  to  this,  more  than  any  other  one  cause,  that 
Scotland  owes  her  great  superiority  over  England,  and  almost  all 
other  countries,  in  the  great  number  of  her  highly  educated  sons. 
When,  however,  our  means  shall  have  increased  so  that  we  may  ex 
pand  as  we  ought,  and  we  are  enabled  to  secure  competent  teachers 
in  these  studies  also,  our  common  school  system  at  home  in  Detroit, 
we  hesitate  not  in  saying,  will  not  fall  behind  that  of  any  other  in 
the  nation.  We  hope  for  the  early  arrival  of  this  day,  and  at  present 
can  dp  nothing  more  than  faithfully  and  fully  prepare  the  way  for 
its  coming. 

Our  school  year  is  divided  into  three  terms;  the  first  commencing 
on  the  second  Monday  after  the  third  Saturday  in  April,  and  closes 
the  fourth  Saturday  in  July.  The  second  term  commences  the  fifth 
Monday  after  the  fourth  Saturday  in  July,  and  closes  the  Saturday 
next  preceding  Christmas.  The  third  term  commences  on  the  first 
Monday  after  the  first  day  of  January,  and  closes  the  third  Saturday 
in  April.  By  this  it  will  be  seen  that  we  have  but  one  long  vacation, 
which  is  generally  the  entire  month  of  August,  and  a  week's  vaca 
tion  at  the  end  of  both  the  other  two  terms. 

It  is  somewhat  difficult  to  arrive  at  the  precise  number' of  scholars 
in  daily  attendance  upon  our  public  schools  in  the  course  of  the 


305 

year;  but  it  has  been  estimated  by  the  board  at  4,250  for  the  last 
year,  which  is  more  than  two-thirds  of  all  the  children  of  the  city 
between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen.  According  to  this  estimate 
the  average  cost  of  educating  each  scholar  per  year  under  our  pre 
sent  system,  instead  of  being  seventeen  dollars,  as  was  estimated  be 
fore  the  schools  were  organized,  now  falls  short  of  two  dollars,  and 
the  standard  of  education  is  infinitely  beyond  what  it  was  in  1841. 
When,  too,  we  deduct  from  this,  one-third  of  the  children  which  are 
not  found,  as  is  above  stated,  on  our  public  school  rolls,  all  such  as 
are  in  attendance  upon  the  numerous  select  schools  throughout  our 
city,  and  such  as  have  already  passed  into  the  Store  and  Workshop, 
it  will  be  readily  seen  that  the  proportion  of  youth  who  are  not  in 
attendance  upon  any  school  at  all  is  exceedingly  small,  and  that  our 
system  enjoys  a  very  large  share  of  public  confidence. 

Public  attention  is  now  much  more  generally  attracted  to  the 
schools  than  formerly;  and  public  sympathy,  instead  of  being  arrayed 
against  them,  as  was  the  case  at  first,  now  rallies  warmly  around 
them  and  lifts  up  its  voice  in  their  praise.  In  every  humble  dwell 
ing  throughout  our  widely  extended  city,  as  well  as  in  the  splendid 
mansions  of  the  rich,  the  free  schools  have  now  one  or  more  earnest 
and  interested  advocates.  Men  who  were  first  opposed  to  the  whole 
system,  have  been  insensibly  won  over  to  its  support  by  witnessing 
the  additional  lustre  of  character  and  personal  graces  which  their 
little  ones  receive  under  their  refining  influence;  and  those  who  at 
the  outset  embarked  with  fear  and  trembling  in  the  support  of  this 
noble  enterprise,  can  now  enjoy  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  free  school 
already  established  as  a  permanent  institution  among  us.  Opposition 
has  ceased  its  clamor,  and  confidence  has  bestowed  her  smile  upon 
these  precious  nurseries  of  our  nation's  security;  and  the  man  who 
seeks  at  this  late  day  to  pluck  them  down  over  our  heads,  must  be 
prepared,  like  Sampson  of  old,  to  perish  in  the  ruin  which  his  own 
hand  hath  wrought. 

I  know  not  whether  the  foregoing  hurried  and  rather  superficial 
sketch  of  our  educational  interests  will  be  of  any  service  to  you,  or 
afford  even  one  particle  of  instruction  to  the  student  who  gleans  in 
this  field  of  inquiry,  but  leave  you  to  judge — we  profess  not  to  be 
of  superior  position  in  this  matter,  knowing  that  we  have  had,  and 

39 


306 

still  have  much  to  contend  with;  but  nevertheless,  we  feel  ourselves 
deserving,  at  least,  of  that  humble  plaudit,  "  you  have  done  what 
you  could;"  and  I  am  sure  that  you  will  not  be  disposed  to  withhold  it. 
I  am,  very  respectfully, 

Your  ob't  servant, 

D.  BETHUNE  DUFFIELD, 
Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education  of  the  City  of  Detroit. 

1852. 

THIRTEENTH  ANNUAL  REPORT  OF  THE  REGENTS  OP  THE  UNIVERSITY". 

The  Regents  of  the  University,  through  their  executive  committee, 
submit  herewith  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  the 
documents  composing  their  thirteenth  annual  report: 

1st.  Report  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  University. 

2d.  Statement  by  tfee  Secretary,  of  warrants  drawn  upon  the  trea 
surer  during  the  year. 

3d.  Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office. 

4th.  Report  of  superintendent  of  grounds. 

5th.  Report  of  expenditures,  from  executive  committee. 

6th.  Report  of  the  Faculty  of  Arts. 

7th.  Report  of  the  Medical  Faculty. 

8th.  Memorial  of  Alvah  Bradish,  Esq.,  on  fine  arts,  &c. 

9th.  A  historical  memoir,  by  Z.  Pitcher,  M.  D. 

The  receipts  and  disbursements  of  the  treasurer,  which  balance 
each  other  for  the  year,  amount  each  to  $12,543  79;  his  report 
showing  that  there  were  no  funds  remaining  on  hand,  June  30,  1851. 
On  comparing  the  statement  of  the  secretary,  of  warrants  issued  du 
ring  the  year,  with  the  treasurer's  report,  it  appears  that  the  Board 
have  contracted  a  debt,  in  the  form  of  outstanding  warrants,  which 
amounts  to  $4,775  11,  which  the  revenues  of  the  Board  will  be  able 
to  extinguish,  if  no  extraordinary  appropriations  are  made  in  one  or 
two  years.  This  indebtedness  of  the  Board  has  mainly  been  con 
tracted  in  the  construction  of  a  building  to  accommodate  the  Faculty 
and  students  of  the  College  of  Medicine,  which  also  contains  a  labo 
ratory  suited  to  the  wants  of  the  department  of  arts. 

The  report  from  the  executive  committee  shows  the  particular 
purposes  for  which  the  funds  of  the  Board  have  been  expended,  and 


307 

from  that  of  the  superintendent  of  grounds  you  will  see  that  the  re 
ceipts  for  initiation  fees  and  room  rent,  have  amounted  to  $2.364  95 
To  this,  add  the  amounts  received  by  the  treasurer,  viz:  12,543  79 

And  you  have  the  gross  sum  of $15,908  74 

received  and  expended,  or  accounted  for  during  the  last  academic  or 
University  year. 

You  are  referred  to  the  reports  of  the  respective  Faculties  for  an 
account  of  the  number  of  graduates  in  the  two  departments  of  the 
University,  and  to  that  from  the  Faculty  of  medicine  for  a  detailed 
statement  of  the  duties  performed  by  the  several  members  thereof. 

For  the  memorial  of  Mr.  Bradish,  the  Board  of  Regents  ask  spe 
cial  consideration,  both  on  account  of  the  elevation  of  its  sentiment 
and  the  purity  and  chasteness  of  the  style  in  which  it  is  dressed.  His 
opinions  on  the  influence  which  a  cultivation  of  the  fine  arts  will  ex 
ert  over  the  manners  and  morals  of  a  people,  are  commended  to  the 
careful  perusal  of  all  who  are  charged  with  the  education  of  youth, 
or  the  supervision  of  institutions  of  learning. 

The  memoir  by  Dr.  Pitcher  was  written  at  the  request  of  the 
Board  of  Regents,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  before  their  succes 
sors  a  resume  of  their  acts  and  the  reasons  for  the  adoption  of  some 
of  their  more  important  measures,  in  such  a  form  that  it  might  serve 
as  a  guide  for  their  action,  or  a  beacon  to  warn  them,  according  as 
those  acts  may  be  approved  or  regarded  of  doubtful  utility.  We  in 
vite  special  attention  to  what  is  said  on  the  subject  of  branches  of 
the  University,  and  express  our  opinion  that  the  organization  of  Un 
ion  schools  in  the  villages  and  cities  of  the  State,  will  both  more  ef 
fectually  subserve  the  purposes  for  which  common  schools  should  be 
established,  and  at  the  same  time  furnish  more  efficient  auxiliaries  to 
the  University  than  its  branches  were  during  their  existence.  In 
proof  of  this,  it  is  deemed  proper  to  state  that  the  Union  school  at 
Jonesville,  under  the  direction  of  A.  L.  Welch,  Esq.,  a  graduate  of 
the  University,  has  furnished  candidates  for  admission  to  the  Fresh 
man  Class,  prepared  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner.  This  is  an 
important  fact,  as  it  shows  what  kind  of  fruits  the  Union  school  may 
be  made  to  produce,  and  what  relation  these  two  portions  of  our  ed 
ucational  system  may  be  made  to  bear  to  each  other.  Another  mo 
tive  for  its  preparation,  originating  in  a  desire  to  make  some  reply  to 


308 

an  honorable  committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  who,  by  its 
chairman,  had  pronounced  the  University  a  failure,  and  to  furnish  an 
answer  to  those  citizens  who  had  petitioned  the  Legislature  to  abolish 
the  medical  department  of  the  University,  unless  certain  professor 
ships  therein  named  should  be  engrafted  upon  the  present  system  of 
instruction  in  that  department  of  that  institution. 

The  only  occurrence  which  the  executive  committee  can  recall  as 
having  transpired  within  the  past  year,  and  not  alluded  to  in  the  re 
ports  of  the  standing  committees,  is  the  resignation  of  the  Rev.  An 
drew  Ten  Brook,  whu  occupied  the  chair  of  mental  and  moral  phi 
losophy  in  the  University  of  Michigan.  The  committee  deem  it 
improper  to  let  this  occasion  pass  without  expressing  their  regret  that 
so  estimable  a  man,  so  capable  a  teacher  and  so  devoted  a  friend  of 
the  University,  should  have  found  it  necessary  or  expedient  to  with 
draw  from  the  institution. 

Very  respectfully,  your  ob't  serv't, 

Z.   PITCHER, 

In  behalf  of  Ex.  Com. 
Detroit,  Sept.  14,  1851. 


REPORT    OF    THE    MEDICAL  FACULTY  OF  THE  UNIVERSITY  FOR    1850-'51. 

To  the  Hon.  the  Board  of  Regents  of  the  University: 

The  Faculty  organized  May  15th,  1850,  choosing  Prof.  Abram 
Sager,  President,  and  Prof.  M.  Gunn,  Secretary.  September  23d, 
the  routine  of  lectures  and  recitations  was  arranged  as  follows,  via: 

MONDAY,  A.  M. 

Recitations  followed  by  lectures. 
Obstetrics,  <fcc.,  by  Prof.  Sager.     Materia  Medica,  by  Prof.  Allen. 

MONDAY,  P.   M. 

Recitations  followed  by  lectures. 

Theory  &  Practice,  &c.»  by  Prof.  Denton.    Chemistry,  (fee.,  by  Prof. 
Douglass. 

TUESDAY,  A.  M. 

Mat.  Med.,  &c.,  by  Prof.  Allen.     Anatomy,  Surgery,  by  Prof.  Gunn, 

TUESDAY,   P.   M. 

Theory  &  Practice,  &c.,  by  Prof.  Denton.    Chemistry,  &c.,  by  Prof 
Douglass. 

WEDNESDAY,  A.  M. 

Obstetrics,  <fec.,  by  Prof.  Sager.  Anatomy,  &c.,  by  Prof.  Gunn, 


309 

WEDNESDAY,  P.  M. 

Theory  <fe  Practice,   &c.,  by  Prof.  Denton.  Materia  Medica,  <fcc.,  by 
Prof.  Allen. 

THURSDAY,  A.  M. 

Obstetrics,  &c.,  by  Prof.  Sager.  Anatomy,  &c.,  by  Prof.  Gunn. 

THURSDAY,  P.  M. 

Theory  &  Practice,  <fec.,  by  Prof.  Denton.  Chemistry,  &c.,  by  Prof. 
Douglass. 

FRIDAY,  A.  M. 

Obstetrics,  &c.,  by  Prof.  Sager.  Anatomy,  <fcc.,  by  Prof.  Gunn. 

FRIDAY,  P.  M. 

Materia  Medica,  <fec.,  by  Prof.  Allen.  Chemistry,  &c.,  by  Prof.  Doug 
lass. 

SATURDAY. 

Reading  and  examination  of  theses,  attended  by  all  the  Faculty, 
and  occupying  from  two  to  four  hours.  Theses  being  required  only 
once  in  two  weeks,  the  alternate  Saturday  to  be  occupied  by  the  usual 
number  of  recitations  and  lectures,  distributed  among  the  Faculty 
as  convenience  and  utility  at  the  time  dictated. 

The  course  was  opened  the  first  Wednesday  in  October,  1850,  by 
an  introductory  lecture  by  the  President.  With  the  exception  of  a 
few  days,  early  in  January,  1851,  which  were  occupied  in  completing 
the  arrangements  for  warming  the  lecture  rooms,  the  exercises  con 
tinued  in  accordance  with  the  foregoing  schedule,  till  the  Saturday 
immediately  preceding  the  annual  commencement  of  the  medical  de 
partment. 

Ninety-one  regular  matriculants  were  in  attendance  throughout 
the  course,  also  five  honorary  members  of  the  class. 

It  may  be  mentioned  that  a  considerable  number  of  clinical  lec 
tures  were  given  in  addition  to  the  regular  curriculum,  practically 
illustrative  of  interesting  points  in  pathology  and  therapeutics.  Ser- 
eral  of  the  capital  operations  in  surgery  were  performed  before  the 
class,  as  also  many  of  minor  character. 

In  consequence  of  the  large  number  of  students  engaged  in  prac 
tical  anatomical  study,  the  professor  of  anatomy  and  surgery  found 
his  duties  so  excessively  onerous  that  he  was  obliged  to  employ  an 
assistant  to  act  as  a  demonstrator.  The  professor  of  chemistry  has 
also  been  obliged  to  make  use  of  an  assistant. 

Invitation  having  been  extended  to  the  junior  members  of  the 
«lass  to  participate  in  the  exercise  of  medical  composition,  a  large 


310 

number  of  them  cordially  responded,  so  that  very  considerable  labor 
was  thrown  upon  the  Faculty  in  the  critical  examination  of  the  nu 
merous  "theses"  presented. 

Frequent  review  examinations  were  conducted,  both  of  the  junior 
and  senior  classes,  at  irregular  intervals,  and  during  otherwise  unoc 
cupied  hours. 

Much  time  and  labor  have  necessarily  been  employed  by  the  Fac 
ulty  in  the  preperation  of  means  of  illustration,  which  the  -limited 
appropriations  at  their  disposal  have  prevented  them  from  otherwise 
procuring.  By  this  course,  they  have  been  enabled  to  elucidate 
many  of  the  more  important  subjects  of  remark,°although  much  ad 
ditional  exertion  and  expenditure  will  be  necessary  to  place  the  sev 
eral  departments  on  a  proper  footing  in  this  particular. 

Near  the  close  of  the  term,  several  gentlemen  having  duly  an 
nounced  their  intentions,  and  having  presented  the  requisite  creden 
tials,  were  admitted  to  an  examination  for  the  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Medicine.  Of  these,  six  were  found  to  possess  the  proper  qualifica 
tions,  and,  on  the  recommendation  of  the  medical  faculty,  were  ad 
mitted  to  that  degree  at  the  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Regents  in 
April  last,  being  the  date  of  the  annual  commencement  of  the  Medi 
cal  Department. 

Twenty-three  students  passed  the  examination,  holden  about  the 
same  time,  preliminary  to  their  being  admitted  as  candidates  for 
graduation  the  next  ensuing  term.  These  were  severally  graded 
according  to  their  merits,  as  shown  on  examination;  it  being  under 
stood  that  this  will  influence  to  some  extent  the  mode  and  degree  of 
their  final  examination. 

It  was  deemed  expedient,  in  order  still  further  to  aid  the  efforts  of 
the  Board  of  Regents,  to  elevate  the  standard  of  Medical  Education, 
by  facilitating  the  means  to  establish  a  summer  reading  term,  free  to 
all  the  students  in  this  department.  This  has  accordingly  been 
done.  Daily  examinations  have  been  held  by  the  Faculty  in  the 
yarious  branches  of  medical  study.  The  number  in  attendance  the 
present  term,  from  the  lateness  of  the  notice,  is  small;  yet  it  is  be 
lieved  that  when  the  advantages  of  this  course  shall  be  more  fully 
known,  a  large  number  will  annually  avail  themselves  of  its  bene 
fits. 


311 

The  Medical  Faculty  cannot  allow  this  opportunity  to  pass  without 
expressing  their  sincerest  thanks  for  the  cordial  co-operation  of  the 
profession  throughout  the  State,  as  well  as  the  public  generally,  in 
sustaining  their  efforts  to  build  up  and  give  character  to  this  new  in 
stitution.  Nor  is  this  without  a  reason — the  conservation  of  the 
public  health  is  second  to  no  other  object  of  public  interest. 

Whether  we  can  look  for  a  largely  increased  number  of  students 
in  this  department,  the  ensuing  course,  is  a  matter  of  some  little 
doubt.  It  is  true,  the  fees  actually  paid  are  small,  in  comparison 
with  those  of  similar  institutions;  yet,  it  is  to  be  recollected,  that  the 
extraordinary  length  of  the  lecture  term,  whilst  it  increases  largely 
the  opportunities  of  the  student,  involves  at  the  same  time  an  increase 
of  personal  expenditures,  so  as  very  nearly  to  balance  the  amount. 
The  examination  upon  preliminary  branches,  it  appears,  has  also 
repulsive  features  to  many  students.  From  these  causes  mainly,  it 
is  thought,  that  although  a  large  iricTJority  of  the  late  medical  class 
were  residents  of  this  State,  yet  still  the  catalogues  of  foreign  insti 
tutions  show  that  many  students  from  this  State  were  abroad.  The 
extended  term  and  the  strict  enforcement  of  the  rules  of  examina- 
nation  are,  however,  it  is  believed,  paramount  to  mere  numbers,  and 
should  in  any  event  be  sustained. 

The  medical  faculty  are  gratified  in  being  able  to  report  to  the 
Board,  that  there  are  but  few  particulars  in  which  further  action  of 
their  body  is  deemed  necessary.  The  plan  of  the  institution,  they 
are  happy  in  being  able  to  state,  has  been  submitted  to  many  of  the 
most  distinguished  members  of  the  medical  profession  throughout 
the  country,  and  has  met  with  their  decided  approval.  It  is  essen 
tially  the  one  which  has  been  recommended  by  that  learned  body, 
the  American  Medical  Association. 

It  would  largely  facilitate  the  course  of  instruction  in  this  depart 
ment,  were  it  more  adequately  supplied  with  appropriate  apparatus, 
plates,  drawings,  model?,  &c.  It  is  hoped,  however,  that  the  pro 
ceeds  of  the  matriculation  fees,  which  have  been  appropriated  by  vote 
of  the  Board  to  this  object,  will,  if  scrupulously  devoted  to  that 
end,  soon  relieve  the  institution  from  the  great  disadvantages  under 
which  it  at  present  rests  from  their  deficiency. 

To  defray  the  expense  of  the  diplomas  granted,  and  still  further 
to  augment  the  contingent  fund,  it  is  recommended  that  a  small  fee 


312 

foe  charged  on  each  diploma  which  may  be  issued  from  this  depart 
ment. 

The  medical  faculty  was  re-organized  June  5th,  1851,  by  choosing 
Prof.  Denton,  President,  and  Prof.  Allen,  Secretary. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

By  order  of  the  Medical  Faculty. 

J.  ADAMS  ALLEN,  Secretary. 

The  following  MEMOIR,  embracing  an  epitome  of  the  transactions 
of  the  Regents  of  the  University,  with  some  reasons  for  the  adop 
tion  of  their  more  important  measures,  from  1837  to  June  30,  1851, 
has  been  prepared  by  Dr.  Pitcher,  and,  having  been  adopted  by  the 
Board  of  Regents,  was  transmitted  to  the  Superintendent  with  the 
report  for  the  past  year: 

MEMOIR. 

Being  required  by  the  Revised  Constitution  of  the  State,  which 
prescribes  a  new  mode  of  appointing,  and  changes  the  tenure  of  of 
fice  of  the  Regents  of  the  University,  to  surrender  the  trust  hitherto 
committed  to  the  present  members,  the  Board  of  Regents,  deeming 
it  to  be  appropriate  to  add  to  a  careful  recapitulation  of  their  re 
ceipts  and  expenditures,  a  succinct  history  of  their  administration, 
assigning  the  motives  for  their  action  and  the  reasons  for  the  policy 
they  have  pursued,  directed  the  following  memorial  to  be  prepared 
as  a  part  of  their  annual  report: 

When  the  members  of  the  Board  were  first  called  together  by 
Stevens  T.  Mason,  then  Governor  of  Michigan,  whose  short  and  bril 
liant  career  constitutes  an  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  State,  the  im 
portant  duties  of  selecting  this  site,  which  will  remain  sacred  to  let 
ters,  to  science  and  the  arts,  so  long  as  intelligence  and  virtue  shall 
hold  their  seat  in  the  affections  of  the  people,  and  of  providing  the 
means  by  borrowing  the  credit  of  the  State  to  adorn  and  improve  it, 
were  the  subjects  first  presented  for  their  consideration.  The  man 
ner  in  which  they  performed  these  duties  has  become  a  matter  of 
history.  As  such,  it  may  be  seen  and  read  of  all  men.  Of  the 
judgment  which  the  present  or  the  future  may  form  in  relation  to 
these  transactions,  the  Board  feel  no  apprehension  and  manifest  no 
concern. 


313 

Having  selected  the  site  of  the  University,  secured  the  means  of 
erecting  the  buildings,  purchasing  the  library,  and  of  doing  other 
things  nesessary  to  lay  its  foundation,  it  became  apparent  that  the 
materials  for  the  construction  of  the  living  edifice  were  not  at  hand. 
The  blocks  for  the  statuary  were  in  the  quarry,  but  there  were  no 
hands  to  hew  them  into  form.  Our  political  and  social  institutions 
were  yet  in  a  transition  sta^te.  The  common  schools  were  then  in 
chaos,  and  our  whole  system  of  Public  Instruction  in  the  State,  at 
best,  of  inchoation.  Believing  that  the  attempt  to  establish  or  orga 
nize  the  University  at  this  stage  of  our  political  existence,  in  this 
condition  of  the  other  educational  institutions  of  the  State,  would 
prove  abortive,  the  Regents  resolved  (as  the  constitutional  authority 
or  warrant  for  so  doing  had  not  then  been  questioned,)  to  invert  the 
order  of  things  contemplated  in  the  organic  law,  and  proceed  at  once 
to  the  establishment  of  branches  as  a  means  of  furnishing  the  ele 
ments  necessary  to  give  vitality  to  the  central  institution,  when  the 
time  for  appointing  its  Faculty  should  arrive. 

In  order  to  carry  this  purpose  into  effect,  the  committee  on 
branches  were  authorized  to  employ  an  .agent  to  visit  the  different 
sections  of  the  State  and  engage  the  co-operation  of  citizens  living 
at  such  points  as  seemed  most  suitable  for  the  establishment  of 
branches,  and  report  his  doings  to  the  Board.  This  agent,  who  was 
restricted  to  eight  localities,  reported  in  favor  of  locating  a  branch  at 
Pontiac,  Detroit,  Monroe,  Tecumseh,  Niles,  Grand  Rapids,  Palmer 
and  Jackson,  the  citizens  of  which  were  required  to  furnish  the  site 
and  the  edifice  necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  the  pupils.  On 
the  fulfillment  of  these  conditions,  branches  were  organized  at  Mon 
roe,  Tecumseh,  Niles,  White  Pigeon,  Kalamazoo,  Pontiac,  Romeo 
and  Detroit.  A  department  for  the  education  of  females  was  added 
to  the  branch  at  Monroe,  Tecumseh,  White  Pigeon,  Kalamazoo  and 
Romeo.  Branches  were  also  located  at  Mackinac,  Jackson,  Utica, 
Ypsilanti  and  Coldwater,  but  no  appropriations  were  ever  made  for 
their  support. 

On  the  first  organization  of  the  Board  of  Regents,  it  included  no 

clerical  members.     For  this  reasoa,  the  University,  then  in  future, 

was  stigmatized  as  an  infidel  affair,  which,  it  was  predicted,  would 

fail  to  perform  the  i unctions  for  which  it  had  been  endowed.     This 

40 


314 

prediction  was  uttered  with  much  confidence  in  certain  quarters,  and 
an  act  for  the  incorporation  of  a  sectarian  college  was  urged  through 
the  Legislature,  partly  by  the  force  of  an  appeal  to  the  religious  feel 
ing  of  the  members,  based  on  this  accusation.  Partly  with  a  view 
to  disarm  that  kind  of  opposition,  and  more  especially  because  they 
believed  it  to  be  a  duty,  irrespective  of  it,  the  Board  was  careful  to 
introduce  the  elements  of  religion  into  the  branches,  which  they  did 
by  the  appointment  of  clergymen  of  the  different  denominations  as 
principals  thereof. 

In  the  adoption  of  rules  for  the  government  of  the  branches,  spe 
cial  care  was  taken  to  guard  the  common  school  interest  from  injury, 
by  requiring  candidates  for  admission  to  undergo  a  preparatory  ex 
amination.  Tuition  was  to  be  paid  in  advance.  A  treasurer  was 
appointed  for  each  branch,  who  was  required  to  make  a  report  of  the 
funds  in  his  hands,  at  the  close  of  each  term.  The  course  of  study 
to  be  pursued  therein  was  prescribed  by  the  Board  of  Regents,  which 
embraced  the  preparation  of  the  pupil  for  college,  his  qualification 
for  business,  or  for  teaching,  as  he  might  himself  elect. 

With  the  design  of  inducing  young  men  who  had  been  educated 
at  the  branches,  to  engage  in  the  business  of  instruction,  a  regula 
tion  was  adopted  which  authorized  the  treasurer  to  refund  the  money 
paid  for  tuition,  to  all  such  persons  as  should  furnish  to  him  evidence 
of  having  been  engaged  in  teaching,  having  regard  to  the  time  they 
had  been  thus  employed.  A  board  of  visitors  was  also  appointed 
for  each  branch,  to  whom  such  powers  were  delegated  as  seemed 
necessary  to  the  practical  working  of  the  system. 

Notwithstanding  the  pains  taken  to  adapt  these  institutions  to  the 
public  exigencies,  so  that  their  legitimate  functions  could  be  perform 
ed  without  infringing  upon  another  portion  of  the  educational  system, 
they  soon  began  to  decline  in  popular  estimation,  because  they  were  act 
able  at  the  same  time  to  perform  the  functions  of  a  common  school  as 
well  as  a  branch  of  the  University.  A  feeling  of  jealousy  was  awakened 
in  the  minds  of  those  whose  children  were  excluded  from  them,  either 
from  want  of  age  or  qualifications.  Consequently  they  were  soon  re 
garded  as  places  for  the  education  of  the  (so-called)  amfocracyofthe 
State,  and  the  University,  through  the  influence  of  the  branches,  began 
to  be  spoken  of  as  an  enemy  to  popular  education.  If  an  opinion  may 


315 

be  formed  of  public  sentiment  by  the  tone  of  certain  official  papers, 
it  would  appear  that  that  feeling,  instead  of  becoming  extinct,  has 
only  changed  the  mode  and  place  of  its  appearing. 

Finding  that  the  branches  were  drawing  largely  upon  the  fund  de 
signed  for  the  construction  of  the  University  buildings,  and  that  they 
were  not  satisfactorily  accomplishing  the  end  for  which  they  had  been 
established,  the  Board  of  Regents,  after  mature  deliberation,  being 
fully  assured  that  the  expense  of  keeping  them  up  was  greatly  dis- 
proportioned  to  the  benefits  accruing  thereform,  suspended,  in  1846, 
all  appropriations  for  their  support,  after  more  than  $30,000  had 
been  expended  in  trying  to  sustain  them. 

Whilst  this  trial  was  being  made  of  the  utility  of  branches,  Pro 
fessor  Gray  was  in  Europe  selecting  the  library  of  the  University, 
and  Dr.  Torrey,  of  New  York,  was  negotiating  the  purchase  of  the 
Lederer  cabinet  of  foreign  minerals,  which  now  constitutes  the  prin 
cipal  sources  of  attraction  to  persons  visiting  this  institution. 

From  this  experimental  though  abortive  effort  to  build  up  and  sus 
tain  branches  of  the  University,  the  Board  have  learned,  and  they 
deem  the  lesson  of  sufficient  importance  to  leave  it  on  record,  that 
local  institutions  of  learning  thrive  best  under  the  immediate  manage 
ment  of  the  citizens  of  the  place  in  which  they  are  situated,  and  when 
endowed  or  sustained  by  their  immediate  patrons. 

When  the  time  arrived  for  the  organization  of  the  College  of  Arts, 
the  Board  were  not  forgetful  of  the  truth  that  man  is  not  merely  an 
intellectual  but  a  moral  being — a  being  meant  for  virtue  as  well  as 
for  reasoning,  and  partly  as  the  result  of  his  reasoning.  And  in  or 
der  that  the  youth  who  should  resort  thither  for  instruction  in  sci 
ence,  letters,  and  the  arts,  might  also  imbibe  correct  ideas  of  moral 
truth,  and  just  conceptions  of  their  relations  to  other  men,  as  well  as- 
their  Maker,  they  appointed  a  clergyman  from  the  Presbyterian,, 
Baptist,  Methodist  and  Episcopal  churches,  respectively,  to  the  pro 
fessorships  of  ancient  languages,  moral  and  mental  philosophy,  the 
philosophy  of  history,  and  mathematics,  with  natural  philosophy.  In 
supplying  the  Chairs  of  chemistry  and  mineralogy,  botany  and  zool 
ogy,  and  the  modern  languages,  although  the  gentlemen  occupying 
these  places  are  unexceptionable  in  moral  character,  regard  was  more 
especially  had  to  their  other  qualifications  for  these  positions,  than  tc 


316 

the  religious  influence  they  might  exert  over  the  minds  of  the  young 
men  entrusted  to  their  charge.  In  order  to  avoid  the  appearance  of 
sectarian  predominance  in  the  institution,  a  regulation  was  establish 
ed  by  which  the  four  first  named  professors  were  required,  in  turn, 
to  act  as  President,  for  one  year  from  the  time  of  his  accession  to  the 
office.  The  inconveniences  of  this  plan  of  rotation  in  the  office  of 
President,  to  which  the  state  of  the  finances  compelled  the  Board  to 
adhere  whilst  erecting  the  buildings  necessary  for  the  two  departments 
now  in  successful  action,  were  not  so  sensibly  felt  until  the  medical 
department  was  established  during  the  past  year.  Since  then,  the 
necessity  of  a  common  head  has  become  daily  more  apparent. 

The  Board  are  aware  that  the  wisdom  of  their  action,  in  selecting 
so  many  of  their  faculty  from  the  clerical  profession,  has  been  called 
in  question;  still  they  are  so  strongly  impressed  with  the  importance 
to  youth,  of  correct  moral  training,  during  the  period  of  college  life, 
and  of  the  necessity  of  a  sense  of  religious  responsibility,  to  insure 
fidelity  in  the  instructor,  that  no  present  consideration  would  tempt 
it  to  found  a  collegiate  institution,  without  its  materials  were  cement 
ed  by  religious  belief,  and  its  durability  guarantied  by  the  hopes 
which  Christianity  alone  can  inspire  or  impart.  Whether  these  ends 
can  be  as  well  secured  by  other  instrumentalities,  is  a  matter  which 
they  seriously  commend  to  the  consideration  of  their  successors  in 
office. 

In  arranging  the  course  of  study  for  the  under-graduates  of  the 
University,  the  Board  of  Regents,  aided  by  the  members  of  the  fac 
ulty,  have  expended  much  patient,  laborious  and  anxious  attention. 
They  have  striven  to  adapt  their  legislation  to  the  demands  of  an  ac 
tive  age,  so  as  at  the  same  time  not  to  be  instrumental  in  confirming 
the  idea  that  it  is  not  an  age  of  reflection  as  well  as  of  action.  With 
this  view  they  have  required  candidates  for  academic  honors  to  study 
the  humanities  of  the  older  schools,  as  a  means  of  acquiring  ele 
gance  in  diction  and  an  easy  and  happy  command  of  style  in  compo 
sition,  whilst  they  have  afforded  them  the  means  of  acquiring  the 
modern  languages,  and  the  elements  of  natural  history,  including 
both  organic  and  inorganic  nature. 

The  Board  have  not  been  unmindful  of  the  tendencies  of  the  age. 
'They  are  aware  of  the  growing  impatience  of  youth  to  put  off  sub- 


317 

jection  to  parental  contro],  and  to  put  on  manhood — of  the  ardent 
desire  of  the  young  man  to  become  rich,  rather  than  wise — of  the 
increasing  disposition  in  all  classes  to  despise  precedent,  to  reject 
whatever  is  old,  for  that  reaso  n,  rather  than  because  it  has  become 
effete;  and  have  labored,  not  so  much  to  minister  to  the  gratification  of 
this  morbid  relish  for  unregulated  liberty,  as  to  cultivate  in  their 
course  of  study  and  system  of  discipline,  a  conservative  sentiment 
which  should  restrain,  guide,  enlighten  and  direct  the  young  men 
who  may  resort  thither  for  mental  improvement.  They  desire,  with 
great  humility,  to  acknowledge  their  submission  to  an  all-sufficient 
Creator.  They  observe  in  His  works  an  order  of  progression,  a  plan 
of  development  which  illustrates  His  attributes,  and  demands  their 
profoundest  admiration,  In  the  origination  of  matter  they  recognize 
His  power;  in  the  development  of  organic  existences,  His  wisdom;  in 
the  creation  of  sentient  beings,  His  goodness;  and  in  the  existence  of 
man,  ilis  power,  wisdom  and  goodness  combined.  In  His  scheme  of 
creation  alone,  they  find  inscribed  the  law  of  progress. 

They  learn  from  His  word,  that  man  was  created  in  His  own  image; 
that  since  his  fall  he  is  left  with  powers  susceptible  of  enlargement 
by  cultivation,  but  find  no  warrant  for  the  belief  that  any  new  faculty 
or  pOAver  can  be  added  or  developed  by  his  own  exertion.  Man 
may  therefore  improg&  but  cannot  progress.  They  further  learn, 
from  experience,  a  truth  long  since  uttered  by  a  Jewish  Rabbi,  that 
wisdom  cannot  be  devised:  and  they  infer  from  these  truths,  the 
law,  that  each  generation  of  men  must  learn  wisdom  by  its  own  ex 
perience,  and  that  every  individual  mind  must  be  improved  by  the 
exercise  of  its  own  powers.  In  conformity  to  these  laws,  and  to  ef 
fect  these  ends,  the  course  of  study  in  the  University  has  been  regu 
lated.  The  special  objects  being  to  teach  youth  how  to  study;  to- 
prepare  them  for  professional  reading  or  for  becoming  intelligent  ar 
tisans  or  business  members  of  society.  Not  being  of  the  opinion 
that  the  untutored  youth  is  the  best  judge  of  what  he  ought  to  learn, 
nor  that  the  admission  of  pupils  to  an  irregular  course  of  study  along 
side  of  those  of  whom  a  more  thorough  drilling  is  required,  would 
have  a  favorable  effect  upon  scholarship,  the  Board  have  required  all 
candidates  for  academic  honors  to  study  the  elegant  and  antique 
models  found  in  the  Greek  and  Roman  classics,  to  submit  to  daily 


318 

recitations  and  the  moral  restraints  of  a  college  faculty.  They  know 
that  in  the  hurry  of  men  to  accumulate  wealth  or  acquire  power, 
they  will  forgo  the  advantages  and  pleasures  derived  from  patient 
mental^  culture — resign  the  sceptre  of  mind  for  the  gilded  mace,  or 
the  delusive  and  transitory  exercise  of  political  authority — and  know 
ing  these  things,  they  have  felt  it  to  be  their  duty  to  strive  to  estab 
lish  another  umpire  than  that  of  Mammon,  and  to  tempt  young  men, 
by  protracting  their  course  of  study,  to  look  for  distinction  out  of  the 
counting  room  or  the  political  arena. 

It  is  admitted  that  the  number  of  students  in  the  University  could 
be  greatly  increased,  if  there  were  no  prerequisites  to  their  admission; 
and  they  believe  at  the  same  time  that  a  system  which  should  look 
merely  to  the  augmentation  of  numbers,  would  have  a  fatal  effect 
upon  scholarship,  and  subvert  the  object  of  the  grant,  the  end  and 
purpose  of  the  endowment. 

Since  the  foregoing  was  written,  a  national  educational  convention 
has  been  held  at  Cleveland,  in  Ohio,  in  which  the  expediency  of  ex 
pelling  the  classics  from  our  colleges  became  the  subject  of  discus 
sion.  One  of  the  gentlemen  who  took  part  in  this  debate,  having 
been  at  one  time  a  Regent  of  the  University  of  Michigan,  included 
in  his  remarks  an  admirable  defence  for  his  colleagues,  in  the  adop 
tion  of  the  course  of  study  required  of  thei.  under-graduates.  I 
take  pleasure  in  incorporating  it  into  this  memoir,  although  it  adds 
essentially  to  its  length.  It  is  gratifying  to  add,  that  that  respectable 
Body  set  the  seal  of  its  disapprobation  upon  the  attempt  to  make  it 
th«  medium  of  disseminating  so  pernicious  a  sentiment: 

The  Board  adopted  in  the  organization  of  the  collegiate  depart 
ment  of  the  University,  the  general  system  and  plan  of  studies  which 
have  been  approved  for  centuries  in  Europe,  and  almost  universally 
by  the  directors  of  colleges  in  these  United  States.  The  curriculum 
is  equally  full  and  extensive  with  that  in  any  collegiate  institution  in 
this  country,  intended  mainly,  though  not  exclusively,  for  the  educa 
tion  of  minors.  It  would  have  been  as  disastrous  in  its  results,  as 
certainly  a  breach  of  trust  in  its  very  nature,  had  the  Board,  with 
the  commencement  of  the  collegiate  department  of  the  University 
of  Michigan,  projected  any  novel  system  of  education  which  had  not 
been  put  to  the  test  of  time  and  experience.  The  collegiate  course 
of  studies  in  the  United  States,  as  in  the  different  colleges  of  the 
Universities  of  Oxford  and  Cambridge,  in  England,  and  the  Gym 
nasiums  of  Germany,  is  intended  for  a  specific  purpose,  and  wisely 
adapted  to  it.  The  history  and  experience  of  centuries  have  stamp- 


319 

ed  it  with  the  seal  of  approbation,  and  it  is  questionable,  especially 
after  several  abortive  experiments  already  made  in  this  country, 
whether  any  other  equally,  not  to  say  more,  efficacious  can  be  devi 
sed. 

The  design  of  collegiate  education  is  not  immediately  to  impart 
the  knowledge  of  the  sciences  and  the  arts — not  to  fill  the  memory 
and  minds  of  youth  with  mere  information.  This  is  the  work  of  life. 
It  is  utterly  impossible  that  in  the  course  of  four  years,  any  person, 
whether  a  minor  or  of  maturer  years,  can  range  through  the  whole 
circle  of  the  sciences,  the  whole  field  of  human  knowledge.  In  many 
of  the  natural  sciences,  especially  in  chemistry,  geology,  mineralogy, 
and  various  departments  of  natural  philosophy,  the  continual  devel 
opment  of  new  facts  and  new  discoveries,  render  it  indispensable, 
even  for  the  most  learned  professor,  to  be  a  diligent  student,  if  he 
would  keep  pace  with  the  progress  of  knowledge  in  his  own  depart 
ment.  The  same  remark  may  be  made  in  relation  to  the  moral  sci 
ences  and  ethics,  economics  and  politics.  Nor  can  the  professor  of 
mathematics,  without  continual  study,  long  maintain  his  position  and 
reputation  as  an  instructor  in  the  exact  sciences. 

Whoso  would  think  of  requiring  from  boys,  in  a  course  of  four 
years  training,  to  compass  the  entire  range  of  the  natural  and  other 
sciences,  only  betrays  his  own  ignorance  of  the  wide  field  of  human 
knowledge.  The  course  of  collegiate  study  and  its  peculiar  advan 
tages,  have  already  suffered  much  from  attempts  to  enlarge  the 
course  of  study,  so  as  to  embrace  a  wider  field  than  can  be  perfectly 
or  even  profitably  cultivated  by  youth  generally,  or  by  any  one  in 
so  short  a  period  as  four  years.  Yet  the  demand  of  popular  feeling 
has  been  for  the  enlargement,  rather  than  for  the  curtailment  of  the 
studies  of  a  college  course;  and  institutions,  depending  on  popular 
favor  for  the  means  of  their  existence,  have  been  forced  to  meet  and 
gratify,  to  some  extent,  that  demand.  The  Board  have  not  been  in 
sensible  of  this  state  of  public  feeling,  and  have  felt  the  necessity  of 
respecting  it,  as  far  as  it  could  be  done  with  safety  to  the  real  inter 
ests  of  college  education.  They  have  introduced  into  their  schedule,  as 
full  a  course  of  study  in  the  exact  and  natural  sciences,  as  is  to  be  found 
in  most  colleges.  They  have  far  exceeded  most  in  the  provision 
made  for  the  study  of  the  modern  languages,  and  they  have  manned 
their  Faculty  with  talents  and  attainments  inferior  to  few.  It  is  not 
without  the  conviction,  however,  produced  by  their  observation  and 
the  history  of  the  University,  that  this  extension  of  the  collegiate 
course  has  tended  to  embarrass  the  student  somewhat  in  the  prose 
cution  of  his  studies  in  the  Latin  and  Greek  classics.  This  has  been 
matter  of  deep  and  serious  regret  with  the  Board.  For,  although 
there  has  been  a  studied  attempt,  in  certain  quarters,  to  disparage 
the  study  of  the  learned  languages,  as  they  are  sometimes  called, 
and  although  much  interest  has  been  manifested  in  decrying  the 
Latin  and  Greek  classics,  and  in  demanding  the  substitution  of 
rarious  natural  sciences  and  arts  in  their  place,  yet  the  Board 
hope  that  the  day  is  far  distant  when  any  revolution  will  be 
wrought  which  would  exclude  them  from  a  course  of  collegiate  ed- 


320 

ucation,  or  deprive  them  of  that  prominence  they  have  heretofore 
had  and  continue  to  possess.  Objections  against  their  study  are  gen 
erally  founded  in  ignorance  of  their  uses  and  design,  or  the  true 
reasons  which  have  determined  the  instructors  of  youth  for  centuries 
in  giving  them  such  a  conspicuous  position.  It  is  not  the  amount  of 
information  obtained  from  classic  sources,  which"  commends  them  so 
much  for  the  study  of  youth,  as  it  is  the  admirable  aid  the  Latin 
and  Greek  languages  furnish  for  the  discipline  of  the  mind,  the  de 
velopment  of  its  powers,  and  the  formation  of  habits  of  close  thought 
and  accurate  discrimination,  for  the  cultivation  of  a  refined  taste, 
and  for  securing  a  better,  more  accurate,  and  thorough  knowledge 
of  our  own  English  tongue.  It  is  not  to  be  denied  that  some  of  the 
loftiest  ideas  of  Liberty  and  Patriotism  are  derived  from  the  Greek 
and  Latin  poets,  historians,  orators  and  statesmen,  and  that  the 
benefits  of  ancient  civilization  may  thence  be  secured  for  the  pur 
pose  of  modern  advancement.  But  these  and  other  kindred  advan 
tages  are  only  secondary  compared  with  the  value  of  the  Greek 
and  Latin  languages,  especially  the  latter,  to  the  English  scholar,  as 
they  are  the  fountain  of  so  large  a  portion  of  our  own  tongue.  No 
man  can  be  fully  at  home,  in  the  knowledge  of  his  own  English, 
who  is  not  acquainted  with  Latin. 

The  experience  of  past  ages  in  Europe,  and  of  nearly  two  centu 
ries  in  our  own  country,  has  proved  their  importance  and  value  as 
the  means  of  mental  drilling,  and  the  easiest  and  best  means  of  so 
cultivating  the  powers  of  his  mind  as  to  enable  a  young  man  easily 
to  adapt  himself  to  and  become  useful,  not  only  in  any  of  the  learn 
ed  professions,  but  in  general  for  social  influence  in  any  vocation  in 
life.  It  is  true  that  there  are  men  whose  names  are  an  honor  to 
their  country,  and  their  age,  who  have  been  self-taught — who  have 
struggled  through  all  the  disadvantages  resulting  from  the  want  of 
an  early  education,  and  who,  notwithstanding  that  they  have  never 
had  a  collegiate  course,  nor  studied  the  Latin  and  Greek,  have  distin 
guished  themselves,  and  greatly  benefitted  their  fellows.  But  these 
are  exceptions  to  the  general  rule.  What  would  not  their  towering 
minds,  rising  above  such  disadvantages,  have  been,  if  they  had  but 
enjoyed  the  full  benefit  of  a  collegiate  course?  And  what  would 
multitudes  of  more  moderate  talent  have  failed  to  be,  had  they  never 
been  subjected  to  the  college  drill?  They  are  the  liberally  educated 
minds  who  generally  direct  public  sentiment,  and  possess  the  power 
to  do  so.  Our  legislative  halls  furnish  abundant  examples  of  the 
superiority  which  the  liberally  educated  have  over  the  uneducated, 
in  the  transaction  even  of  the  ordinary  business  of  public  bodies. 

On  the  value  and  necessity  of  the  study  of  the  Latin  and  Greek 
classics,  the  Board  have  never  entertained  any  doubts.  In  resigning 
their  place  to  their  successors,  they  feel  that  they  would  be  unfaith 
ful  to  themselves  and  to  the  University,  did  they  not  give  their  pub 
lic  testimony  to  what  they  believe  to  be  essential,  absolutely  indis 
pensable  in  a  thorough  course  of  liberal  education. 

Any  attempt  to  derange  the  course  of  collegiate  instruction,  by  a 
general  provision  for  extensively  introducing  irregularities,  by  adapt- 


321 

ing  it  rather  to  men  of  mature  years  than  to  minors,  by  leaving  the 
different  subjects  and  parts  of  study  to  the  selection  or  choice  of 
students,  and  by  requiring  services  from  the  pro'essors  accordingly, 
must  prove  disastrous  to  the  University  of  Michigan.  It  will  be  but 
the  signal  for  the  commencement  of  collegiate  institutions,  under  the 
care  of  different  religious  sects,  and  the  sure  means  of  destroying 
the  confidence  and  attachment  now  felt  towards  the  University,  by 
the  different  religious  denominations  in  our  State.  There  is  no  short 
hand,  patent  road  to  learning;  and  students  who  are  averse  to  a  four 
years'  course  of  laborious  and  assiduous  application,  under  the  care 
of  competent  professors,  can  never  justly  expect  to  become  proficient 
in  literature  or  science.  Where  so  much  time,  however,  cannot  be 
given,  as  by  those  who  may  commence  study  after  having  passed 
their  majority,  or  where  facilities  are  denied  for  pursuing  one  or 
more  branches  of  science,  as  of  chemistry,  mineralogy,  or  other  of 
the  natural  sciences,  and  of  their  application  to  various  arts,  as  of 
agriculture,  mining,  metallurgy,  and  the  trades,  or  of  the  mathemat 
ics  for  purposes  of  engineering  and  mechanism,  we  feel  that  it  is  all- 
important  to  provide  them  as  soon  as  practicable.  But  schools  for 
such  purposes  will  require  separate  lecturers  and  faculties,  and  funds 
beyond  what  the  University  at  present  would  be  competent  to  meeL 
They  might  well  be  associated  with  or  clustered  around  the  collegi 
ate  faculty,  and  form  part  and  parcel  of  a  great  system,  whose  va 
rious  branches  strictly  and  properly  constitute  the  University.  But 
as  Rome  was  not  built  in  a  day,  nor  in  an  age,  so  it  must  be  the 
work  of  time,  as  means  and  students  multiply,  and  wisdom  and  ex 
perience  are  had,  to  enlarge  or  add  to  what  h  is  already  been  begun. 
To  destroy  or  revolutionize  what  has  been  done,  will  only  be  to  drive 
many  of  our  own  youth  to  other  States,  to  waste  the  public  futids,  to 
postpone  to  a  later  period,  if  not  fatally  to  frustrate,  the  best  interest 
of  education  in  our  commonwealth.  Our  whole  system  of  free  school* 
is  capable  of  being  carried  out  and  up  to  any  extent  for  popular  ed 
ucation,  and  district  and  union  or  high  schools  may  be  readily  en 
grafted  on  it,  affording  educational  advantages  abundant  as  needed, 
and  near  to  every  man's  door.  But  the  collegiate  system  nnd  the 
course  of  studies  particularly  adapted  to  the  learned  professions,  for 
establishing  which  the  U.  S  Government  have  endowed  the  Uni 
versity  of  Michigan,  is  as  totally  different  and  distinct  from  the  com 
mon  school,  as  is  the  appropriation  of  the  sixteenth  section  in  each 
township,  from  the  seventy-two  sections  made  for  specific  purposes. 
The  Board  have  ever  felt  it  their  duty  to  gmrd  the  funds  put  at  their 
disposal,  and  to  use  them  in  accordance  with  the  design  had  by  the 
U.  S.  in  the  endowment  of  the  University  of  Michigan." 

The  failure  of  the  University  to  arrest  the  public  attention,  by  the 
display  of  numbers  in  its  annual  catalogue,  is  owing  to  extrinsio 
causes,  and  not  to  any  inherent  defect  in  its  organizition.  or  want  of 
talent  in  its  Faculty.  There  is  yet  a  lamentable  deficiency  in  the 
number  of  preparatory  schools  in  the  State,  and  notwithstanding  thb 
41 


322 

deficiency  the  ratio  of  college  students  to  the  population  of  the  State 
is  equal  to  that  of  any  other  State  of  similar  age,  and  the  institution 
itself  is  as  prosperous  as  any  other  in  the  country,  its  equal  in  age 
and  surrounding  circumstances. 

By  an  examination  of  the  catalogues  of  the  various  medical  schools 
in  the  surrounding  States,  it  was  ascertained  that  in  1848,  from  sev 
enty  to  eighty  students  of  medicine,  citizens  of  Michigan,  were  at 
tending  lectures  out  of  the  State,  and  it  was  estimated  that  an  equal 
number  were  reading  in  the  offices  of  physicians  at  home.  These 
statistics  induced  the  Board  to  commence  the  erection  of  a  laboratory, 
which  should  be  spacious  enough  to  afford  the  requisite  accommoda 
tion  for  the  medical  department.  In  doing  this,  they  found  it  neces 
sary  to  expend  more  than  their  current  income,  both  in  '49  and  '60. 
By  doing  this,  they  were  enabled,  having  appointed  a  medical  faculty, 
to  open  that  department  for  the  admission  of  students  in  October, 
1850.  A  catalogue  of  that  faculty  and  the  regulations  of  the  depart 
ment,  are  hereto  annexed. 

In  an  age  elated  by  its  notions  of  progress,  characterized  by  de 
sire  for  change,  impatience  of  authority,  disregard  for  precedent,  and 
even  contempt  of  law,  it  may  be  deemed  proper  for  this  Board  to 
give  some  reasons  why,  in  their  organization  of  the  college  of  med 
icine,  they  have  paid  so  much  deference  to  the  authority  of  antiquity 
and  so  little  respect  to  revelations  of  the  present  day.  By  reference 
to  the  catalogue  of  the  medical  faculty,  it  will  be  seen  that  they  have 
made  provision  for  instruction  in  anatomy,  or  a  knowledge  of  the 
structure,  form  and  relation  of  the  parts  of  the  human  body — phys 
iology,  or  a  knowledge  of  the  functions  or  uses  of  the  organs — pa 
thology,  or  the  changes  produced  therein  by  disease — practical  med 
icine  and  surgery,  which  include  the  directions  for  arresting  morbid 
action,  removing  its  products  and  repairing  the  injuries  arising  from 
accident — materia  medica,  or  a  description  of  the  remedies  used  for 
these  purposes,  with  an  account  of  their  modus  operandi — and  ob 
stetrics,  embracing  the  doctrine  of  ovology — the  theory  of  reproduc 
tion,  including  the  development  of  the  fcetusin  utero,  and  its  expulsion 
when  arrived  at  maturity.  To  these,  as  a  means  of  qualifying  the 
medical  student  for  the  discharge  of  certain  duties,  which  the  public 
authorities  may  call  upon  him  to  perform,  the  Board  have  added  a 
professorship  of  chemistry  and  medical  jurisprudence. 


323 

The  foregoing  is  a  synopsis  of  the  curriculum  or  course  of  study 
required  of  candidates  for  medical  degrees  in  the  University  of  Mich 
igan. 

The  Board  of  Regents,  at  the  time  of  adopting  this  curriculum,  were 
fully  aware  that  there  existed  a  sect  who  believe  "  that  nothing  can 
be  perceived  of  the  internal  operations  of  the  animal  frame  where 
life  is  disturbed  by  disease — who  teach  that  it  is  only  by  means  of 
the  spiritual  influences  of  a  morbific  agent  that  our  spiritual  power 
can  be  diseased — that  the  causes  of  disease  cannot  possibly  be  ma 
terial,  but  that  they  originate  in  a  dynamic  (spiritual)  immaterial 
cause,  and  can  only  be  destroyed  by  dynamic  (spiritual)  power; 
that  even  the  different  species  of  worms  are  found  only  in  patients 
laboring  under  a  psoric  (itch)  affection — that  the  symptoms  of  dis 
ease  are  only  the  expressions  of  agony  in  the  immaterial  part  of  our 
nature,  on  which  the  curative  remedies  act  by  virtue  of  their  spirit 
ually  countervailing  agency — that  behind  these  symptoms  there  is 
nothing  to  be  learned  of  disease — that  nothing  can  be  learned  of  the 
effects  or  properties  of  medicines  except  from  the  morbid  appearances 
which  they  excite  in  health — that  a  dynamic  (spiritual)  disease  is 
extinguished  by  another  more  powerful,  bearing  a  strong  resemblence 
to  it,  a  fa3t  which  they  assert  is  confirmed  by  biology — that  the  med 
icinal  disease  must  hence  be  more  powerful  than  the  one  it  proposes 
to  cure — that  natural  diseases  cannot  be  overcome  by  the  unaided 
vital  energies — that  any  real  medicine  (Homeopathic)  will  at  all 
times  and  under  every  circumstance,  work  upon  every  living  individ 
ual — that  notwithstanding  the  assertion  that  medicinal  diseases  ex 
pire,  as  it  were,  by  virtue  of  a  statute  of  limitations,  and  that  both 
natural  and  medicinal  diseases  are  spiritual  dynamia,  declare  that 
the  chronic  affections  arising  from  the  use  of  bark,  opium,  mercury, 
silver,  iodine,  digitalis,  sulphur,  leeches  and  setons,  effect  changes  in 
the  organization,  destructive  to  life,  for  which  there  is  no  remedy; 
that  all  chronic  maladies,  not  the  results  of  malpractice,  on  the  part 
of  old  school  physicians,  arise  from  the  miasm  of  syphilis,  sycosis, 
and  psora  (itch;)  that  the  latter  (itch)  is  the  sole  true  and  funda 
mental  cause  that  produces  all  the  other  countless  forms  of  disease 
which,  uader  the  name  of  debility,  hysteria,  hemicrania,  hypochon- 
driasis,  insanity,  melancholy,  idiocy,  madness,  epilepsy,  rickets,  ca- 


324 

ries,  fungus  haematodes,  gravel,  hemorrhoids,  jaundice,  drop 
sy,  amenorrhceA,  epistaxis,  asthma,  im potency,  sterility,  deaf 
ness,  cataract,  amaurosis,  paralysis,  and  pains  of  every  kind  which 
appear  in  our  pathology  as  so  many  distinct  diseases — that  neither 
the  skill  of  the  physician  nor  the  powers  of  nature  had  ever  been 
able  to  cure  a  disease  by  an  antipathic  remedy — that  a  primary  pso- 
ric  (itch)  eruption  may  be  cured  by  ten  globules  of  sulphur,  if  one 
be  given  in  seven  days — that  where  the  remedy  had  been  abused 
even  yenrs  before,  the  smelling  of  one  globule  moistened  with  mer 
cury,  and  allowed  to  operate  nine  days,  will  again  render  the  vital 
powers  susceptible  to  its  operation — that  one  dose  of  mercury  (X°) 
is  sufficient  to  cure  syphilis — that  the  professors  of  homoeopathy  pro 
pose  to  develop  the  immaterial  (dynamic)  virtues  of  substances  not 
inherently  medicinal,  by  mere  manipulation,  such  as  trituration  with 
eugar,  or  dilution  in  alcohol — that  the  remedy  can  never  be  so  small 
as  to  be  inferior  to  the  disease — that  it  effects  exclusively  the  organ 
ism  already  suffering — that  all  that  is  curable  by  homoeopathy  may. 
with  the  utmost  certainty,  be  cured  by  inhaling  the  aura  of  one  glob 
ule  of  sugar,  of  which  one  hundred  weigh  a  grain,  moistened  with 
the  remedy  proposed  to  be  used,  even  if  the  organ  to  which  it  is  ap 
plied  be  in  a  state  of  paralysis — and  that  internal  hemorrhages, 
threatening  death,  may  be  cured  by  magnetism,  which  recalls  to  life 
persons  who  have  remained  in  a  state  of  apparent  death  during  long 
intervals  of  time,  a  species  of  resurrection  of  which  history  record* 
many  examples !" 

But  the  Board  itself  held  to  the  doctrine  that  man's  material  as 
well  as  his  spiritual  nature,  is  the  subject  of  disease  when  he  violates 
a  law  of  its  being,  and  that  the  diseases  of  the  latter  are  only  cura 
ble  by  the  blood  of  the  atonement.  His  physical  system  being 
formed  of  numerous  elements,  such  as  sulphur,  soda,  lime,  iron, 
phosphorus,  carbon,  nitrogen,  oxygen  and  hydrogen,  either  chemi 
cally  or  mechanically  combined,  it  may  become  disordered  if  either 
of  them  become  deficient  or  exist  in  excess.  Some  of  its  diseases 
must  of  necessity  arise  from  material  causes,  which  will  require  rem 
edies  of  a  like  material  nature  for  their  removal.  This  belief  leads 
necessarily  to  a  conviction  of  the  importance  of  knowing  man's  struc 
ture,  the  uses  of  his  organs,  as  well  as  his  relation  to  the  objects  by 


325 

which  he  is  surrounded;  the  medium  in  which  he  moves,  the  atmos 
phere  he  breathes,  and  the  chemistry  of  the  food  on  which  he  sub 
sists. 

As  an  intelligent  exposition  of  the  symptoms  of  disease  requires 
an  intimate  knowledge  of  the  nervous  system,  the  students  of  the 
Medical  Department  of  the  University  have  been  required,  in  order 
to  ensure  familarily  with  the  separate  and  related  functions  of  the 
•erebrum,  cerebellum,  medulla  oblongaU,  medulla  spinalis,  the  par 
ragum,  external  respiratory  or  nerves  of  respiration,  the  offices  of  the 
different  branches  of  the  fifth  pair,  and  the  distinction  between  the 
afferent  and  efferent  nerves,  to  study  the  works  of  such  men  as  Bell, 
Hall,  Lolly,  Flourens,  Majendie,  Todd,  Bowman,  Bischoff,  Philip 
and  Lassaigne.  To  learn  the  properties  of  the  gastric  juice,  they  are 
referred  to  the  experiments  and  writings  of  Spallanzani,  Beaumont, 
Blondlot  and  Ch.  Bernard.  In  order  to  be  able  to  comprehend  the 
eonsequences  of  the  act  of  respiration,  they  are  required  to  investi 
gate  the  writings  of  M  tiller,  Magnus,  Bischoff,  Edwards,  La  Grange, 
Hassenfratz,  Collard  deMartigny,  Leibig,  Crawford,  Reid  and  Davy; 
and  in  order  to  a  right  understanding  of  the  changes  wrought  by 
disease,  and  the  proper  use  of  remedies  for  morbid  action,  they  are 
directed  to  study  such  post  mortem  explorations  as  were  commenced 
by  Bailey,  and  have  been  continued  by  Martinet,  Hodgkin,  Williams, 
Prout  and  Bright 

With  all  becoming  regard  for  the  opinions  of  such  of  our  fellow 
citizens  as  have  been  led,  by  a  belief  in  a  dogma  of  the  day,  to  peti 
tion  the  Legislature  for  the  repeal  of  the  statute  regulating  the  prac 
tice  of  medicine  and  for  the  abolition  of  this  department  of  the  Uni 
versity,  we  would  ask,  in  the  name  of  the  Board  of  Regents,  what 
there  remains  to  be  taught  the  medical  student  to  fit  him  for  the 
discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  profession,  which  they  have  not  made 
provision  for?  Is  there  any  other  way  for  the  medical  neophyte  to 
acquire  such  knowledge  as  will  admit  him  to  a  seat  in  the  temple  of 
the  Coan  sage  than  that  pointed  out,  rugged  though  it  be,  in  the 
University  course?  Or  fliall  the  accumulated  results  of  three  thou 
sand  years  of  experience  be  laid  aside,  because  there  has  arisen  in 
the  world  a  sect  which,  by  engrafting  a  medical  dogma  upon  a  spu 
rious  theology,  have  built  up  a  system  (so-called)  and  baptized  it 


326 

Homoeopathy?  Shall  the  High  Priests  of  this  spiritual  school  be 
specially  commissioned  by  the  Regents  of  the  University  of  Michi 
gan,  to  teach  the  grown  up  men  of  this  age  that  the  decillionth  of  a 
grain  of  sulphur  will,  if  administered  homceopathically,  cure  seven- 
tenths  of  their  diseases,  whilst  in  every  mouthful  of  albuminous 
food  they  swallow,  every  hair  upon  their  heads,  and  every  drop  of 
urine  distilled  from  the  kidneys,  carries  into  or  out  of  their  system 
as  much  of  that  article  as  would  make  a  body,  if  incorporated  with 
the  required  amount  of  sugar,  as  large  as  the  planet  Saturn?  Shall 
they  be  appointed  by  this  Board  to  tell  men,  whose  skeletons  contain 
twenty  per  centum  of  phosphorus,  that  this  article,  when  its  "spirit 
ually  dynamic  power"  is  developed  by  trituration,  will  cure  disease, 
if  the  patient  inhale  the  aura  from  the  pellets  over  a  paralyzed  sur 
face,  or  apply  them  to  the  membrane*  of  the  intestinum  rectum,  at 
the  same  time  that  every  kernel  of  wheat  which  goes  to  make  up  his 
daily  food,  if  exalted  by  dynamic  division,  would  furnish  poison 
enough  to  destroy  the  Chinese  Empire?*  So  of  lime,  which  fur 
nishes  the  foundation  of  his  bony  system;  and  so  of  carbon  (char 
coal)  which  constitutes  a  large  proportion  of  the  softer  solids  of  his 
body. 

Now,  as  this  Board  have  been  taught  that  man  is  a  material  real 
ity,  originally  formed  of  the  dust  of  the  earth,  that  he  possesses  the 
faculty  of  assimilating  materials  necessary  to  his  growth,  that  he  is 
liable  to  disease  when  operated  upon  by  causes  which  disturb  the 
laws  of  his  being,  that  his  body  is  the  subject  of  death  and  will  be  of  a 
resurrection,  that  as  it  is  developed  and  sustained  by  the  incorpora 
tion  of  material  elements  introduced  from  without,  so  its  abnormal 
condition  is  to  be  removed  by  agents  having  physical  properties  ca 
pable  of  exalting  the  vital  actions  when  depressed,  and  of  repressing 
their  force  when  unduly  excited. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Z.  PITCHER. 
Ann  Arbor,  Julv  15,  1851. 


*NOTE. 

In  order  that  the  foregoing  may  not  appear  to  be  merely  a  figurt 
of  speech,  I  have  copied  the  following  mathematical  view  of  the  re 
sults  of  homeopathic  .  trituration  and  solution,  from  Professor  Lee's 
edition  of  Paris'  Pharmacologia.  The  reader  will  please  to  recol- 


32*7 

lect  that  only  one  grain  of  medicine  is  employed  for  all  the  dilutions, 
no  matter  how  inert  the  substance  may  be,  as  sponge,  sulphur,  char 
coal  and  lime,  and  that  the  higher  the  dilution,  the  more  potent  the 
article  becomes. 

Cubic  feet  of  water,  weight  62.5  Us.  to  the  foot.  (Decimals  re 
jected.) 

DILUTIONS. 

5th.        22.587. 

10th.     228,571,428.571,428. 

1 6th.     2,285,7 14,285,7 14,285,7 1 4.285,714. 

20th.      22,857,142,857,142,857,142,857,142,857,142.857. 

25th.  228,571,428,571,428,571,428,571,428,571,428,571,428, 
571,428. 

30th.  2,285,714,285,714,285,714,285,714,285,714,285,714,285, 
714,285,714,285,714. 

Oubic  feet  of  sugar — specific  gravity,  1.6.     (Decimals  rejected.) 

DILUTIONS. 

5th.       14,285. 

10th.      142,857,142,857,142. 

15th.      1,428,571,428,571,428,571,428,571. 

20th.      14,285,714,285,714,285,714,285,714,285,714,285. 

25th.  142,^57,142,857,142, 857,142,857,142,857,142,857,142,- 
857,142. 

30th.  1,428,571,428,571,428,571,428,571,428,571,428,571,428,- 
571  428,571,428,571. 

Diameter  in  feet  and  miles  of  a  sphere  of  sugar  whose  solid  contents 
are  equal  to  the  quantity  in  the  preceding  calculations.  (Decimals  re 
jected.) 

DILUTIONS. 

Feet.  Miles. 

5th.  30 

10th.  64,850 12 

15th.   139,733,576 26,464 

20th.  301.046,863,889 57,016,451 

25th 

30th.   1,397,335,762,135,022,914 264,646,924,646,784 

Cubic  miles  of  water.     (Decimals  rejected.) 
DILUTIONS. 
5th 

10th.   1,552. 

15th.    15.528,166,354,612. 

20th.   1 55,28 1 ,663,546, 1 26,356,043,71 1. 

25th.  155,281,663  546,126.356,043,711,416,427,470,7. 

30th.  155,281,663,546,126,356,043,711,416,427,470,792,147,- 
007,20. 

COMPARATIVE   ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Longest  diameter  of  the  oibit  of  the  comet  of  1680. .  13,000,000,000 
do  do  do  Halley's  comet... 3,420,000,000,000 


328 

Miles. 

Distance  of  the  nearest  fixed  star 20,140,000,000,000 

Greatest  distance  of  the  earth  from  the  sun 97. 1 1 S,53g 

do  do  do  do  Herschel 1,918,OS9S022 

Thus  it  appears  that  the  20th  dilution  would  require  a  i-phere  of 
9u?ar  more  I/tan  half  the  diameter  of  the  Sun's  distance  from  the  Earth, 
and  a  sphere  of  water  about  equil  in  diameter  to  the  same  distance; 
while  the  ^Oih  would  require  a  sphere  of  sugar  in  comparison  with  the 
diameter  of  which,  the  distance  of  Herschel  from  the  earth  would 
form  but  an  infinitely  small  fraction!  Hahnemann,  however,  recom 
mends  that  the  dilution  in  certain  cases  be  carried  as  high  as  the 
1500th.  and  remarks,  "  experience  has  proved  that  it  is  impossible  to 
attenuate  the  dose  of  a  perfectly  homccopathic  remedy  to  such  a  degree  that 
it  will  not  produce  a  decided  amelioration  of  the  disease."  (8tratten's 
Trans,  of  Organon,  p.  274.)  Again,  all  the  fresh  water  lakes  in  North 
America,  including  the  great  lakes  at  the  North,  are  estimated  to 
contain  fourteen  thousand  cubic  miles  of  water;  but  the  eleventh  di 
lution  would  require  more  than  ten  times  this  quantity  of  fluid.  A 
grain  of  antimony  dropped  into  Lake  Superior,  would  therefore  suf 
fice  for  centuries  to  medicate  its  waters;  so  that  a  teaspoonful,  taken 
et  the  Frtlls  of  Niagara,  would  constitute  a  much  stronger  dose  than 
the  homceopathists  usually  administer.  It  is  demonstrable  that  a 
single  rose,  growing  on  the  surface  of  the  earth,  or  even  on  the  planet 
Herschel,  would  be  likely  to  effect  each  inhabitant  on  our  globe,  by 
its  aroma,  more  powerfully  than  anv  homoeopathic  medicine  whatev 
er,  at  the  30th  dilution.  (Am.  Ed.) " 

The  composition  of  bone,  urine,  &c.,  having  been  referred  to,  I 
give  the  results  below,  for  the  information  of  the  non-professional 
reader: 

CHEMICAL  ANALYSIS  OF  BONE. 

Organic  matter,  32  56  parts  in  100. 

Phosphate  of  lime,  52.26       " 

Carbonate  of  lime,  10.21       "  " 

Oxide  of  iron  &  magonese,     1.05       "          " 

Magnesia,  soda,  &c.,  omitted. 

Iron  abounds  in  the  red  blood  of  animals.  Phosphorus  exists  in 
the  white  and  yolk  of  eggs,  and  in  milk,  and  also  in  the  seeds  of 
grasses,  as  wheat,  rye,  oats,  &c.  Sulphur  is  found  in  flesh,  in  eggs 
and  milk,  and  in  small  quantiiies  in  potatoes,  cabbage,  peas  and  cu 
cumbers.  Lime  is  universally  diffused,  and  exists  largely  in  the 
seeds  of  grasses,  especially  wheat  flour. 


MEMORIAL  OF  ALVAH  BRADISH. 

To  the  Hon.  the  Board  of  Regents  of  the  University  of  Michigan: 

I  beg  to  offer  for  the  consideration  of  the  R<  g  ntp,  some  observa 
tions  on  the  principles  of  the  fine  a'ts  and  on  taste;  showing  the  ad 
vantages  that  would  accrue  to  the  University  by  the  early  introduc 
tion  of  their  culture  into  that  institution. 


329 

In  our  country  the  fine  arts  are  already  acknowledged  to  be  an 
important  branch  of  education,  though  they  have  not  been  so  gener 
ally  adopted  in  our  seminaries  as  educated  men  feel  to  be  desirable. 
For  the  short  period  of  our  political  existence,  we  have  made  very- 
great  progress  in  the  production  of  fine  works  of  art;  and  the  esti 
mate  of  the  value  of  art  has  been  greatly  extended;  while  the  love 
and  respect  for  the  labors  of  the  pencil  and  chisel  have  taken  a  strong 
liold  on  popular  favor. 

At  an  early  period  in  our  history,  we  were  not  deficient  in  distin 
guished  names  in  art,  such  as  West.,  Trumbull,  Copley  and  others. 
These  names  commanded  a  respect  wherever  high  art  was  rever 
enced,  and  in  Europe,  long  before  our  literature  and  public  men 
found  favor,  our  distinguished  artists  and  their  productions  were  the 
medium  of  begetting  for  us  among  their  philosophers  and  patriots  a 
kindly  and  respectful  consideration.  In  the  mean  time  this  talent  has 
been  enhanced  among  us  in  proportion  to  the  growth  of  other  ele 
ments  of  prosperity,  till  our  artists  are  now  known  to  every  metropolis 
of  the  old  world,  and  their  productions  will  vie  with  the  greatest  that 
have  been  producedin  modern  times.  This  has  been  brought  about, 
too,  without  the  aid  of  princely  patronage,  without  governmental  pro 
tection,  without  State  grants.  American  artists  acknowledge  the  sound 
doctrine  that  the  direct  patronage  of  the  State  is  not  so  safe  a  depen 
dence  as  a  popular  love,  founded  on  knowledge  and  general  enlight 
ened  taste.  We  do  not  seek  State  patronage,  but  we  are  persuaded 
that  art  should  be  taught  in  our  schools  and  seminaries,  that  the  pub 
lic  may  be  provided  with  the  means,  and  possess  the  previous  training 
to  build  up  in  the  mind  intellectual  taste,  and  a  sound  judgment  in 
works  of  art  as  well  as  in  poetry  and  literature. 

It  cannot  be  doubted  that  a  wide  diffusion  of  good  works  of  art 
will  promote  the  cause  of  morals,  religion  and  manners;  nor  will  it 
be  necessary  for  me  to  offer  to  your  body  the  names  of  distinguished 
writers  who  have  cordially  commended  a  cultivation  of  the  art?,  and 
enforced  a  consideration  for  them  by  showing  their  adaptation  to  our 
natural  and  virtuous  impulses,  and  their  high  value  to  the  well  being 
of  society. 

Indeed,  a  cultivation  of  a  pure  taste  has  so  direct  and  invariable 
a  tendency  to  render  persons  more  happy  and  better  members  of  so- 
42 


330 

eiety,  securing  images  and  monuments  for  our  respect,  veneration 
and  affection,  that  all  educated  persons  are  solicitous  for  the  exten 
sion  of  this  tate 

The  fine  arts  are  the  especial  objects  of  intellectual  taste;  and 
though  some  degree  of  pleasure  may  be  derived  from  the  sight  of 
art  without  the  highest  cultivation,  yet  the  advantages  of  a  sound 
taste,  as  applied  to  art,  as  well  as  to  literature  and  the  conduct  of 
life,  are  too  manifold,  and  I  trust  too  obvious,  to  require  argument. 
It  may  well  be  said,  doubtless,  that  to  the  man  who  resigns  himself 
to  feeling,  without  interposing  any  judgment  or  sound  taste,  poetry, 
music  and  painting  are  but  pastimes,  and  but  little  better  than  trifles. 
It  is  by  studying  the  y-veat  principles  of  the  fine  arts,  and  exalting 
our  taste  to  the  dignity  of  a  judgment,  that  we  make  them  sources  of 
refined  and  noble  enjoyment.  Nor,  in  my  judgment,  can  this  cul 
ture  commence  too  early;  for  there  is  every  reason  that  a  just  taste 
and  correct  eye  shall  commence  at  the  same  time  with  the  teachings 
of  morals  and  manners;  and  if  they  be  combined^  the  intellectual 
powers  will  grow  into  greater  harmony,  and  the  harshness  of  a  crude 
culture  be  taken  from  our  minor  morals  and  deportment. 

This  improved,  refined  taste  begets  a  higher  relish  for  the  simple 
habits  of  life,  in  unison  with  republican  tendencies.  It  deepens  our 
love  of  Nature,  and  carrying  its  empire  far  into  the  principles  and 
practice  of  ethics,  subjugates  natural  impulses  and  elevates  all  our 
desires.  The  practice  of  reasoning  on  these  interesting  themes  be 
comes  a  habit  at  last,  and  the  habit  strengthening  the  reasoning  pow 
ers,  gives  that  dignity  to  the  arts  which  properly  belongs  to  them, 
while  the  discipline  is  favorable  to  the  investigation  of  the  still  more 
abstruse  subjects  of  mental  philosophy. 

Purity  of  taste  tends  to  invigorate  the  social  affections,  and  to  mod 
erate  those  that  are  selfish.  It  makes  us  averse  to  coarse  language 
and  ungenerous  conduct,  while  it  encourages  a  sympathy  with  what 
ever  is  lovely,  excellent  and  magnanimous.  So  closely  allied,  I  re 
peat,  to  morality,  is  intellectual  taste,  that  no  one  can  doubt  that  a 
fine  relish  of  what  is  beautiful,  proper  and  elegant  in  writing,  paint 
ing  and  architecture,  is  a  most  rational  preparation  for  the  same  just 
relish  of  these  qualities  in  character  and  behavior.  A  philosophical 
inquiry  into  the  principles  of  the  fine  arts  inures  the  reflecting  mind 


331 

to  that  most  enticing  sort  of  logic.  The  science  of  criticism,  as  ap 
plied  to  the  arts,  to  composition  and  literature,  may  be  considered  as 
a  sort  of  middle  link  that  connects  the  different  parts  of  education, 
harmonizing  all.  The  student  proceeds  from  the  more  agreeable 
and  simple  method,  until  custom  improves  his  faculties,  and  he  learns 
by  this  easy  mastery  to  grapple  with  the  intricacies  of  a  deeper  phi 
losophy. 

It  has  been  remarked  by  a  distinguished  philosopher,  that  mathe 
matical  and  metaphysical  reasoning  do  not  usually  enlarge  our  know 
ledge  of  man;  they  not  being  so  applicable  to  the  common  affairs  of 
life,  however  valuable  for  the  discipline  of  thought,  while  a  just 
knowledge  of  the  fine  arts,  derived  from  rational  principles,  furnishes 
elegant  subjects  for  conversation,  sharpens  our  sense  of  the  beauty 
and  strength  of  language,  and  prepares  us  for  acting  in  the  social 
state  with  dignity  and  propriety. 

From  these  considerations,  therefore,  I  trust  it  cannot  be  doubted 
that  the  inculcation  of  the  principles  of  the  fine  arts  will  be  accepta 
ble  to  the  present  faculty  of  the  University,  as  it  will  be  genial  and 
valuable  to  every  department  of  study.  It  will  not  interfere  in  any 
way  with  the  time  allotted  to  any  of  these  studies,  as  it  is  proposed 
that  the  professor  of  art  shall  impart  the  knowledge  and  gradually 
form  the  taste,  by  familiar  lectures,  by  conversations,  and  by  frequent 
reference  to  examples  of  fine  art.  These  shall  consist  in  drawings, 
in  engravings,  in  paintings,  and  in  casts  from  the  antique.  The  pro 
fessor  of  Greek  must  feel  a  lively  interest,  it  is  confidently  believed,, 
in  a  collection  of  those  marbles  which  illustrate  the  text  books  that 
are  put  into  the  hands  of  his  classes — such,  for  instance,  as  the  Elgin 
marbles,  from  the  Parthenon,  or  some  noble  busts  of  Euripides,  Xen- 
ophon  or  Thucydides.  These  are  eloquent  and  palpable;  and  the 
marble  groups  often  possess  a  spirit  and  purity  of  sentiment  far  be 
yond  the  language  of  the  poet  or  historian.  The  spectacle  of  these 
precious  memorials  of  a  past  classical  age,  will  impart  increased  in 
terest  to  their  studies  and  stamp  on  the  memory  of  ardent  youth,, 
images  of  delicacy  and  heroism  that  will  continue  to  warm  his  fancy 
in  the  toil  of  life. 

The  student  of  Virgil  who  pores  over,  it  may  be,  the  death  of  La- 
oooon,  and  perhaps  with  difficulty  makes  out  the  meaning  of  the 


332 

poet,  wili  find  his  imagination  excited,  by  having'  at  his  command  a 
•cast  of  that  exqisite  group  in  marble,  by  which  his  memory  will  be 
sharpened  and  his  taste  improved.  Especially  should  this  union  be 
-encouraged,  considering*  that  in  this  instance  it  is  yet  an  unsettled 
question  whether  the  poet  or  the  sculptor  be  the  original!  The  sub 
ject  of  the  fine  arts  and  aesthetics,  as  has  been  remarked,  connects  it 
self  wiih  intellectual  and  moral  philosophy;  and  that  lectures  and  con 
versations  on  themes  so  agreeable  would  commend  themselves,  there 
-can  be  no  doubt,  both  to  the  classes  who  pursue  these  studies,  and 
to  the  professor  who  presides  over  them.  The  able  discussions  of 
Stewarf,  of  Reid,  of  Kaimes,  Allison  and  Mills,  of  Burke  and  Knight, 
on  the  principles  of  the  fine  arts,  on  criticism  and  on  taste,  show  how 
important  they  are  considered  in  awy  general  course  of  instruction; 
how  they  are  connected  with  other  branches  of  philosophy,  and  how 
deeply  they  teach  the  joys  and  welfare  of  society. 

It  is  doubtless  a  matter  of  just  regret  that  the  seminaries  and  col 
leges  of  this  country  have  not  more  generally  provided  departments 
of  the  arts.  Unfortunely,  we  have  copied  too  much  after  the  Eng 
lish  universities  in  this  respect.  But,  as  this  oversight  in  the  early 
foundation  of  these  great  institutions  is  generally  lamented  by  the 
most  liberal  minds  of  England,  as  a  source  of  great  evil,  and  one,  if 
it  were  possible,  they  would  gladly  see  rectified,  it  certainly  will  be 
the  part  of  wisdom  for  us,  in  laying  the  foundation  of  new  institutions, 
to  make  ample  provisions  for  this  deficiency.  The  absence  of  this 
provision  in  the  national  schools  of  England,  had  its  origin  in  illib 
eral,  contracted  views,  similar  to  that  spirit  which  at  this  day  would 
^exclude  the  study  of  the  natural  sciences. 

Oxford  and  Cambridge  have  done  nothing  either  for  art  or  the  na 
tural  sciences;  and  the  low  state  of  public  taste  in  that  country  is 
little  creditable  to  the  character  of  institutions  so  powerful  and  opu 
lent  This  is  generally  acknowledged. 

Is  it  not  extraordinary  that  neither  of  these  universities  possess  a 
school  in  which  the  theory  or  practice  of  any  branch  of  art  is  taught; 
•and  has  not  even  a  course  of  lectures,  nor  any  means  by  which  a 
young  man  may  be  either  taught  or  can  acquire  the  requisite  know 
ledge  on  this  class  of  subjects?  What  they  have  inherited  from  the 
dark  ages,  they  have  tried  to  preserve,  without,  if  possible,  ever  going 
beyond  what  then  existed. 


333 

The  time  is  speedily  advancing,  we  may  predict,  when  public  taste 
and  general  refinement  in  this  country  will  be  in  advance  of  that  of 
England,  notwithstanding  the  wealth  and  patronage  that  have  been 
lavished  on  art  there  for  the  past  one  hundred  years.  But  with  us, 
this  must  be  greatly  *ided  and  promoted  by  the  introduction  of  this 
•culture  into  our  schools  and  colleges. 

Even  schools  of  design  and  academies  expressly  established  for 
this  purpose,  may  not,  in  my  opinion,  do  so  much  towards  building 
up  taste  and  the  diffusion  of  art,  as  the  establishment  of  professor 
ships  in  the  higher  seminaries,  colleges  and  universities  of  the  land, 
where  their  culture  shall  begin  jointly  with  other  academical  studies, 
and  where  the  theory  of  art  shall  be  combined  with  and  illustrated 
by  the  palpable  productions  of  the  chisel  and  pencil. 

An  able  English  writer  in  Blackwood's  Magazine  indulges  in  these 
sound  remarks:  "We  should  say  decidedly  that  the  best  consideration 
for  art,  and  the  best  patronage  too,  that  we  would  give  it,  would  be 
to  establish  it  in  the  universities  of  Cambridge  and  Oxford.  In 
these  venerated  places,  to  found  professorships,  that  a  more  sure 
love  and  more  sure  taste  for  it  may  be  imbedded  with  every  good 
and  classical  love  and  taste  in  the  minds  of  youth." 

I  should  not  omit,  however,  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact,  that 
the  new  university  of  London  is  an  exception  to  this;  and  being 
founded  in  the  spirit  of  the  age,  seems  inclined  as  far  as  possible  to 
rectify  the  error  of  the  older  institutions,  and  to  restore  the  faculty 
of  the  arts  which  has  perished  there;  and  for  this  purpose  has  estab 
lished  lectures  on  ihe  different  branches  of  the  arts. 

The  University  of  Michigan  has  taken  higher  ground — wider  and 
better  views  than  almost  any  institution  in  this  country.  She  in 
cludes  the  natural  sciences  as  too  obviously  in  accordance  with  the 
spirit  of  the  age.  She  has  provided  also  emphatically  for  the  fine 
arts.  She  has  established  a  department  of  arts,  which  may  be  seen  by 
a  reference  to  the  organic  law  creating  this  noble  institution. 

Chap.  2,  Sec.  2 — "The  objects  of  the  University  shall  be  to  pro 
vide  the  inhabitants  of  the  State  with  means  of  acquiring  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  various  branches  of  literature,  science  and  the 
arts." 


334 

Sec.  9 — "There  shall  be  thiee  departments:  first,  that  of  literature, 
science  and  the  arts."  "There  shall  be  established  a  professorship 
of  ihefrne  arts." 

I  trust  that  this  paper  may  not  be  deemed  prolix,  if  I  affix  to  it 
some  considerations  that  would  demand  the  attention  of  the  profes 
sor  of  art,  and  a  general  scheme  of  action  and  duty  that  he  would 
be  glad  to  see  carried  out.  All  the  objects  included  in  such  a  scheme 
could  not  be  realized  at  once;  but  it  is  confidently  believed  that  he 
would  be  able  very  speedily  to  impart  interest  to  this  new  feature  in 
the  University,  and  to  awaken  in  its  behalf  a  deep  sympathy  with  the 
student  and  faculty;  and  I  cannot  doubt  this  interest  and  sympathy- 
would  in  no  long  period  of  time  spread  to  different  parts  of  the 
State,  and  that  he  might  be  the  medium,  through  the  peculiarly  at 
tractive  and  genial  nature  of  art,  to  render  substantial  and  lasting 
benefit  to  this  Institution.  Some  of  these  considerations  and  duties 
I  have  placed  under  separate  heads,  for  the  greater  convenience  of 
reference,  and  that  the  whole  scheme  may  be  more  readily  compre 
hended,  as  well  as  that  its  practical  bearing  shall  be  more  easily 
seen. 

Deparhnent  of  the  Fine  Arts  in  the  University  of  Michigan — some 
of  the  duties,  and  general  course  indicated,  which  might  devolve  on 
and  be  pursued  by  the  professor  of  such  department. 

1 .  Lectures  on  intellectual  taste — lectures  on  the  theory  of  art — gen 
eral   idea — lectures   on  the  principles  of  the  different   branches  of 
art — painting,  sculpture,   architecture,  music,  &c. — their  relation  to 
each  other — intimately  united  to   poetry — the  influence  of  the  fine 
arts  on  the  feelings,  on  the  manners,  on  morals  and  literature,  on  civ 
ilization,  and  on  the  sciences. 

2.  Show   the   value  of  art  to    classical  studies — illustrate  these 
studies  by  busts  of  those  distinguished  in  eloquence,  poetry  or  states 
manship — by  coins,  medals  and  inscriptions,  so  valuable  also  to  e]fL- 
eidate  the  history  and  antiquities  of  Rome  and  Greece — its  union 
with  Greek  literature — impossibility  to  appreciate  Grecian  history,  elo 
quence  and  poetry,  without  an  intimate  knowledge  of  Greek  art;  one 
is  the  exponent  of  the  other;  have  a  collection  of  the  casts  from  the 
Elgin  and  Phygalian  marbles,  from  antique  busts,  and  from  exquisite 
groups,  such  as  the  Psyche  and  Laocoon,  say  half  the  size  of  life. 


335 

All  these  can  be  obtained  at  small  expense,   and  they  would  prove 
invaluable  memorials  of  the  heroic  ages  of  literature  and  art. 

3.  Copies  from  some  of  the  best  paintings,  to  illustrate  composition 
in  painting,  to  illustrate   the  principles  in  coloring,  and  light  and 
shade;  good  engravings  from  celebrated  paintings.     These  will  con 
stitute  a  collection  permanently  belonging  to  the  University.     To  this 
collection  might  be  added  such  portraits  of  the  professors,  chancel 
lors,  and  other  distinguished  persons  who  have  been  connected  witk 
the   institution,  as  might  be  induced  by  invitation,  or  otherwise,  to 
leave  them.     Art  preserves  a  memory  of  the  past  and  is  conserva 
tive. 

4.  Students  who  wish  can  take  lessons  in  drawing,  in  perspective t 
in  coloring,  in  composition.     This  department  will  thus  have  a  direct, 
practical  bearing  on  the    acquirements  of  the  students,   aside  from 
the  refined  taste  its  teachings  will  inculeate.     The   services  of  the 
professor  might  be  made  useful  to  the  medical  department.     The 
study  of  the  natural  sciences  will  be  greatly  facilitated  by  drawings, 
diagrams,  and  transparencies.     It  cannot   be  doubted  that  art  will 
foster  an  attachment  to  the  University. 

5.  It  is  believed  that  in  all  the   German  Universities  the  fine  arts 
are  represented  by  a  professor.     Lectures  prevail  there  as  a  mode  of 
teaching,  more  than  in  the  English.     The  German  is  far  more  liberal. 
A  well  educated  German  is  thoroughly  acquainted  with  music,  with 
the  theory  of  the  arts,  and  often  with  the  principles  of  each. 

6.  We  have  already  some  examples — Columbia  College,   New 
York,  has  a  professor  of  fine  arts,  a  young  man  of  that  city.     West 
Point  has  a  professor  of  fine  arts.     Cambridge  has  a  collection  of 
pictures,  and  inculcates  the  fine  arts  as  a  branch  of  her  teachings. 
New  Haven  College  has  erected  a  separate  building  for  the  reception 
of  Col.  TrumbulPs  pictures,   and   has  thus  an  admirable  series  of 
works  to  illustrate  art.     It  is  there  lessons  of  patriotism  may  be  first 
imbibed;  it  is  there   the  student  will  first  contemplate  the  noble  de 
signs  of  the  "  Battle   of  Bunker  Hill,"  "signing  the  Declaration  of 
Independence,"    "  Washington's   resignation  of  his  commission  to 
Congress,"  with  many  others  of  a  National  interest. 

The  Smithsonian  Institute  has  already  purchased  one  valuable 
work  of  art,  and  is  in  treaty  for  Power's  Greek  Slave;  showing  that 


the  arts  will  be  included  in  the  legitimate  objects  of  an  institution  thai 
proposes  to  diffuse  knowledge  among  mankind.  This  does  not  pro- 
probably  name  all  the  institutions  in  our  country  that  have  provided 
for  the  teachings  of  art  in  the  course  of  their  studies.  Several  socie 
ties  and  institutions  in  Boston,  New  York,  Philadelphia,  Albany,  Gin- 
cinnatti,  established  expressly  to  encourage  a  taste  for  art,  and  cor 
dially  sustained  by  the  public,  are  not  mentioned. 

7.  Every  step  taken  in  this  country  to  sustain  art,  by  whatever 
method,  whether  by  societies,  State  legislatures,  or  Congress,  has 
been  promptly  met  by  the  public,  showing  that  the  public  sentiment 
is  quite  ready  to  sanction  the  boldness  or  liberality  of  those  whose 
province  it  is  to  take  initiatory  steps  in  such  encouragement.     Very 
many  instances  of  this  can  be  adduced. 

8.  Michigan  has  taken  the  lead  in  the  liberal  basis  on  which  her  ed- 

£3 

ucational  system  is  founded.  Is  not  this  fact  a  strong  reason  that  noio, 
•while  the  course  of  instruction  is  falling  into  permanent  methods,  that 
a  department  so  important,  so  essential  to  the  best  and  the  most  lib 
eral  culture  as  that  comprehending  the  fine  arts,  should  not  be  omit 
ted  or  postponed,  but  immediately  and  with  confidence  incorporated 
with  her  more  obviously  practical  branches. 

Without  venturing  to  extend  the  argument  embodied  in  this  paper, 
the  whole  subject  is  respectfully  submitted  to  the  wisdom  and  con 
sideration  of  your  honorable  body. 

ALVAH  BRADISH. 


PART  II. 


THE  PRIMARY  SCHOOL  LAW  OF  MICHIGAN, 

WITH 

NOTES,  FORMS,  AND  INSTRUCTIONS 

FOR  CONDUCTING  PROCEEDINGS. 


The  law  does  not  impose  upon  the  Superintendent  the  duty  of 
deciding  questions  arising  under  the  operation  of  the  school  laws. 
It  is,  however,  a  matter  of  necessity  that  it  should  be  done — the  inter 
est  of  the  schools  requires  it,  and  the  school  officers  seek  for  and  de 
mand  such  decisions.  The  consideration  of  all  the  questions  which 
arise  in  the  townships  and  districts,  which  are  submitted  to  the 
office  for  its  advice  and  decision,  involves  an  amount  of  labor  which 
is  not  generally  conceived.  Many  of  these  questions  are  the  more 
important,  because  they  are  intricate.  They  require  examination, 
reflection,  a  knowledge  of  the  general  principles  of  law,  and  also  a 
practical  acquaintance  and  familiarity  with  the  operation  of  the  sys 
tem.  Great  pains,  thought,  and  labor  have  been  bestowed  upon  this 
part  of  the  subject,  and  it  is  believed  the  notes  will  be  found  to  meet 
all,  or  nearly  all,  of  the  questions  that  are  generally  raised  in  the 
districts.  The  decisions  given  have  been  based  upon  queries  of  offi 
cers,  embraced  in  their  correspondence.  Should  this  document  nof- 
be  swelled  to  a  size  which  forbids  it,  abstracts  of  this  correspondence 
will  be  presented,  showing  for  themselves  the  difficulties  which  sur 
round  and  embarrass  school  officers  in  the  discharge  of  their  du 
ties,  and  in  relation  to  which  they  require  the  advice  of  the  Su 
perintendent. 

The  law  embraces  all  amendments  made  up  to  1852.  Those  por 
tions  which  are  in  brackets  are  amendments.  The  number  of  sec- 
43 


338 

tions  are  the  same  as  in  the  revised  statutes  of  1846.  The  decisions 
here  made  are  not  intended  to  infringe  upon  the  province  of  any  legal 
department  or  tribunal  of  the  State.  They  are  confined  to  questions 
arising  under  the  operation  and  in  the  administration  of  the  school 
law.  In  cases  where  the  district  stands  in  the  light  of  a  contracting 
party,  or  where  the  school  officers  have  subjected  themselves  or  the 
district  to  a  controversy  in  a  court  of  law,  it  is  neither  the  duty  or 
the  province  of  the  Superintendent  to  determine  what  are,  or  wha 
are  not,  the  legal  rights  of  the  parties.  Provisions  exist  in  the  State 
of  New  York,  and  in  some  other  States,  conferring  a  more  extended 
jurisdiction  in  cases  arising  under  the  school  laws;  and  the  decisions 
being  made  final,  have  saved  a  vast  amount  of  litigation,  expense 
and  difficulty.  A  provision  to  this  effect  has  been  recommended  in 
Michigan  by  each  successive  Superintendent.  In  his  remarks  upon 
the  school  law  of  Rhode  Island,  Mr.  Barnard  recommended  it  as 
leading  to  a  cheap,  speedy  and  amicable  settlement  of  numerous  con 
troversies  which  unavoidably  spring  up  in  the  local  administration 
of  the  system,  which  were  previously  carried  into  the  courts,  or  the 
Legislature,  involving  much  expense,  much  delay,  and  not  unfre- 
quently  bitter,  wide  spread  and  lasting  dissatisfaction. 

The  laws  of  the  State  of  New  York  authorize  any  person  feeling 
Mmself  aggrieved  in  consequence  of  any  decision  made  by  a  school 
district  meeting,  or  by  the  town  superintendent,  in  forming,  or  altering, 
or  in  refusing  to  form  or  alter  a  school  district,  or  in  refusing  to  pay 
any  school  moneys  to  any  such  district,  or  by  the  trustees  in  paying 
any  teacher,  or  refusing  to  pay  him,  or  in  refusing  to  admit  any 
scholar  gratuitously,  or  concerning  any  other  matter  under  the  law 
relating  to  schools,  to  appeal  to  the  superintendent,  who  is  required 
and  authorized  to  examine  and  decide  the  same,  and  the  decision  if 
final  and  conclusive. 

OF  PRIMARY  SCHOOLS. 

DISTRICTS . 

SECTION  1.  Whenever  the  board  of  school  inspectors  of  any  township 
ahali  form  a  school  district  therein,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  clerk  of  such 
board  to  deliver  to  a  taxable  inhabitant  of  such  district,  a  notice  in  writing', 
of  the  formation  of  such  district,  describing  its  boundaries,  and  specifying- 
the  time  and  place  of  the  first  meeting;  which  notice,  with  the  fact  of 
iuch  delivery,  shall  be  entered  upon  record  by  the  clerk. 


339 

1.  The  power  to   form   school  districts  is  vested  in  the  board  of 
school  inspectors  by  section  71.     In  proceeding  to  divide  the  town 
ship,  as  this  is  the  first  step  to  be  taken,  a  full  record  should  be  kept, 
showing  not  only  the  number  of  each   district,  but  accurately  de 
scribing  the  boundaries  of  each,  in  order  that  the  clerk  of  the  board, 
under  this  section,  may  be  accurate  in  his  description  to  be  delivered 
to  a  taxable  inhabitant.     The  following  form  of  the  notice  required, 
is  prescribed: 

To  A. B. ,  a  taxable  inhabitant  of  school  district  JVo. ." 

SIR — You  are  hereby  notified  that  the   school   inspectors  of  the 

township   of ,  on    the day    of •,  185  ,  formed  a 

school  district  in  said  township,  which  they  numbered  school  district 

No. ,  and  which  is  bounded  as  follows:   [Insert  the  boundary  as 

copied  from  the  record.]     The  first  meeting-  of  said  district  will  be 

held  at ,  on  the day  of ,  185  ,  at  —  o'clock 

in  the noon:  You  are  hereby  directed  to  notify  every  qualified 

TOterof  said  district,  either  personally  or  by  leaving  a  written  notice 
at  his  place  of  residence,  of  the  time  and  place  of  said  meeting,  at 
least  five  days  before  the  time  appointed  therefor,  as  above;  and  after 
so  notifying  every  qualified  voter  within  the  boundaries  above  de 
scribed,  you  will  endorse  on  this  notice  a  return,  showing  such  noti 
fication,  with  the  date  or  dates  thereof,  and  deliver  the  same  to  the 
chairman  of  the  meeting,  to  be  held  at  the  time  and  place  above  men 
tioned. 

Given  under  my  hand,  this dny  of ,  A.  D.  185  . 

(Signed.)  _, 

Clerk  of  the  Board  of  School  Inspectors. 

For  form  of  endorsement  upon  this  notice,  see  note  to  section  3. 

2.  A  taxable  inhabitant  receiving  the  notice  mentioned  in  this  and 
ihe  following  section,  who  neglects  or  refuses  duly  to  serve  and  re 
turn  the  notice  required,  is  liable,  by  the  provisions  of  section  129,  to 
forfeit  a  penalty  of  five  dollars. 

3.  The  time  and  place  of  meeting  is  to  be  fixed  b}r  the  inhabitant 
who  is  served  with  the  notice. 

SKC.  2.  The  said  notice  shall  also  direct  such  inhabitant  to  notify  every 
qualified  voter  of  such  district,  either  personally  or  by  leaving  a  written 
notice  at  his  place  of  residence,  of  the  time  and  place  of  suid  meeting,  at 
least  five  days  before  the  time  appointed  therefor;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  such  inhabitant  to  notify  the  qualified  voters  of  said  district  accord 
ingly. 

1.  To  save  question  as  to  the  sufficiency  of  time  in  giving  the 
aotice,  five  full  days,  without  any  fraction  of  a  day,  should  be  given 
before  the  day  of  meeting. 


340 

2.  The  written  notice  required  by  this  section,  need  not  contain  a 
description  of  the  boundaries  of  the  district.  It  is  sufficient  if  it  spe 
cify  the  time  and  place  of  meeting,  and  if  it  is  served  at  least  five 
days  before  the  meeting. 

The  following  form  may  be  used,  viz: 
To  A—  B : 

SIR — School  district  No. ,  of  the  township  of ,  having 

been  formed  by  the  inspectors,  you  are  hereby  notified,  as  a  qualified 
voter  therein,  that  the  first  meeting  thereof   will  be   held  at -, 


on    the day    of ,  A.    D.    185  ,    at o'clock  in  the 

noon.     Dated  this day  of ,'185  . 

(Signed) 

3.  If  in  notifying  the  qualified  voters,  by  any  unavoidable  accident, 
or  in  consequence  of  the  fact  that  a  single  person  has  not  been  noti 
fied,  or  several  persons,  who  were  not  believed  to  be  a  resident  or 
residents  of  the  district,  or  by  reason  of  an  impossibility  to  notify 
such  person  or  persons,  from  the  absence  of  himself,  or  the  want 
of  a  place  of  residence  temporarily,  such  want  of  notice  does  not 
affect  the  validity  of  the  organization  by  the  majority  of  the  qualified 
voters.  The  law  is  imperative  upon  the  inhabitant  serving  the  no 
tice,  to  notify  every  qualified  voter,  and  the  failure  to  do  so  affects 
him  personally,  and  the  proceedings  of  the  district  also,  only  where 
the  omission  has  been  wilful  or  fraudulent.  See  section  14. 

SBC.  3.  The  said  inhabitant,  when  he  shall  have  notified  the  qualified 
voters  as  required  in  such  notice,  shall  endorse  thereon  a  return,  showing 
such  notification,  with  the  date  or  dates  thereof,  and  deliver  such  notice 
and  return  to  the  chairman  of  the  meeting. 

The  following  FORM  OF  ENDORSEMENT  is  recommended.  If  the  quali 
fied  voters  are  all  notified  in  one  day,  the  form  may  be  varied,  but 
it  will  be  found  to  be  more  satisfactory,  and  often  save  trouble,  to  give 
the  names  and  dates  of  notification  according  to  the  form,  and  also 
for  the  greater  facility  it  will  afford  to  the  director  to  record  it,  as  re 
quired  by  section  4: 

I,  A B ,  hereby  return  the  within  (or  annexed)  notice,  asd 

have  notified  the  qualified  voters  of  the  district  as  follows: 


NAMES. 

DATE. 

HOW   NOTIFIED. 

A                 T* 

January  1,  1852. 
do         do 

Personally. 
Written  notice. 

r<            T) 

,  185  . 
D  E  

(Signed) 

341 

1.  Every  chairman  of  the  first  district  meeting,  who  wilfully  neg 
lects  or  refuses  to  perform  the  duties  enjoined  on  him  in  this  and  the 
following  sections,  or  in  the  chapter  relating  to  primary  schools,  shall 
forfeit  the  sum  of  $5.     See  section  129. 

2.  The  meeting  must  organize  by  the  appointment  of  a  chairman; 
and  must  then  choose  its  district  officers.     The  acceptance  of  any 
two  of  the  officers  elected  duly  organizes  the  district,  and  these  may 
be  filed  forthwith,  in   pursuance  of  section  6.     Section  130  imposes 
a  penalty  for  neglect  or  refusal,  without  sufficient  cause,  to  accept  any 
such  office,  and  serve  therein.     If  the  notice  has  not  been  given,  or 
the  qualified  voters  fail  entirely  to  attend,  when   notified,    the  no 
tice  must  be  renewed,  but  no  particular  number  is  requisite  to  ena 
ble  the  district  to  effect  its  organization,  after  proper  notice. 

SEC.  4.  The  said  chairman  shall  deliver  such  notice  and  return  to  the 
director  chosen  at  such  meeting,  who  shall  record  the  same  at  length  in  a 
book  to  be  provided  by  him  at  the  expense  of  the  district,  as  a  part  of  the 
records  of  such  district. 

1.  By  section  9  the  record  here  required  is  made  prima  facia  evi 
dence  of  the  facts  set  forth,  and  of  the  legality  of  all  proceedings  in  the 
organization  of  the  district,  prior  to  the  first  district  meeting.  It  is 
important  that  it  should  be  correct  and  complete.  In  case  of  the  want 
of  this  record,  its  destruction  or  loss,  it  cannot  be  supplied.  But  if  the 
district  has  exercised  the  franchises  of  a  district,  that  is,  elected  officers, 
voted  tax,  employed  teachers,  made  reports,  &c.,  for  two  years, 
(section  10,)  its  organization  is  presumed  to  be  legal. 

SEC.  5.  The  qualified  voters  of  such  district,  when  assembled  pursuant 
to  such  previous  notice,  and  also  at  each  annual  meeting,  shall  choose  a 
moderator,  director,  and  assessor,  [who  shall  be  residents  of  such  district, 
and]  who  shall,  within  ten  days  after  such  meeting,  severally  file  with  the 
director  a  written  acceptance  of  the  offices  to  which  they  shall  have  been 
respectively  elected,  which  shall  be  recorded  by  said  director. 

1 .  The  qualified  voters  at  this  meeting,  after  having  elected  dis 
trict  officers,  cannot  proceed  to  transact  any  other  business,  by  voting 
a  tax,  or  for  any  other  purpose  than  the  organization  of  the  district. 
This  is  a  meeting  to  choose  a  moderator,  director  and  assessor.  An 
addition  to  section  92  provides  that  in  districts  containing  more  than 
one  hundred  scholars  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen,  the 
district  board  may  be  enlarged  by  adding  thereto  four  trustees,  pro 
vided  the  district  determine  to  do  so,  at  any  annual  meeting,  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote.  This  vote  cannot  be  taken  at  the  first  meeting  of  the 
district. 


342 

2.  The  law  is  not  definite  as  to  the  form   of  the    acceptance.     It 
must  be  in  writing,  and  filed  with  the  director  within  ten  days  after 
the  meeting.     Every  acceptance  should  specify  the  office  to  which 
the  person  has  been   chosen.     Each  should  be  filed   separately,  to 
avoid  confusion  and  error.     The  fact  of  the  filing  by  the  person 
elected  to  a  given  office,  and  the  date  of  filing,  are  matters  of  record, 
to  be  made  by  the  director.     A  mere  clerical  error,  in  the  acceptance, 
will  not  vitiate  it.     If  it  is  not  in  the  precise  words  of  the  prescribed 
form,  it  is  not  the  province  of  the  director  to   decide  upon  its  suffi 
ciency  or  insufficiency,  in  case  of  question.     In  case  of  doubt,  how 
ever,  it  would  be  a  safe  course  for  the  person  chosen  to  the  office  to 
decline  serving,  for  the  reason  that  if  he  has  not  filed  his  acceptance 
legally,  he  could  not  bind  the  district  by  his  acts,  but  would  himself 
be  bound  by  his  own  acts. 

3.  After  filing  acceptance,  the  new  officers  supercede  the  old  ones 
at  once.     District  officers  are  not  required  to  file  an  oath  of  office. 
Section  130  imposes  a  penalty  for  neglect  or  refusal  of  district  offi 
cers  to  serve  without  sufficient  cause,  or  for  neglecting  or  refusing  to 
perform  any  duty  required  by  virtue  of  their  offices. 

4.  If  a  newly  elected  district  officer  fails  to  file  his  acceptance,  the 
previous  officer  holds  over,  and  there  is  no  vacancy  to  fill,  unless  the 
previous  director  has  been  in  office  ten  days  beyond  the  time  of  a  se 
cond  annual  meeting  after  his  election  or  appointment. 

FORM  OF  ACCEPTANCE. 

I  accept  the  office  of  — of  school  district  No. ,  of  the 

township  of .     Dated  this day  of  ,  185  . 

(Signed)  A B . 

On  the  back  of  this  should  be  endorsed:  "Filed  this day  of 

,  185  .     C—      -D—     — ,  Director." 

SEC.  6.  Every  such  school  district  shall  be  deemed  duly  organized 
when  any  two  of  the  officers  elected  at  their  first  annual  meeting  shall 
have  filed  their  acceptance  as  aforesaid. 

SEC.  7.  In  case  the  inhabitants  of  any  district  shall  fail  to  organize 
the  same  in  pursuance  of  such  notice  as  aforesaid,  the  said  clerk  shall 
give  a  new  notice  in  the  manner  hereinbefore  provided,  and  the  same  pro 
ceedings  shall  be  had  thereon  as  if  no  previous  notice  had  been  delivered. 

SEC.  8.  Every  school  district  organized  in  pursuance  of  this  chapter, 
or  which  has  been  organized  and  continued  under  any  previous  law  of  the 
State  or  Territory  of  Michigan,  shall  be  a  body  corporate,  and  shall  pos 
sess  the  usual  powers  of  a  corporation  for  public  purposes,  by  the  name 

and  style  of  "School  District  number ,  (such  number  as  shall  be 

designated  in  the  formation  thereof  by  the  inspectors)  of ,"  (the 


343 

name  of'  the  township  or  townships  in  which  the  district  is  situated,)  and 
in  that  name  shall  be  capabie  of  suing  and  being  sued,  and  of  holdiag 
such  real  and  personal  estate  as  is  authorized  to  be  purchased  by  the  pro 
visions  of  this  chapter,  and  of  selling  the  same. 

SEC.  9.  The  record  made  by  the  director,  as  required  in  the  fourth 
section  of  this  chapter,  shall  be  prima  facia  evidence  of  the  facts  therein 
set  forth,  and  the  legality  of  all  proceedings  in  the  organization  of  the 
district  prior  to  the  first  district  meeting;  but  nothing  in  this  section 
contained  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  impair  the  effect  of  the  record  kept 
by  the  school  inspectors,  as  evidence. 

SKC.  10.  Every  school  district  shall,  in  all  case?,  be  presumed  to  have 
been  legally  organized,  when  it  shall  have  exercised  the  franchises  and 
privileges  ot  a  district  for  the  term  of  two  years. 

The  last  above  five  sections,  in  addition  to  those  which  precede 
them,  relate  entirely  to  the  formation  and  organization  of  school 
districts,  each  step  being  carefully  taken.  Section  8  provides  that 
the  district  shall  be  a  body  corporate,  possessing  also  the  powers  of  a 
corporation  for  public  purposes,  and  capable,  under  the  name  and 
number  designated  by  the  inspectors,  of  suing  and  being  sued,  and 
holding  real  and  personal  estate,  and  selling  the  same,  as  provided 
in  this  chapter.  The  statute  nowhere  contemplates  the  dissolution 
of  a  school  district,  nor  does  it  directly  confer  upon  any  board  the 
power  to  dissolve  the  body  corporate.  $or  can  the  board  of  inspec 
tors,  under  the  provisions  of  section  71,  which  authorize  them  "to 
divide  the  township  into  such  number  of  school  districts  as  may  from 
time  to  time  be  necessary;  (the  boundaries  of  which  districts  they 
may  alter  and  regulate,  as  circumstances  shall  render  proper,")  take 
any  action  in  relation  to  the  dissolution  of  a  district,  so  as  to  work 
any  change  of  the  previous  liability  of  the  district,  except  in  the 
manner  pointed  out  in  the  formation  of  a  new  district,  by  sections 
75,  76,  77  and  78.  la  1843,  the  possible  dissolution  of  a  district  was 
Bought  to  be  guarded  against,  and  to  prevent  it  in  any  way,  penalties 
were  sought  to  be  and  were  subsequently  imposed  upon  school  offi 
cers  who  neglected  to  perform,  or  refused  to  do  their  duty,  or  serve 
in  the  ofFues  to  which  they  were  chosen.  Applications  to  dissolve 
these  corporate  bodies  ha  >e  in  several  instances  been  made  to  the 
Legislature,  which  has  acted  specifically  upon  them,  but  which  has 
not  conferred  upon  the  board  of  school  inspectors  such  a  power.  The 
revised  constitution  has  provided  that  the  Legislature  may  confer 
upon  township?,  cities  and  villages,  and  boards  of  supervisors,  such 
powers  of  a  local,  legislative  or  administrative  character  as  it  may 


344 

deem  advisable;  but  the  Legislature  not  having  seen  fit  to  enact  any 
law  upon  the  subject,  the  power  of  dissolving  school  districts  is  still 
vested  in  the  Legislature. 

The  division  of  a  township  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  when  no 
provision  is  made  otherwise,  does  not  dissolve  nor  alter  the  bounda 
ries  of  a  school  district.  The  imaginary  township  line  changes  no 
residence  of  the  district  officers,  but  upon  such  division  of  townships 
or  counties,  single  or  whole  districts  are  by  operation  of  law  trans 
formed  into  joint  school  districts,  and  become  of  necessity  subject  to 
the  provisions  applicable  to  such  districts.  But  a  single  instance  of 
this  kind  is  believed  to  have  occurred,  however,  in  this  State. 

DISTRICT  MEETINGS. 

SEC.  11.  The  annual  meetings  of  such  (each)  school  district  shall  be 
held  on  the  last  Monday  of  September  in  each  year,  and  the  school  year 
commence  on  that  day. 

1.  The  annual  meetings  of  school  districts  are  the  most  important 
occasions  which  the  law  provides  for  the  regulation  of  all  matters 
pertaining  to  the  schools.  It  has  been  justly  remarked  that  "the 
opportunities  afforded  by  the  coming  together  of  the  inhabitants  of 
each  district,  for  deliberation  and  consultation  in  relation  to  their 
schools,  and  the  various  interests  connected  therewith,  are  calculated 
to  exert  a  most  beneficial  influence  in  favor  of  education;  to  promote 
union,  harmony  and  concert  of  action  in  the  several  districts;  and 
to  cement  the  ties  of  friendly,  social  intercourse  between  those  hav 
ing  a  common  interest  in  the  moral  and  intellectual  culture  of  their 
children.  It  is  therefore  of  the  utmost  importance  that  they  should 
not  be  neglected;  that  the  inhabitants  should  be  prompt  and  uniform 
in  their  attendance,  and  that  the  proceedings  should  be  invariably 
characterized  by  that  order,  regularity,  dignity  and  decorum  which 
can  alone  command  respect  and  efficiently  attain  the  objects  to  be 
accomplished." 

The  powers  of  the  qualified  voters  at  the  annual  meetings,  are 
fully  prescribed  in  sections  19,  20,  21,  22,  23,  *4,  25,  26  and  27. 
The  moderator  presides  at  all  meetings  when  present,  and  sections 
30  and  31  give  to  the  moderator,  or  person  presiding,  (see  section 
29,)  the  power  to  preserve  order  and  prevent  disturbance.  Section 
87  makes  the  director  clerk  of  the  meeting,  but  in  his  absence  the 
.Qualified  voters  appoint  a  clerk,  who  is  to  certify  the  proceedings  of 


345 

the  meeting  to  the  director.  It  is  the  duty  of  the  latter  to  preserve 
copies  of  all  reports,  and  preserve  and  keep  all  books  and  papers  be 
longing  to  his  office. 

FORM  OF  NOTICE  OF  ANNUAL  MEETING. 

NOTICE  is  hereby  given  that  the  annual  meeting  of  school  district 
No. ,  of  the  township  of  • ,  for  the  election  of  school  dis 
trict  officers,  and  for  the  transaction  of  such  other  business  as  may 
lawfully  come  before  it,  and  deemed  to  be  necessary,  will  be  held 

at ,  on  Monday  the •  day  of ,  A.  D.  185     ,  at 

o'clock  in  the noon. 

Dated  this day  of ,  A.  D.  185  . 

(Signed,)  A B ,  Director. 

This  notice  must  be  posted  in  three  of  the  most  public  places  in 
the  district,  at  least  six  days  before  the  time  of  such  meeting.  [Six 
full  days  without  any  fraction  of  a  day.] 

1.  Annual  meetings  may  be  adjourned  from  time  to  time,  as  may 
be  necessary,  in  which  case  the  following  form  of  notice  should  be 
posted,  as  above  required: 

Notice  is  hereby  given,  that  a  meeting  of  the  qualified  voters  of 

school  district  No. ,  of  the  township  of ,  will  be  held 

at ,  on  the day  of ,  185  ,  at o'clock 

in  the noon  of  said  day,  pursuant  to  adjournment  of  the  annual 

meeting.     Dated  this day  of ,  185  . 

(Signed,)  A B ,  Director. 

2.  The  qualified  voters  present  at  any  meeting  lawfully  assembled, 
may  re-consider,   rescind,  alter  or  modify  any  proceeding,  action,  or 
vote  taken  at  an  annual  meeting,  provided  no  obligation  has  been  in 
curred  under  such  previous  proceedings,  votes  or  resolves. 

2.  The  proceedings  of  a  district  meeting,  either  annual,  adjourned 
or  special,  are  not  to  be  deemed  illegal  for  want  of  due  notice,  unless 
it  appears  that  the  omission  was  wilful  and  fraudulent. 

3.  Trouble  is  sometimes  made  by  the  failure  of  the  qualified  vo 
ters  present    to  exercise  discretion   in    relation   to  organizing   the 
meeting.     Due    allowance  should   be  made  for  variation  in  time, 
and  a  reasonable  time  should  be  given  for  all  the  voters  to  assemble 
before   proceeding  to  business.     Fifteen  minutes  or  half  an  hour, 
according  to  circumstances,  might  not  be  unreasonable.     Any  num 
ber,  however  few,  may  then  proceed  to  the  transaction  of  the  busi 
ness  of  the  district,  or  they  may,  if  they  think  proper,  adjourn.     The 
latter,  in  many  instances,  might  be  the  prudent  course.     If  the  meet- 

44 


346 


ing  is  unanimous  in  favor  of  the  officers  to  be  chosen,  it  will  oftea- 
times  save  trouble  by  offering  a  resolution  in  writing,  designating  the 
officers  and  offices;  but  if  a  difference  of  opinion  exists,  it  would  be 
well  to  vote  by  ballot.  All  other  business  should  be  done  by  written 
resolutions,  and  if  the  result  of  the  vote  cannot  be  ascertained  in 
the  ordinary  manner,  it  should  be  done  by  count  or  by  taking  the 
ayes  and  noes.  For  this  purpose  the  clerk  of  the  meeting  should 
prepare  a  list  of  the  legal  voters  of  the  district  in  a  tabular  form, 
embracing  all  the  subjects  voted  on,  similar  to  the  following: 


NAMES    OF   VOTERS. 

TO  CHANGE  SITE.j|TO  BUILD  SC.  H?SE.|JTO  RAISE  TAX. 

A               H 

Ayes. 

Noes.    j|     Ayes. 

Noes. 

Ayes. 

. 

JNoes. 

: 

1 

1 

I 

. 

P               D 

TOTAL,  

The  clerk  should  keep  his  minutes  so  that,  before  the  meeting  ad 
journs,  they  may  be  read  and  corrected,  if  necessary,  and  approved 
by  the  meeting;  and  after  being  signed  by  the  moderator  and  clerk, 
they  should  be  recorded  in  the  record  book  of  the  district.  These 
minutes  should  be  in  form  as  follows,  varied  to  suit  the  circumstan 
ces: 

FORM  FOR  MINUTES  OF  PROCEEDINGS  TO  BE  KEPT  BY  THE  DISTRICT  CLERK. 

At  an  annual,  special,  or  adjourned  (as  the  case  may  be)  meeting 

of  the  qualified  voters  of  school  district  No. ,  of  the  township 

Of 1  held  ot  the ,  on  the day  of ,  A.  D. 

185  ,  pursuant  to  public  notice,  the  moderator  presiding,  (or 
A B was  chosen  to  preside,  the  moderator  not  being  pres 
ent,)  and  C D —  -  was  present  as  clerk,  (or  E F—  —was 

appointed  clerk,  in  the  absence  of  the  director:) 

Resolved,  &c.,  [here  insert  the  resolutions  as  passed,]  If  the  vote 
was  unanimous,  Resolved,  unanimously,  &c. 

In  case  of  a  vote  to  designate  or  to  change  the  site,  two-thirds  of 
the  qualified  voters  present  are  necessary.  In  this  case,  after  taking 
the  vote  as  indicated  above,  the  record  should  state  substantially  as 
follows: 

It  having  been  moved  and  seconded  that  the  present  site  of  the 
school  house  in  the  said  district  be  established,  (or  changed,)  or  that 


347 

the  same  shall  be,  &c.,  [here  describe  the  locality  and  premises,  ac 
curately,]  and  the  question  being  taken  by  ayes  and  noes,  (or  by 
ballot  or  otherwise,)  it  was  carried,  two-thirds  of  the  voters  present 
voting  therefor,  as  follows:  Those  who  voted  in  the  affirmative  were 
as  follows  [Here  insert  names  in  full:]  Those  "who  voted  in  the  neg 
ative  were  as  follows:  [insert  names.] 
Ayes,  ;  Noes,  ;  Total, . 

The  above  form  is  given  as  a  general  guide,  and  of  course  may 
be  varied  as  the  director  finds  it  necessary. 

SEC.  12.  Special  meetings  may  be  called  by  the  district  board,  or  by 
any  one  of  ihem,  on  the  written  request  of  any  five  legal  voters  of  the 
district,  by  giving  the  notice  required  in  the  next  succeeding  section;  and 
in  all  notices  of  special  meetings  the  object  of  the  meeting  shall  be 
stated. 

1.  The  district  board  may  call  a  special  meeting  without  the  written 
request  required  in  this  section.  Any  one  of  the  district  board  may 
call  a  special  meeting  on  such  written  request.  A  form  of  notice 
will  be  found  below,  in  which  it  is  provided  that  the  object  of  the 
meeting  shall  be  set  forth  in  the  request,  so  that  any  member  of  the 
board  calling  such  meeting,  may  incorporate  it,  verbatim,  in  his,  notice. 
It  is  not  optional  with  the  member  or  members  of  the  district  board, 
to  call  a  meeting  or  not,  but  they  are  bound  to  do  so,  upon  the  re 
quest  of  five  legal  voters. 

FORM  OF  WRITTEN  REQUEST. 

To  the  district  board  of  schod  district  No. :   [or  to  A B , 

c#c.,  one  of  the  district  board :] 

The  undersigned,  legal  voters  of  school  district  No. ,  of  the 

township  of ,  request  you,  in  pursuance  of  section  12  of  the 

primary  school  law,  to  call  a  special  meeting  of  said  district,  for  the 
purpose  of ,  (Describe  the  objects  of  the  meeting.] 

Dated  this day  of ,  A.  D.  185   . 

(Signed,)  , 


SEC.  13.  All  notices  of  annual  or  special  district  meetings,  after  the 
first  meeting  has  been  held  as  aforesaid,  shall  specify  the  day  and  hour, 
and  place  of  meeting,  and  shall  be  given  at  least  six  days  previous  to  such 
meeting,  by  posting  up  copies  thereof  in  three  of  the  most  public  places 
in  the  district:  and  in  case  of  any  special  meeting,  called  for  the  purpose 
of  establishing  or  changing  the  site  of  a  school  house,  such  notice  shall 
be  given  at  least  ten  days  previous  thereto. 


348 

FORM  OP  NOTICE  OF    SPECIAL  MEETING. 

SCHOOL  DISTRCT  NOTICE. — Notice  is  hereby  given  to  the  taxable 

inhabitants  of  school  district  No. ,  of  the  township  of  , 

that  in  pursuance  of  a  written  request  of  five   legal  voters  of  said 

district,  a  special  meeting  of  said  district  will  be  held  at  ,  on 

the day  of ,  A.  D.  185  ,  at o'clock  in 

the noon  of  said  day.     The  object  of  said  meeting  is , 

[Here  describe  the  object  in  full.] 

Dated  the day  of 185  . 

(Signed,)  A B . 

The  written  request  to  the  board,  or  any  one  of  them,  should  be 
filed  with  the  clerk  and  made  a  part  of  the  record.  The  number  of 
days  designated  for  posting  up  the  notice,  either  six  or  ten,  as  specifi 
ed,  should  be  full  days. 

1.  A  special    meeting  may  adjourn   from  time  to  time,  in  which 
case  like  notices  should  be  posted  as  are  required  in  case  of  adjourn 
ment  of  annual  meetings.     When  a  special  meeting  has  been  called, 
and  adjourns  to  a  specified  time  and  place,  and  at  such  time  and  place 
acts  upon   questions  properly  before  it,  under  the  notice,  and  again 
adjourns  without  day,  or  without  specifying  further  time   and  place, 
the  inhabitants  cannot  afterwards  re-organize  the  meeting  under  the 
notice. 

2.  If  a  portion  of  the  qualified  voters,  without  reference  to  their 
number,  at  any  meeting,  assemble   at  the  proper  time  and  place,  as 
designated  in  the  notice,  they  may  proceed  to  business.     If  they  ad 
journ  after  transacting  the  business  before  them,  and  another  portion 
of  the  qualified  voters  assemble  after  the  vote  to  adjourn  has  been 
taken  and  carried,  they  cannot  hold  a  subsequent  meeting,  re-organ 
ize,  nor  pass  any  vote,  legally  binding  on  the  district,  under  the  same 
notice.     If,  however,    after  the  meeting  has  proceeded  to  business, 
there  is  an  accession   of  legal  voters,  before  an   adjournment,  any 
vote  or  resolution  previously  taken  at  the  same  meeting,  may  be  re 
considered  or  rescinded,  and  the  meeting  may  proceed  to   transact 
their  business  as  a  majority  present  shall  determine. 

3.  The  $1  tax,  provided  for  in  section    140,  may  be  voted  at  a 
special  meeting  called  for  that  purpose;  but  the  district  board  cannot 
return  such  tax  in  any  year  to  the  supervisor,  for  such  year,  if  voted 
after  the  annual  meeting.     The  tax  may  be  voted   after  the  annual 
meeting,  but  it  must  be  returned  to  the  supervisor  of  the  next  sue- 


349 

ceeding  year.  This  vote  would  be  subject  to  be  rescinded  at  the  sub 
sequent  annual  meeting.  If  it  is  not  rescinded,  it  would  be  the 
duty  of  the  district  board  to  return  the  amount  to  the  supervisor,  as 
required  in  section  56. 

4.  A  special  meeting  called  for  that  purpose,  may  make  a  dispo 
sition  of  the  public  moneys,  although  the  subject  was  acted  upon  at 
the  annual  meeting,  under  the  same  restrictions  as  the  reconsidera 
tion  of  any  other  vote.     If  any  obligation  has  been  incurred,  under 
the  previous  vote,  the  special  meeting  could  not  legally  interfere  with 
their  former  action  in  the  premises. 

5.  A  contract  made  with  a  teacher,  by  a  director,  as  the  law  pro 
vides,  (section  39,)  cannot  be  annulled  by  vote  at  a  special  meeting. 

6.  A  special  meeting  cannot  determine  any  of  the  matters  embra 
ced  in  section  24.     This  duty  is  vested  exclusively  with  the  district 
board. 

7.  The  qualified  voters,  at  a  special  meeting,  called  under  a  notice 
specifying  the  object  of  the  meeting  to  be  to  take  measures  to  build 
a  school  house,  have    no  power  to  designate  a  site.     The  object  or 
objects  of  the  special  meeting  must  be  fully  and  definitely  stated  in 
the  notice. 

SEC.  14.  No  district  meeting  shall  be  deemed  illegal  for  want  of 
due  notice,  unless  it  shall  appear  that  the  omission  to  give  such  notice  was 
wilful  and  fraudulent. 

1.  A  change  of  the  usual  hour  of  holding  a  district  meeting,  for 
instance,  a  notice  fixing  the  time   at  5   o'clock  P.  M.,  instead  of  6 
o'clock,  (the  usual  hour,)  will  not  invalidate  the  proceedings  of  the 
meeting  held  under  it,  unless   the  qualified  voters  have  previously 
designated  some  other  hour  than  that  mentioned  in  the  notice,  for 
the  hour  of  meeting,  and   the  notice   was  wilful  and   fraudulent. 
There  is  a  customary  hour,  but  the  district  board  may  fix  the  time 
and  place  of  the  meeting,  and  the  inhabitants  are  bound  to  notice 
the  time  as  affixed  in  the  call  posted  up  according  to  law. 

2.  As  the  proceedings  of  the  district  meeting  may  be  called  in 
question,  in  the  course  of  legal  proceedings  relating  to  taxes,  or  con 
tracts,  or  other  matters  of  importance  to  the  district  and  to  individ 
uals,  the  qualified  voters  should  not  transact  business,  if  there  is  any 
reason  to  believe  that  the  omission  to  give  the  notice  was  wilful  and 
fraudulent.     The  only  safe  course  is  to  run  no  hazard  whatever,  un 
der  such  circumstances. 


350 

SEC.  15.  Every  white  mule  inhabitant  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years, 
residing  in  the  district,  and  liable  to  pay  a  school  district  tax  therein,  shall 
be  entitled  to  vote  at  any  district  meeting. 

1.  Every  white  male  inhabitant  of  the  age  of  twenty-one  years, 
whether  alien,  or  citizen,  residing  in  the  district,  having  personal  or  real 
estate  assessed  to  him,  or  subject  to  be  assessed  to  him  in  the  district,  is 
a  voter  at  a  district  meeting.  The  property  not  subject  to  assessment 
and  taxation  is  specified  in  Act  94  of  the  session  laws  of  1849.  It 
exempts, 

1.  Household  furniture,  including  stoves  put  up  in  any  dwelling 
house,  not  exceeding  in  value  one  hundred  dollars.  2.  All  spinning 
wheels  and  weaving  looms  and  apparatus,  not  exceeding  in  value 
fifty  dollars.  3.  A  seat,  pew  or  slip  occupied  by  any  person  or  fam 
ily  in  any  house  or  place  of  public  worship.  4.  All  ceraeterjes, 
tombs  and  rights  of  burial,  while  in  use  as  repositories  of  the  dead. 

5.  All  arms  and  accoutrements  required  by  law  to  be  kept  by  any 
person  or  family;  all   wearing  apparel  of  every  person  and  family. 

6.  The  library  and  school  books  of  every  individual  and  family  not 
exceeding  in  value  $150,  and  all  family  pictures.     7.  To  each  house- 
bolder,  ten   sheep  with  their  fleeces,  and  the  yarn  or  cloth  manufac 
tured  from  the  same,  two  cows,  five  swine,  and  provisions  and  fuel 
for  the  comfortable  subsistence  of  such  householder  and  family  for 
six  months. 

SEC.  16.  It"  any  person  offering  to  vote  at  a  school  district  meeting  shall 

be  challenged  as  unqualified,  by  any  legal  voter  in  such  district,  the  chair 
man  presiding  at  such  meeting  shall  declare  to  the  person  challenged  the 
qualifications  of  a  voter,  and  if  such  person  shall  state  that  he  is  qualified, 
and  the  challenge  shall  not  be  withdrawn,  the  said  chairman  shall  tender 
to  him  an  oath  in  substance  as  follows:  "You  do  swear  (or  affirm)  that 
you  are  twenty-one  years  of  age,  that  you  are  an  actual  resident  of  this 
school  district,  and  liable  to  pay  a  school  district  tax  therein;"  and  every 
person  taking  such  oath  shall  he  permitted  to  vote  on  all  questions  propo 
sed  at  such  meeting. 

By  reference  to  the  note  under  the  last  preceding  section,  the 
chairman  will  readily  see  what  qualifications  are  necessary  for  a  vo 
ter  at  a  school  district  meeting,  viz:  He  must  be  a  white  male  in 
habitant  of  the  State,  of  the  age  of  21  years;  he  must  be  a  resident 
of  the  district;  he  must  be  liable  to  pay  a  school  dmrict  tax.  Every 
such  inhabitant  is  liable  to  pay  such  a  tax,  whether  he  is  an  alien  or 
a  citizen,  if  he  has  either  personal  or  real  estate  which  has  been  as 
sessed  to  him,  or  which  is  liable  to  be  assessed  to  him,  in  the  district. 
The  property  not  subject  to  taxation  is  described  under  the  previous 
section. 


SEC.  17.  If  any  person  so  challenged  shall  refuse  to  take  such  oath,  his 
vote  shall  be  rejected;  and  any  person  who  shall  wilfully  take  a  false  oath, 
or  make  a  false  affirmation,  under  the  provisions  of  the  preceding  section, 
shall  he  deemed  guilty  of  perjury. 

SEC.  18.  When  any  question  is  taken  in  any  other  manner  than  by  bal 
lot,  a  challenge  immediately  after  the  vote  has  been  taken,  shall  be  deemed 
to  be  made  when  offering  to  vote,  and  treated  in  the  same  manner. 

SEC.  19.  The  qualified  voters  in  such  school  district,  when  lawfully  as 
sembled,  shall  have  power  to  adjourn  from  time  to  time,  as  may  be  neces 
sary;  to  designate  a  site  for  a  school  house  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of 
those  present,  and  to  change  the  same  by  a  similar  vote  at  any  regular 
meeting. 

1.  For  manner  of  voting,  &c.,  see  note  to  section  11. 

2.  In  some  instances,  districts  have  been  unable,  after  designating 
a  site,  to  procure  a  conveyance  or  title  to  the  property,  the  owner  or 
owners  refusing  to  give  a  deed  of  the  premises.     Section  2  of  article 
18  of  the  revised  constitution,  provides  for  taking  property  for  such 
purposes;  but  as  the  Legislature  has  not  prescribed  the  manner  in 
which   it   shall  be  done,    no  remedy  is  afforded  by  law  in  such 
eases. 

3.  The  site  for  a  school  house  should  be  designated  with  exact 
ness  and  precision,  either  by  metes  and  bounds,  or  by  some  defined 
and  known  landmarks.     The  safe  rule  is  to  make  such  a  description 
as  would  be  required  in  a  deed  of  the   premises.     In  designating  a 
site,  sufficient  land  should  be  procured  for  a  school  yard,  play  ground, 
necessary  out  buildings,  and  wood  house,  &c. 

4.  In  case  of  sale  of  the  site,  (see  section  59,)  the  district  board 
may,  if  not  otherwise  directed  by  vote  of  the  district,  execute  a  con 
veyance  of  the  same,  in  the  corporate  name  of  the  district.     In  most 
instances,  deeds  of  the  site  are  executed  with  the  right  of  reversion 
t-o  the  owner,  when  it  ceases  to  be  occupied  for  school  purposes.     In 
such  cases,  of  course,  the  district  cannot  dispose  of  the  site.     When 
it  does  not  revert  to  the  owner,  and  the  sale  is  directed  under  section 
26,  the  district  may  appropriate  the  money  arising  from  the  sale,  as 
they  shall  deem  best,  for  school  purposes. 

5.  The  qualified  voters  cannot  authorize  the  school  inspectors,  or 
any  other  person,   to  designate  the  site,  in  the  first  instance.     They 
must  establish  it,  if  they  can.     If,  after  taking  action,  they  fail  to  ob 
tain  the   legal  majority  necessary,  (two-thirds  of  those  present,)  the 
inspectors  may  designate  under  the  provisions  of  section  20. 


352 

6.  This  section  provides  that  the  qualified  voters  may,  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote  of  those  present,  change  the  site.     This  can  be  done  either 
before  the  school  house  has  been  built,  or  afterwards;  but  in  the  latter 
case,  upon  assuming  the  responsibility  of  paying  full  damages  for 
any  violation  of  contract  which  may  have  been  previously  entered 
into,  and  a  forfeiture  of  the  site,  if  the  conveyance  thereof  was  origi 
nally  made  for  school  purposes. 

7.  In  purchasing  a  site,  or  selling,  a  sufficient  sum  may  be  law 
fully  voted  to  cover  the  expenses  of  procuring  or  perfecting  the  title. 
If  it  has  not  been  voted,  the  district  board  may  procure  the  neces 
sary  legal  or  professional  assistance  at  the  expense  of  the  district. 
[See  section  59.] 

SEC.  20.  When  no  site  can  be  established,  by  such  inhabitants  as  afore 
said,  the  school  inspectors  of  the  township  or  townships  in  which  the  dis 
trict  is  situated,  shall  determine  where  such  site  shall  be,  and  their  deter 
mination  shall  be  certified  to  the  director  of  the  district,  and  shall  be  final, 
subject  to  alteration  afterwards  by  the  inspectors  only,  if  necessary. 

1.  The  failure  of  the  inhabitants  to  establish  the  site  should  be 
certified  to  the  board  of  inspectors  of  the  township;  or  in  case  of  frac 
tional  district,  to  the  joint  boards,  by  the  clerk  of  the  meeting,  or  a 
certified  copy  of  the  proceedings  and  vote  delivered  to  them  or  to 
their  clerk,  which  should  be  kept  of  record.  Their  determination 
is  to  be  certified  to  the  director  of  the  district  in  some  form  similar 
to  the  following: 

The  board  of  school  inspectors  (or  a  majority  thereof)  do  hereby 

certify  to  the  director  of  school  district  No. ,  of  the  township  of 

,  (the  inhabitants  of  said  district,  at  a  legal  meeting  of  said 

district,  having  failed  to  establish  a  site  for  the  school  house  in  said 
district  by  a  legal  majority  thereof,)  that  the  said  inspectors  have  de 
termined  that  the  said  site  shall  be  as  follows:  [describe  as  in  a  deed.] 

Given  under  our  hands  this day  of A.  D.  185  . 

TJ 

» 

C D , 

E F , 

Inspectors. 

SEC.  21.  The  said  qualified  voters  shall  also  have  power  at  any  such 
meeting  to  direct  the  purchasing  or  leasing  of  an  appropriate  site,  and 
the  building,  hiring  or  purchasing  of  a  school  house,  and  to  impose  such 
tax  as  may  be  sufficient  for  the  payment  thereof,  subject  to  the  limitation 
contained  in  the  succeeding  section. 

1.  A  vote  to  purchase  or  lease  a  site,  or  to  build,  hire,  or  purchase 
a  school  house,  does  not  carry  with  it  any  authority  for  the  district 
board  to  purchase,  hire  or  lease,  or  to  build  a  school  house,  or  to 


353 

purchase  material,  or  contract   for  the   building,    without  a  further 
direction  to  that  effect.  (See  section  59.) 

SEC.  22.  The  amount  of  taxes  to  be  raised  in  any  district  for  the 
purpose  of  purchasing  or  building1  a  school  house,  shall  no*  exceed  the 
aum  of  two  hundred  dollars  in  any  one  year,  unless  there  shall  be  more 
than  thirty  scholars  residing  therein,  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eight 
een  years;  arid  the  amount  thereof  shall  not  exceed  three  hundred  dollars 
in  any  one  year,  unless  there  shall  be  more  than  fifty  scholars  residing  in 
the  district  between  the  ages  last  aforesaid;  and  no  sum  shall  be  raised 
exceeding  one  hundred  and  eighty  dollars  for  the  purpose  of  building  or 
purchasing  a  school  house  of  less  dimensions  than  twenty-four  feet  by 
thirty  feet,  and  ten  feet  between  floors;  nor  exceeding  seventy-five  dol 
lars  for  the  purpose  of  building  or  purchasing  a  school  house,  constructed 
of  round  or  hewn  logs. 

1.  Although  but   two  hundred  dollars  can  be  raised  in  any  one 
year,  in  a  district,  in  which  there  not  more  than  thirty  scholars  be 
tween  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years;  and  but  three  hundred 
dollars  where  there   is  not  more  than  fifty  scholars,  between  these 
ages,  yet  the    district,    if  they  desire  to  build  a  more  costly  house, 
may  lawfully  raise  either  of  these  sums   annually,  until  a  sufficient 
sum  is  raised  to  meet  the  wants  of  the  district.     In  case   there  are 
over  fifty  scholars,  the  sum  which  may  be  raised  is  not  limited,  ex 
cept  as  to  the  amount  to   be  expended  for  buildings  of  the  different 
dimensions  specified  in  this  section.     The  operation  of  this  section  is 
in  a  measure  controlled  by  section   79,  which   forbids   the  district 
board,  in  purchasing  or  leasing  a  site,  (such  as  shall   be  designated 
by  the   district,)  or   in  building,  hiring   or  purchasing    a   school 
house  out  of  the  fund  provided  for  that  purpose,  from  building  any 
stone  or  brick  school  house  on  any  site,  without  having  first  obtained 
a  title  in  fee,  or  a  lease  for  ninety-nine  years;  and  from  building  any 
frame  school  house  upon  any  site  for  which  they  have  not  a  title  in 
fee,  or  a  lease  for  fifty  years,  without  securing  the  privilege  of  removing 
the  house,  when  lawfully  directed  so  to   do  by  the  qualified  voters, 
at  any  annual  or  special  meeting. 

2.  Any  lawfully  organized  school  district,  which  has  kept  up  its  or 
ganization,  can  vote  at  any  meeting  regularly  called,  in  pursuance  of 
preceding  provisions,  not  to  exceed  $200  in  anyone  year,  for  the  pur 
pose  of  purchasing  or  building  a  school  house,  unless  the  district,  has 
more  than   thirty  scholars  residing  in  it,  between   the  ages  of  four 
and  eighteen  years.     If  the  number  between  these  ages  is  no  more 
than  fifty,  the  district  can  vote  not  to  exceed  $'300  in  any  one  year, 

45 


354 

Suppose  there  is  forty  scholars  between  these  ages — the  district  can 
raise  $3,0  and  no  more.  Suppose  there  is  fifty-one  scholars,  or 
over — the  amount  which  can  be  raised  is  not  then  limited.  The  lat 
ter  clause  of  the  section  limits  the  amount  so  far  as  buildings  of  certain 
dimensions  are  constructed. 

A  district  may  raise  the  sum  of  eighty  dollars  annually  to  build  a 
frame  house  of  greater  dimensions  than  24  by  30  feet;  'but  no  sum 
can  be  raised  in  any  series  of  years  exceeding  one  hundred  and 
eighty  dollars  for  a  school  house  of  less  dimensions  than  this.  The 
object  of  the  law  is  to  prevent  a  wasteful  or  extravagant  expenditure 
of  money  upon  a  building  of  comparatively  small  size. 

3.  In  order  to  raise  money  for  these  purposes,  so  as  to  have  it  col 
lected  in  the  assessment  roll  of  the  same  year,  the  vote  must  be  passed 
at  the  annual  meeting  for  that  year.  In  order  to  have  the  money  col 
lected  in  the  assessment  roll  of  1852,  for  instance,  the  vote  must  bs 
taken  at  the  annual  meeting  of  1852.  This  is  on  the  last  Monday 
*of  September.  By  the  second  Monday  of  October  following,  the 
district  board  report  the  amount  to  be  raised  to  the  supervisor,  and 
the  supervisor  puts  it  into  his  assessment  roll  by  the  15th  of  Novem 
ber  following. 

4-  The  qualified  voters,  after  voting  a  tax  to  build  a  school  house 
under  the  restrictions  of  sections  22  and  59,  may  in  directing  the 
board,  authorize  them  to  contract  with  a  third  person  or  party,  to 
build  an  additional  story  to  the  school  building  at  the  expense  of 
such  party,  but  on  the  condition  that  it  shall  never  interfere  in  any 
way  with  the  rights  of  the  district  or  the  purposes  of  the  school  or 
school  house.  The  district  cannot  form  K  partnership  with  a  third 
party  in  purchasing  site  or  building  the  house.  The  site  must  be 
long  to  the  district,  or  the  lease  vest  in  the  district  alone.  Such  con 
tracts  can  only  be  viewed  jn  the  light  of  a  privilege,  granted  by  the 
inhabitants  of  the  district,  the  use  of  which  is  not  in  any  way  to  in 
terfere  with  the  legitimate  purposes  for  which  the  building  was 
erected,  viz:  for  a  school  house.  With  these  restrictions  and  this 
understanding,  there  can  be  no  valid  objection  to  such  an  arrange 
ment.  Without  detriment  to  the  school,  or  a  disturbance  of  ita 
functions  and  arrangements,  additional  taste  may  be  displayed  in  the 
architecture  of  the  school  house,  and  some  useful  purpose  of  an  in- 


355 

dividual  or  society  subserved.  For  the  protection  of  all  parties  in 
such  cases,  writings  of  the  proper  character  should  be  careful!}'-  and 
legally  drawn. 

5.  District  officers,  when  directed  by  the  district  to  contract  for 
building  the  school  house,  should  not  let  the  contract  to  themselves. 
They  may,  when  so  directed  by  the  district^  proceed  to  procure  mate 
rials  and  build  the  bouse  under  their  own  control  and  management, 
and  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  for  the  interest  of  the  district.  The 
district  may,  if  the  voters  see  fit,  appoint  a  building  committee.  The 
directions  of  the  district  to  the  board,  or  to  the  committee,  may  either 
be  general  or  specific. 

SBC.  23.  Such  qualified  voters,  when  assembled  as  aforesaid,  may  from 
time  to  time  impose  such  tax  as  shall  be  necessary  to  keep  their  school 
house  in  repair,  and  to  provide  the  necessary  appendages,  and  to  pay  and 
discharge  any  debts  or  liabilities  of  the  district  lawfully  incurred:  and  in 
districts  containing  more  than  fifty  scholars  between  the  ages  of  four  and 
eighteen  year?,  may  raise  a  sum  not  exceeding  twenty  dollars  in  any  one 
year  for  the  purchase  of  globes,  outline  maps,  or  any  apparatus  tor  illus 
trating  tho  principles  of  [astronomy,  natural  philosophy  and]  agricultural 
chemistry  or  the  mechanic  arts. 

1.  The  effect  of  this  section  is  to  limit  the  power  of  school  dis 
tricts  having  less  than  50  scholars.  In  districts  having  less  than 
that  number,  a  tax  cannot  be  raised  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in 
the  last  clause.  This  provision  is  a  useful  and  important  one.  Out 
line  maps,  globes,  apparatus,  &c.,  for  illustrating  the  studies  pur 
sued,  are  important  and  indeed  indispensable  elements  of  success  in 
teaching  and  in  learning.  The  views  of  the  Deputy  Superintendent 
of  the  State  of  New  York  (Mr.  Randall)  meet  with  the  hearty  con 
currence  of  this  department  of  public  instruction.  He  says,  with 
truth,  that  "the  principal  facts  in  Geography  (for  instance)  are  better 
learned  by  the  eye  than  in  any  other  manner,  and  there  ought  to  be 
in  every  school  room,  a  mop  of  the  world,  of  the  United  States,  of 
the  State,  and  of  the  county.  Globes  are  also  desirable,  but  not  so 
important  as  maps.  Large  black  boards  in  frames  or  plaster  are  in 
dispensable  to  a  well  conducted  school.  The  operations  in  arithme 
tic  performed  on  them,  enable  the  teacher  to  ascertain  the  degree  of 
the  pupil's  acquirement  better  than  any  results  exhibited  on  slates. 
He  sees  the  various  steps  taken  by  the  scholar,  and  can  require  him 
to  give  the  reason  for  each.  It  is  in  fact  an  exercise  of  the  entire 
•laes;  and  the  whole  school,  by  this  public  process,  insensibly  ac- 


356 

quires  a  knowledge  of  the  rules  and  operations  of  ibis  branch  of 
study." 

2.  The  above  views  are  earnestly  commended  to  district  officers,  as 
philosophical  and  sound.     The  object  had  in  view  by  the  Legislature, 
in  enacting  this  clause  of  the  school  law,  is  worthy  of  more  attention 
than  it  has  hitherto  received.     The  subjects  of  agricultural  chemistry 
and  the  mechanic  arts  are  yet  destined  to  become   mo-re  important 
branches  of  instruction  in  our  primary  schools.     Public  attention  is 
directed  to  them   with  greater  earnestness,  as  they  constitute,  and 
will  continue  to  constitute,  the  foundation  of  the  two  great  practical 
pursuits  of  the  citizens  of  this  country. 

3.  Under  this  section  a  tax  may  be  voted  and  raised  for  a  fence, 
woodhoiioe,  and  necessary  out-buildings,  for  a  bell,  if  the  voters  de 
sire  to  have  one,  for  water-pail,  cup,  for  washing  apparatus,  sink  and 
drain;  and  in  short,  for  all  such  appendages  as  are  necessary  to  se 
cure  the  health,  comfort   and  convenience  of  the  children  while  at 
tending  school,  and  to  afford  the  usual  and  best  facilities  which  can 
be  afforded  for  keeping  a  good  school,  in  all  respects. 

Sec.  24.  They  may  also  determine,  at  each  annual  meeting,  tho  length 
of  time  a  school  shall  be  taught  in  their  district  during  the  ensuing  year, 
which  shall  not  be  less  than  three  months;  and  whether  by  male  or  female 
teachers,  or  both;  and  whether  the  moneys  apportioned  for  the  support  of 
the  schoo1  therein  shall  bo  applied  to  the  winter  or  summer  term,  or  a 
certain  portion  of  each. 

1.  The  month,  as  fixed  by  the  laws  of  the  State,  is  to  be  construed 
to  mean  a  calendar  month.  This  gives  four  a>nd  one-third  weeks,  or 
twenty-six  days  for  a  month,  exclusive  of  Sundays.  By  a  custom 
which  is  time-honored  and  nearly  universal,  the  teacher  should  be 
permitted  to  dismiss  his  school  on  the  afternoon  of  every  Saturday, 
or  all  day  every  other  Saturday,  without  loss  of  time.  He  should 
also  be  allowed  to  dismiss  his  school  upon  all  holydays — on  the  4lh 
of  July,  New  Year's,  Thanksgiving,  Christmas,  days  of  fasting  and 
prayer,  set  apart  by  the  Chief  Magistrate,  Washington's  birth  day, 
and  general  biennial  election  days,  without  loss  of  time.  (See  note 
to  section  39,  and  the  form  of  contract  for  teacher.) 

SEC.  25.  In  case  any  of  the  matters  in  the  preceding  section  mentioned, 
are  not  determined  at  the  annual  meeting,  the  district  board  shall  have 
power,  and  it  shall  be  their  duty,  to  determine  the  same. 

1.  The  determination  of  the  board  is  binding  on  the  district  until 
the  next  annual  mating. 


367 

SEC.  26.  Said  qualified  voters  may  also,  ut  any  regular  meeting,  au 
thorize  and  direct  the  sale  of  any  school  house,  site,  building,  or  other 
property  belonging  to  the  district,  when  the  same  shall  MO  longer  be  need 
ed  for  the  use  of  the  district. 

1.  See  note  4  to  section  19,  page  351. 

SEC.  27.  They  may  also  give  such  directions,  and  make  such  provisions 
as  they  shall  deem  necessary,  in  relation  to  the  prosecution  or  defence 
of  any  suit  or  proceeding  in  which  the  district  may  be  a  party  or  inter 
ested. 

1.  The  qualified  voters  may,  under  this  section,  employ  counsel, 
and  rote  a  tax  to  pay  for  such  services,  if  they  do  not  choose  to  leave 
tiho  control  of  such  matters  to  the  officers  designated  by  the  lavr  to 
attend  10  them. 

DISTRICT  OFFICERS THEIR  TOWERS    AND  DUTIES. 

SEC.  28.  The  officers  of  each  school  district  shall  be  a  moderator,  di 
rector  and  assessor,  who  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  until  the  annual 
meeting  next  following  their  election  or  appointment,  and  until  their  suc 
cessors  shall  have  been  chosen  and  filed  their  acceptance,  but  not  beyond 
ten  days  after  the  time  of  a  second  annual  meeting  after  their  election  or 
appointment,  without  being  again  elected  or  appointed. 

1.  District  officers  cannot  hold  over  their  offices  beyond  ten  days 
after  the  time  of  a  second  annual  meeting  after  their  election  or  ap 
pointment.  If,  after  the  district  officers  are  once  chosen,  the  district 
neglects  to  hold  its  next  annual  meeting,  and  holds  its  subsequent 
second  annual  meeting,  without  electing  officers,  or  adjourns  its  meet 
ing  beyond  ten  days  after  the  time  of  the  last  meeting,  the  terms  of 
the  old  officers  then  expire,  and  the  district  is  without  officers.  The 
mode  of  procedure  under  such  circumstances  is  the  same  as  that 
which  is  required  in  the  formation  of  a  new  district. 

MODERATOR. 

SEC.  29.  The  moderator  shall  have  power,  and  it  shall  be  his  duty,  to 
preside  at  all  meetings  of  the  district,  to  sign  all  warrants  for  the  collec 
tion  of  rate  bills  after  they  shall  have  been  prepared  and  signed  by  the  di 
rector,  and  to  countersign  all  orders  upon  the  assessor  for  moneys  to  be 
disbursed  by  the  district,  and  all  warrants  of  the  director  upon  the  town 
ship  treasurer  for  moneys  raised  for  district  purposes,  or  apportioned  to 
the  district  by  the  township  clerk;  but  if  the  moderator  shall  be  absent 
from  any  district  meeting,  the  qualified  voter*  present  may  elect  a  suitable 
person  to  preside  at  the  meeting. 

1.  The  person  appointed  to  preside  at  the  meeting  has  only  the 
power  to  act  for  that  meeting.  It  will  not  vitiate  the  proceedings  of 
the  meeting  if  such  person  prove  to  be  a  minor.  This  question  has 
been  repeatedly  raised,  but  it  would  be  well  to  avoid  the  raising  of 
the  question,  by  appointing  a  person  who,  beyond  any  exception 
which  may  be  raised,  has  the  legal  qualifications  of  a  voter. 


358 

2.  The  moderator  is  not  bound  to  countersign  orders  drawn  by  the 
director,  where  they  are  not  drawn  in  pursuance  of  law,  or  where 
they  are  drawn  for  any  purpose  other  than  the  objects  for  which  the 
money  raised  was  appropriated.  He  would  not  render  himself  lia 
ble  for  refusing  to  countersign  an  order  drawn  by  the  director,  to 
pay  the  "  public  money"  to  a  teacher  who  is  not  a  qualified  teacher, 
such  as  the  law  requires.  Instances  have  come  to  the  notice  of  this 
department,  where  orders  have  been  drawn  by  directors  to  pay  teach 
ers  who  were  not  "qualified  teachers."  The  moderator  in  such 
cases  may,  and  should,  refuse  to  countersign  the  order.  He,  how 
ever,  should  be  careful,  to  ascertain  that  the  teacher  is  in  fact  not  a 
"  qualified  teacher."  It  should  appear  clearly  and  legally  that  he 
was  not  so,  to  authorize  the  moderator  to  refuse  his  counter- signa 
ture. 

SEC.  30.  If,  at  any  district  meeting,  any  person  shall  conduct  himself 
in  a  disorderly  manner,  and  after  notice  from  the  moderator  or  person  pre 
siding,  shall  persist  therein,  the  moderator  or  person  presiding  may  order 
him  to  withdraw  from  the  meeting,  arid  on  his  refusal,  may  order  any 
constable  or  other  person  or  persons  to  take  him  into  custody  until  the 
meeting  shall  be  adjourned. 

SEC.  31.  Any  person  who  shall  refuse  to  withdraw  from  such  meeting, 
on  being  so  ordered  as  provided  in  the  preceding  section,  or  who  shall 
wilfully  disturb  such  meeting,  shall,  for  every  such  offence,  forfeit  a  sum 
not  exceeding  twenty  dollars. 

ASSESSOR. 

SEC.  32.  The  assessor  shall  pay  over  all  moneys  in  his  hands  belonging 
to  the  district,  on  the  warrant  of  the  director,  countersigned  by  the  mod 
erator;  and  shall  collect  all  rate  bills  for  tuition  and  fuel,  in  obedience  to 
the  command  contained  in  the  warrant  annexed  thereto. 

1.  In  collecting  the  rate  bill,  the   assessor  proceeds  in  the  same 
manner  as  the  township  treasurer   does  in   the  collection   of  other 
taxes. 

2.  When  a  judgment  is  obtained  against  a  school  district,  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  assessor  to  notify  the  supervisor  of  the  amount.  (Section 
125.) 

SEC.  33.  In  case  any  person  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  pay  the  amount 
on  such  rate  bill  for  which  he  is  liable,  on  demand,  the  assesser  shall  col 
lect  the  same  by  distress  and  sale  of  any  goods  or  chattels  of  such  person, 
wherever  found  within  any  county  in  which  the  district,  or  any  part  of  it,  is 
situated. 

1.  The  form  of  procedure  under  this  section,  in  case  of  neglect 
or  refusal,  is  similar  to  that  of  a  constable  upon  sale  and  execution. 
Notice  should  be  given  in  the  same  way;  and  property  may  be  sold 


359 

as  it  is  in  the  collection  of  any  other  tax  assessed  and  collected  by  law. 

SEC.  34.  The  assessor  shall  give  at  least  ten  days'  notice  of  such  sale, 
by  posting  up  written  notices  thereof  in  three  public  places  in  the  town 
ship  where  such  property  shall  be  sold. 

SEC.  35.  At  the  expiration  of  his  wan-ant,  the  assessor  shall  make  a 
return  thereof,  in  writing,  with  the  rate  bill  attached,  to  the  director;  sta 
ting  the  amount  on  said  rate  bill  collected,  the  amount  uncollected,  and 
the  names  of  the  persons  from  whom  collections  have  not  been  made. 

1.  For  form  of  warrant  see  section  45.  The  return,  which  should 
be  made  upon  a  separate  sheet  of  paper,  with  warrant  and  rate  bill 
attached,  may  be  in  the  following  form: 

I,  A B ,  assessor  of  school  district  No. ,  town 
ship  of ,  do  hereby  make  this  my  return  of  the  annexed  war 
rant  with  rate  bill  attached,  and  certify  the  amount  collected  on  said 

rate  bill  to  be  the  sum  of  dollars  and cents;  the  amount 

uncollected, dollars  and cents;  and  that  the  following  are 

the  names  of  persons  from  whom    collections  have  not   been  made, 
and  the  amounts  which  are  uncollected  from  each  person: 


NAMES.                                                                                          ||$ 

C              D 

i 

u--                                                                             j 

l^\.  A    \                                                                             A                  13 

The  assessor's  warrant  runs  from  the  time  it  was  placed  in  his 
hands  for  collection.  In  case  the  assessor  fails  to  execute  his  bond, 
see  section  67. 

FORM  OF  ASSESSOR'S  BOND. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  A B ,  (the  as 
sessor  of  school  district  No. ,  in  the  township  of ,)  C 

D and  E F ,  (his  surety,)   are  held  and  firmly  bound 

unto  the  said  district,  in  the  sum  of  [here  insert  a  sum  of  double  the 
amount  to  come  into  the  assessor's  hands,]  to  be  paid  to  the  said 
district;  for  the  payment  of  which  sum  well  and  truly  to  be  made, 
we  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  jointly 
and  severally,  firmly  by  these  presents.  Sealed  with  our  seals,  and 
dated  this day  of ,  A.  D.  185  . 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  A B ,  as 
sessor  of  said  district,  shall  faithfully  apply  all  moneys  that  shall 
eome  into  his  hands  by  virtue  of  his  office,  then  this  obligation  shall 
be  void;  otherwise  of  full  force  and  virtue. 

A B ,  [L.  s.l 

C D ,  [L.  B.J 

E F ,    L.  «. 

Sbned,  sealed  and  delivered  in  presence 

of  [two  witnesses.] 


360 

SBC.  36.  The  assessor  shall  appear  for  and  on  behalf  of  the  district,  in 
all  suits  brought  by  or  against  the  same,  when  no  other  directions  shall  be 
given  by  the  qualified  voters  in  district  meeting",  except  in  suits  in  which 
he  is  interested  adversely  to  the  district,  and  in  all  such  cases  the  director 
shall  appear  for  such  district,  if  no  other  direction  be  given  as  aforesaid. 

1.  Sec  note  to  section  27.     See  also  section  123. 

DIRECTOR. 

SRC.  37.  The  director  shall  be  the  clerk  of  the  district  board,  and  of  all 
district  meetings,  when  present;  but  if  he  shall  not  be  present  at  any  dis 
trict  meeting,  the  qualified  voters  present  may  appoint  a  clerk  of  such 
meeting,  who  shall  certify  the  proceedings  thereof  to  the  director,  to  be 
recorded  by  him. 

1.  See  note  3  to  section  11. 

SEC.  38.  The  director  shall  re-cord  all  tho  proceedings  of  the  district  in 
a  book  to  be  kept  for  that  purpose,  and  preserve  copies  of  all  reports  made 
to  the  school  inspectors,  and  safely  preserve  and  keep  all  books  and  papers 
belonging  to  his  office. 

1 .  The  question  lias  arisen  whether  if  the  record  here  provided 
for  has  not  been  kept,  or  is  destroyed  or  lost,  whether  the  district  is 
entitled  to  its  share  of  the  income  of  the  primary  school  money.  Every 
school  district  from  which  a  report  has  been  made  according  to  law, 
and  showing  that  a  school  has  been  kept  therein  for  three  months, 
by  a  qualified  teacher,  is  entitled  to  its  share  of  the  public  moneys. 
See  note  1  to  section  4. 

SEC.  39.  By  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  moderator  and  as 
sessor,  or  one  of  them,  the  director  shall  contract  with  and  hire  qualified 
teachers  for,  and  in  the  name  of  the  district;  which  contract  shall  be  in 
writing,  and  shall  have  the  consent  of  the  moderator  and  assessor,  or  one 
of  them,  endorsed  thereon,  and  shall  specify  the  wages  per  week  or 
month  as  agreed  by  the  parties,  and  a  duplicate  thereof  shall  be  filed  in  his 
office. 

1.  The  director  must  contract  with  and  hire  such  persons  as  are 
qualified  teachers — such  persons  as  have  offered  themselves  as  can 
didates  for  teachers  of  the  primary  schools  before  the  board  of  in 
spectors,  and  who,  having  been  duly  examined  by  them,  or  a  major 
ity  of  them,  in  regard  to  moral  character,  learning  and  ability  to 
teach  school,  have  received  from  such  inspectors  a  certificate  signed 
by  them,  or  a  majority  of  them,  in  such  form  as  may  have  been  pre 
scribed  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction.  No  person,  who 
has  not  such  a  certificate  in  force,  is  legally  a  qualified  teacher;  and, 
by  the  operation  of  section  60,  no  public  money  can  be  paid  to  any 
teacher  who  shall  not  have  received  such  a  certificate,  before  the  com. 
mencement  cf  his  school. 


361 

2.  Every  certificate  given  by  the  board  of  inspectors  continues  in 
force  for  two  years,  within  the  township.     There  is  no  authority  for 
granting  a  certificate  for  a  longer  or  shorter  period.     But  a  certifi 
cate  may  be  annulled  under  section  90. 

3.  The  contract  with  the  teacher  must  in  all   cases  be  in  writing. 
A  contract  made  in  any  other  way,  is  against  the  express  provision 
of  the  law,  and  cannot  be  made  binding  on  the  district.     If  the  direc 
tor  hires  a  teacher  without  following  the  requirements  of  the  law,  he 
makes  himself  liable  to  the  teacher  for  the   amount  of  wages  con 
tracted  to  be  paid. 

4.  Unless  the  contract  has  been  violated  in  its  terms  by  the  teach 
er,  or  unless  his  certificate  is  annulled  by  the  Inspectors,  the  district 
officers  cannot  dismiss  the  teacher,  without  paying  him  the  wages 
contracted  for.     Under  a  written  contract,  a  district  cannot  withhold 
pay,  to  a  qualified  teacher,  if  he  has  not  perfomed  the  services  of  a 
teacher,  by  reason  of  the  neglect  or  refusal  of  the  inhabitants   to 
send  their  children  to  school.     The  teacher  cannot,  in  this  way,  be 
deprived  of  his  pay;  nor  for  such  causet  can  the  district  officers  dismiss 
the  teacher,  so  as  to  affect  his  pay  according  to  the  terms  of  his 
contract. 

5.  It  is  the  business  of  the  director  to  contract  with  and  hire  teach 
ers;  but  he  must  do  so  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  moderator 
or  assessor,  or   one  of  them,  and  of  two  trustees  in  districts  having 
one  hundred  scholars  or  over;  which  consent  must  be  endorsed  on  the 
contract.     The  moderator  and  assessor  have  no  authority  in  any  other 
way  to  employ   a  teacher,  and  can  not  do  so,  without  the  action  of 
the  director  as  required  in  this  section. 

6.  The  distribution  of  the  increase  of  the  school  fund  by  the  Su 
perintendent  is  based  upon  the  annual  report  made  by  the  director. 
If  the  report  is  in  conformity  with  law,  the  school  money  is  distribu 
ted  to  the  township,  and  the  question  as  to  whether  the  teacher  has 
been  legally  employed,  as  for  instance  by  a  director  who^has  not 
filed  an  acceptance,  does  not  affect  the  distribution  of  the  public 
moneys  to  the  township  if  the  school  has  been  kept  for  the  regular 
term  by  a  qualified  teacher. 

7.  No  person,  except  the  proper  district  officers,  has  any  right  to 
interfere  with  the  management  and  supervision  of  the  schools,  or  to 

46 


362 

interfere  with  the  authority  of  the  teacher,  except  as  he  may  do  so 
through  such  officers:  but  any  person  who  is  liable  to  pay  a  school 
district  tax,  and  possesses  the  qualifications  of  a^voter  therein,  may 
speak  and  vote  at  any  meeting,  whether  he  has  children  to  send  to 
the  school  or  not. 

8.  It  is  the  business  of  the  director,  with  the  advice  and  consent 
of  the   other  district  officers  named  in  this  section,   to  provide  a 
teacher  for  the  school.     No  district  meeting  possesses  the  power  to 
relieve  them  from  this  requirement  of  the  law.     Under  section  24 
the  district  meeting  may  determine  as  to  the  length  of  time  a  school 
shall  be  kept,  &c. 

9.  If  the  district  officers  continue   the  teacher  after  a  notice  that 
his  certificate  has  been  annulled  by  the  inspectors,  it  would  operate 
as  a  continuation  of  the  contract  with  such  teacher. 

10.  The  following  form  of  contract  is  recommended  to  the  direc- 

O 

tors  of  districts,  in  which  it  is  stipulated  that  the  teacher  is  to  have 
a  certain  sum  per  month,  or  week,  (as  the  parties  agree,)  in  full  of 
the  teacher's  services  and  board.  The  practice  of  "boarding  round," 
as  it  is  termed,  has  been  found  by  experience  often  to  be  a  source  of 
difficulty,  trouble  and  annoyance.  There  is  no  authority  of  law 
binding  the  inhabitants  to  board  the  teacher;  and  although  it  may 
accommodate  and  suit  the  views  of  some  districts,  it  is  believed,  in 
most  instances,  to  be  a  better  course  to  give  the  teacher  a  specific 
sum  and  let  him  board  himself. 

This  form  is  not  compulsory.  It  is  recommended  as  being  that 
best  adapted  to  subserve  the  interests  of  the  school,  It  may  be  varied 
to  suit  the  wishes  of  the  districts;  that  portion  which  relates  to  the 
holy -days  may  be  omitted  if  it  does  not  suit  the  views  of  the  inhab 
itants,  or  the  district  officers.  Whatever  may  be  the  terms  of  the 
contract,  the  manner  in  which  the  form  is  drawn,  is  in  conformity  to 
law,  and  should  be  substantially  observed. 

FORM. 

CONTRACT,   entered   into  this day  of  ,  185  ,  between 

SCHOOL  DISTRICT  No. of  the  township  of in  the  county 

of 1  state  of  Michigan,  and  A B ,  a  qualified  teacher 

in  said  township;  the  said  A B contracts  and  agrees  with 

the  said  school  district,  that  he  will  teach  the  primary  school  in  said 

district  for  the  term  of months,    for  weeks]  commencing  on 

the day  of ,  185  ,  for  the  sum  of dollars  per  month, 

[or  week]  which  shall  be  in  full  for  his  services  and  for  board. 


363 


In   consideration  of  the  premises,  the  said  school  district  agrees 

with   the  said  A B ,  to  pay  said  A B the  sum  of 

dollars  per  month,  [or  week]  as  follows:  • 


It  is  understood  between  the  said  A B and  the  said  dis 
trict  that  a  month  shall  consist  of  twenty-six  days,  exclusive  of  Sun 
days;  but  that  the  said  A B shall  not  be  required  to  teach 

said  school  on  each  alternate  Saturday,  or  in  lieu  thereof,  on  the  af 
ternoon  of  every  Saturday,  at  his  option;  nor  on  the  4th  day  of  July, 
the  22d  day  of  February,  New  Year's,  Christmas,  Thanksgiving,  or 
on  the  days  of  general  biennial  elections,  as  provided  by  law. 

(Signed,)  A B ,  Director. 

C D ,  Teacher. 

Approved : 

ft F 1  Moderator.) 

G H ,  Assessor,   j 

In  districts  containing  more  than  one  hundred  scholars,  between 
the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  (see  section  02,)  in  addition  to 
the  assent  of  the  moderator  and  assessor,  or  one  of  them,  the  law 
requires  the  approval  of  at  least  two  of  the  trustees.  The  contract 
should  be  drawn  in  duplicate,  one  for  the  use  of  the  district,  and  one 
for  the  teacher.  If  a  contract  is  made  with  a  teacher,  and  at  the  ex 
piration  of  the  time  for  which  he  has  contracted  to  teach  the  district 
is  without  money,  the  teacher  may  sue  the  district.  Whenever  it 
is  thought  advisable,  provision  may  be  made  in  the  contract  saving 
the  district  from  this  difficulty. 

SEC.  40.  He  shall  ascertain,  as  near  as  practicable,  before  the  com 
mencement  of  each  school  term,  the  just  proportion  which  eaeh  person 
having  scholars  to  s-'nd  to  the  school,  ought  to  furnish  of  the  fuel  for  such 
term,  and  give  each  such  person  at  least  five  days'  notice  of  the  time  with 
in  which  he  is  required  to  deliver  the  same  at  the  school  house,  and  if 
any  person  shall  not  deliver  his  proportion  as  required,  the  same  shall  be 
furnished  by  the  director,  and  *he  amount  thereof  shall  be  assessed  on  the 
rate  bill,  to  the  person  neglecting  to  deliver  his  proportion  as  aforesaid. 

1.  A  tax  cannot  be  voted  for  fuel.  This  section  of  the  law  re 
quires  amendment.  The  mode  of  ascertaining,  as  far  as  practicable 
before  the  commencement  of  each  term,  the  just  proportion  which 
each  person  having  scholars  to  send  to  school  ought  to  furnish,  is 
not  uniform.  The  last  census  is  sometimes  taken  as  the  basis.  It 
appears  to  be  impracticable  for  the  director,  previous  to  the  com 
mencement  of  each  term,  to  visit  and  enquire  of  each  person  how 
many  scholars  he  will  send  to  school  during  the  term.  Many  per 
sons  do  not  send  till  the  term  has  partially  expired,  and  others  who 


364 

send  at  the  commencement  take  out  their  children  before  the  close  of 
the  term.  The  only  practicable  method  would  seem  to  be  to  allow 
the  director  to  furnish  the  necessary  supply  of  fuel,  and  let  the 
amounts  due  from  each  person  be  subsequently  assessed  in  the  rate 

bill 

Every  person  who  sends  scholars  to  school,  without  reference  to 
the  age  of  the  scholars,  is  liable  on  the  rate  bill.  In  whatever  mode, 
however,  fuel  is  furnished,  it  should  be  provided  at  the  school  house, 
cut  up  and  prepared  for  use;  schools  have  frequently  been  dis 
missed  for  the  want  of  this  care,  and  not  unfrequently  its  prepera- 
tion,  cutting  it  up,  &c.,  is  left  upon  the  hands  of  one  or  two  persons 
in  the  district,  upon  the  teacher  or  the  scholars. 

SEC.  41.  Within  ten  days  next  previous  to  the  annual  district  meeting, 
the  director  shall  take  the  census  ot  his  district,  and  make  a  list  in  wri 
ting  of  the  names  of  all  the  children  belonging  thereto  between  the  ages 
of  four  and  eighteen  years. 

1.  The  construction  heretofore  given  by  this  department  in  relation 
to  who  are  to  be  included  in  this  census,  has  been  that  it  embraces  all 
children  resident  in  the  district,  whether  the  children  of  native  born 
citizens,  aliens,  colored  persons,  or  Indians.     All  these  have  a  right 
to  participate  in  the  benefits  of  the  school   system,  except  where 
there  has  been  special  legislation,  as  in  the  city  of  Detroit,  where  & 
colored  school  is  organized  separately.     The  children   who   are   at 
the  county  poor  houses  may  be  included  in  the  census. 

2.  The  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  are  fixed  upon  in  taking  the 
census,  for  the  purpose  of  arriving  at  some  proper  basis  for  appor 
tioning  the  public  money.     It  is  not  the  law,  nor  the  policy  of  the 
law,   to  exclude  those  of  all  other  ages  from  a  participation  in  the 
benefit  of  the  schools.     Those  of  all  ages  have  the  right  to  attend 
them  as  scholars. 

3.  Section  130  imposes  a  penalty  upon  a  director  who  refuses  or 
neglects  his  duty  under  this  section. 

SEC.  42.  He  shall  furnish  a  copy  of  such  list  to  each  teacher  employed 
in  the  district,  and  require  such  teacher  carefully  to  note  the  daily  atten 
dance  of  each  scholar,  and  to  make  return  thereof  to  him,  including  the 
ages  of  all  scholars  whose  names  are  not  on  such  list;  and  such  teacher 
shall  also  certify  and  return,  according  to  his  best  information  and  belief, 
the  name  of  the  person  liable  for  the  tuition  of  each  scholar. 

SRC.  43.  In  case  the  direclor  shall  not  have  furnished  such  list  as 
aforesaid,  the  teacher  shall  keep  a  list  of  all  the  scholars  attending  school, 
and  the  number  of  days  each  scholar  bhall  attend  the  same,  with  the  age 


365 

of  each,  and  the  name  of  the  person  liable  for  the  tuition  of  each,  ac 
cording  to  his  best  information  and  belief,  which  list  he  shall  return  to 
the  director  as  aforesaid. 

1.  Under  these  sections  various  questions  have  arisen,  pertaining 
both  to  the  director  and  the  teacher.     No  time  is  fixed  for  the  return 
from  the  teacher  to  the  director.     The  return  without  certification  is  not 
a  legal   return.     If  a  teacher  neglects  to  make  the  certificate  until 
after  the  term  of  the  director  in  office  at  the  time  his  school  closed, 
has  expired,  but  makes  it  to  the  director  subseqently  chosen  to  office, 
it  is  the  duty  of  such  director  to  make  out  the  rate  bill  in  accordance 
with  the  previsions  of  section  45. 

2.  The  list  required  to  be  kept  is  the   basis  upon  which  the  rate 
bill  is  to  be  made  out,  and  the  effect  of  carelessness  or  error  in  keep 
ing  it,  will,  to  a  greater  or  less  extent,  be  felt  throughout  the  district. 
The  teacher  should  regard  it  his  special  duty  to  keep  it  with  cara. 
To  carry  oat    properly  these  provisions  of  law,  a  convenient  and 
proper  form  should  be  had.     This  form,  as  filled  up,  besides  being 
the  basis  of  the  rate   bill,  has  been  found  by  teachers    to  be  useful 
and  necessary  in  order  to  keep  a  correct  account  of  the  attendance  of 
the  scholars.     A   register,  adapted    to  this   purpose  has  heretofore 
been  much  used  in  the  schools  at  the  east,  called  "  Wickham's  School 
Ledger,"  and  if  the  districts  feel  able  to  afford  the  expense,  which  is 
not  great^  it  is  strongly  recommended  to  them  to  procure  it.     No 
form  so  well  adapted  to  the  requirements  of  the  law,  can  be  prescri 
bed  in  this  edition  of  the  Jaws,  for  want  of  the  proper  space.     What, 
in  addition  is  required  in  the  register,  to  use  the  words   of  the  au 
thor  himself,  ''will  please  the  scholar  and  parent,  interest  the  visitor 
and  inspector,  and  be  valuable  and  satisfactory  to  all."     For  the  rate 
bill,  it  will  furnish  a  correct  guide;  for  the  parent,  a  test  of  the  teach 
ers  fidelity;  and  an  evidence  to  both,  of  the  scholarship  and  deport 
ment  of  the  pupils.     The  use  of  it  in  the  schools  will  add  materially 
to  their  means  of  usefulness. 

The  following  form  of  a  list  will  answer  the  purposes  of  both  di- 
rector  and  teacher,  under  section  42,  at  least  so  far  as  to  furnish  a 
guide,  in  the  absence  of  a  printed  register: 

FORM. 

LIST,  containing  the  names  of  all  the  children  between  the  ages  of 
four  and  eighteen  years,  belonging  to  district  No.  — — .  of  the  town 
ship  of  -  — ,  taken  by  the  director  previous  to  the  annual  district 
meeting  for  tho  year  185  . 


366 

To  the  Teacher: 

In  pursuance,  of  section  42  of  the  school  law,  you  are  furnished 
with  the  annexed  copy  of  a  list  of  names  of  all  the  children  belonging 
to  the  district,  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years.  You 
are  required  carefully  to  note  the  daily  attendance  of  each  scholar, 
and  to  make  return  thereof  to  the  director,  including  the  ages  of  all 
scholars  whose  names  are  not  on  the  annexed  list,  and  to  certify  and 
return,  according  to  the  best  of  yonr  knowledge  and  belief,  the  name 
of  the  person  liable  for  the  tuition  of  each  scholar. 


y  01  — 

—  ,   100    . 

Time  of  entrance. 

-ix  —  —  u  ,  jjirecior. 

Named  of  children  borne;  n    lour 
ami  oiLihieen  vears  belonging  to 
the  district. 

VViioie  W...  ui 
dnys    aitend- 
tnce  of  each. 

i>aine  ot  p   fcion  liable 
for    tuition    of  each 
scholar. 

A                                   T} 

Jan.  1,  1852. 

90| 

BUT 

. 

C               D 

u    Q        « 

7^ 

G            N 

EF 

' 

Feb.  1,     " 

45 

F            M 

' 

—  M.        •  •, 

Name  and    aye  of  eacii   scholar 

who  has  attended  school  which 

are  not  on  ihc  direcu 

>r»  list,  to 

be  furnished  hy  the 

teacher  in 

pursuance  of  scciion  42. 

NAMES. 

AGiS 

A            ft 

XX  '""  '"'             JL>                   9 

19 

Jan.  2,   1852. 

70 

•g  p  f 

n           T) 

15 

8,       " 

55 

LT> 

EF 

17 

Feb.  7,      « 

34 

n                    iv 

I  hereby  certify  and  return  that  the  foregoing  is  a  true  statement 
of  the  facts  contained  therein,  and  that  to  the  best  of  my  kno\\le  fge 
and  belief,  the  list  of  names  of  the  persons  liable  for  tuition  of  each 
scholar  is  correct.  A B ,  Teacher. 

The  foregoing  form  will  answer  the  requirements  of  the  law,  so 
as  to  enable  the  director  when  it  is  properly  filled  up,  to  make  out  his 
rate  bill;  but  in  order  to  note  the  daily  attendance,  the  teacher  will 
be  under  the  necessity  of  keeping  a  day  or  check  roll.  As  a  guide 
to  the  teacher  in  this  respect,  the  forms  and  instructions  of  the  Su 
perintendent  of  New  York,  (Mr.  Randall,)  are  well  adapted  to  this 
purpose,  and  are  herewith  subjoined  and  recommended  to  the  teach 
ers  of  this  State.  Where  no  list  is  furnished  by  the  director,  this  list 
kept  by  the  teacher,  must  be  certified  to,  as  in  the  foregoing  form, 
and  returned  to  the  director: 

At  the  time  any  pupil  enters  the  schools,  the  teachers  should  im 
mediately  insert  the  date  and  the  name  of  the  scholar.  At  the  close 
of  the  quarter,  the  whole  number  of  days  that  each  pupil  attended 


367 

is  to  be  ascertained,  from  the  check  roll,   and  entered  in  the  third 
column. 

Each  teacher,  at  the  commencement  of  every  quarter,  must  pro 
vide  a  day  or  check  roll,  in  which  the  name  of  every  scholar  is  to  be 
entered.  It  should  be  ruled  so  as  give  six  columns,  corresponding 
to  the  number  of  days  in  the  week.  The  number  attending  should 
be  ascertained  each  half  day,  and  pencil  marks  made  in  the  column 
for  the  day  opposite  to  the  name  of  each  one  present.  At  the  end 
of  the  week,  the  number  of  days  each  pupil  has  attended  during1 
the  week  should  be  summed  up  and  entered  on  the  weekly  roll.  Each 
half  day's  attendance  should  be  noted,  and  two  half  days  should  be 
reckoned  as  one  day.  The  pencil  marks  on  the  day  roll  may  be  ob 
literated,  so  that  the  same  roll  may  be  used  during  the  quarter.  The 
weekly  roll  should  be  formed  in  the  same  manner,  so  as  to  contain 
the  names  of  the  pupils,  and  thirteen  columns  ruled,  corresponding 
to  the  of  number  weeks  in  the  quarter.  In  each  of  these  columns  is 
to  be  entered  the  result  of  the  daily  check  roll  for  each  week,  in  the 
following  form: 

WEEKLY    ROLL. 


Attendance  of  Pupils  in  District  School  of  District  No. 


Names 


of  1st  week.  2d   week.iSd   week.  4th  week. 


Pupils. 


5th   week. 


jTThorn, 1  6  days,    j   4  days,   j   5  days.       6  days.    |  5;V  days. 


SEC.  44.  The  director  shall  ascertain  from  the  return  of  such  teacher, 
the  number  of  days  for  which  each  person  not  exempted  shall  be  liable 
to  pay  for  tuition,  and  the  amount  payable  by  each. 

SEC.  45.  Within  twenty  days  after  receiving  such  list  and  certificate  from 
the  teacher,  the  director  shall  make  out  a  rate  blli,  containing  the  name 
of  each  person  so  liable,  and  the  amount  due  him  for  tuition  and  fuel,  or 
either,  adding  thereto  five  cents  on  each  dollar  of  the  sum  due,  for  as 
sessor's  fees,  and  shall  annex  thereto  a  warrant  for  the  collection  thereof, 
to  be  signed  by  him  and  the  moderator. 

1.  Under  section  58,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  district  board  to  exempt 
from  the  payment  of  teacher's  wages  and  from   providing  fuel,  all 
such  persons  residing  in  the  district,  as  in  their  opinion  ought  to  be 
exempted,  and  to  certify  such  exemption  to  the  directors.     (See  sec 
tion  58.) 

2.  In  order  to  ascertain  the  amount  of  tuition  to  be  paid  by  each 
person  who  has  sent  to  school,   the  amount  of  the  public  money 
should  be  deducted  from  the  teacher's  wages,  and  the  remainder 
should  be  apportioned  to  those  who  have  sent  to  school,  according  to 
the  time  sent  by  each.     If  but  one  person  has  sent  to  school,  that 
person  is  liable  for  the  whole  amount  of  teachers'  wages,  after  deduc 
ting  the  public  money,  and  it  may  be  collected  of  him  by  rate  bill. 


368 


3.  Scholars  sent  from  one  organized  district  mid  boarding  there, 
stand  on  the  same  footing  in  relation  to  the  rate  bill,   and  the  public 
moneys,  as  residents  of  the  district.     The  person  with  whom  such 
scholar  boards  may  be  made  liable,  and  the  rate  bill  should  be  made 
out  against  such  person  for  tuition  and  fuel. 

4.  When   two    schools  arc  kept   in  the  same  district,  a   rate  bill 
should  be  made  separately  for  each  school. 

5.  A  rate  bill  cannot  be  made  out  for  any  other  purposes  than  for 
tuition  and  fuel. 

6.  A  taxable  inhabitant  of  a  school  district  is  not  shielded  from 
payment  of  a  rate  bill  if  he  has  sent  to  school,  for  the  reason  that  the 
district  board  has  admitted  scholars  from  another  district. 

7.  Persons  residing  within  the  district,  sending  the  children  of  oth 
ers  to  the  school,  are  liable  on  rate  bill  for  tuition  and  fuel. 

8.  A  private  claim  or  demand  against  the  teacher  can  not  be  set- 
off  against  the  amount  due  on  the  rate  bill. 

,9.   The  exemption  law  does  not  apply  to  the  rate  bill. 

FORM  OF  RATE  BILL  AND  WARRANT. 

Kate  bill  containing  the  name  of  each  person  liable   for  teachers' 

wages,  in  district  No. ,  in  the  township  of ,  for  the  term 

ending  on  the day  of  —    — ,  165  ,  and  the  amount  for  which 

each  person  not  exempted  from  the  payment  thereof  is  so  liable,  with 
the  assessors  fees  thereon: 


Names  <  -f  persons  sen 
ding  to  school. 

Whole  No. 
of     days 
sent. 

Amount  of 
school 
bill. 

Assessor's 
fees  thereon 

Amt.  for  fuel. 

Whole  ain't 
to  be  raised. 

P  eter  Parley, 
Richard  Roe, 

104 
104 

$1   04 
I   00 

$0  05 
05 

$0  50 

$1  09 
1  62 

Total 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

-,  of  the  toivnship  of 


To  the  Assessor  of  school  district  No. 

In  the  name  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  Michig  an:  You  are 
hereby  commanded  to  collect  from  each  of  the  persons  in  the  annex 
ed  rate  bill  named,  the  several  sums  set  opposite  their  names,  in  the 
last  column  thereof,  within  sixty  days  after  the  date  and  delivery 
hereof;  and  upon  collecting  the  same,  or  any  part  thereof,  at  the  ex 
piration  of  the  time  allowed  therefor  by  law,  to  pay  over  the  amount 
so  collected  by  you  (retaining  five  per  cent  for  your  fees)  to  the  or- 
the  director  of  said  district,  countersigned  by  the  moderator 


369 

thereof;  and  in  case  any  person  therein  named  shall  neglect  or  re 
fuse  on  demand,  to  pay  the  amount  on  said  rate  bill  for  which  he  is 
liable,  you  are  to  collect  the  same  by  distress  and  sale  of  the  goods 
and  chattels  of  such  person  or  persons,  wherever  found  in  the  coun 
ty  or  counties  in  which  said  district  is  situated,  having  first  published 
said  sale  at  least  ten  days,  by  posting  up  notices  thereof  in  three  pub 
lic  places  in  the  township  where  such  property  shall  be  sold. 
Given  under  our  hands  this day  of ,  A.  D.  185  . 

A B ,  Director. 

C D ,  Moderator. 

SEC.  46.  Such  warrant  shall  command  the  assessor  that  within  sixty 
days  he  collect  of  the  persons  named  in  said  rate  bill  the  amount  set  op 
posite  their  respective  names,  and  that  if  any  person  shall  neglect  or  re 
fuse,  on  demand,  to  pay  the  amount  on  said  rate  bill  for  which  lie  is  liable, 
he  collect  the  same  by  distress  and  sale  of  the  goods  and  chattels  of  such 
person  wherever  found  in  the  county  or  counties  in  which  the  district  is 
situated,  first  publishing  such  sale  at  least,  ten  days  by  posting  up  notices 
thereof  in  three  public  places  in  the  township  where  such  property  shall 
be  sold. 

1.  The  annulment  of  a  teacher's  certificate  by  the  board  of  in 
spectors  does  not  affect  the  collection  of  a  rate  bill  for  the  time  the 
teacher  taught  under  his  certificate. 

2.  No  rate  bill  can  be  collected  after  the  time  fixed  in  the  warrant, 
except  the  time  has  been  extended  under  section  47,  and  such  ex 
tension  cannot  exceed  thirty  days. 

3.  Rate  bills  can  not  be  collected  from  persons  residing  out  of  the 
district,  except  such  as  pay  taxes  in   the  district  for  which  the  rate 
bill  is  made  out  and  who  send  scholars  to  school  therein.     (See  sec 
tion  137.) 

4.  No  person  can  be  sued  for  an  amount  due  on  the  rate  bill. 

5.  The  public  money  is  in  reduction  of  the  tuition  of  all  the  chil 
dren  who  have  attended  school  without  regard  to  their  ages. 

6.  All  the  children  who  attend  the  school  must  be  charged  at  the 
same  rate  for  tuition,  without  regard  to  the  studies  they  have  pur 
sued,  except  in  cases  where  the  district  officers  have  classified  the 
scholars  as  provided  in  sections  92  and  93. 

7.  Persons   who  pay  the  teacher,  voluntarily,  such  sums  as  he 
may  require,  may,  by  taking  his  order  therefor  upon  the  director,  be 
entitled  to  receive  the  amounts   from  him,  from   the  moneys  raised 
for  the  teacher  by  rate  bill,  but  the  rate  bill  is  to  be  made  out  in 
conformity  with  the  teacher's  return.     If  the  rate  bill   and  warrant 
is  legal  on  its  face,  the  assessor  would  not  be  liable  for  proceeding  to 

47 


370 

Collect  and  enforcing  collection  according  to  his  warrant.  The  direc 
tor  is  to  m;tke  out  the  rate  bill  in  strict  conformity  with  section  45* 
All  the  proceedings  in  the  course  of  making  out  the  rate  bill  and 
collecting  it  should  be  in  strict  pursuance  of  the  law.  The  private 
dealings  and  business  of  the  teacher  should  not  interfere  with  the 
duty  of  the  director  in  making  out  his  rate  bill  as  the  law  requires. 
FORM  OF  NOTICE  OF  ASSESSOR'S  SALE. 

Notice  is  hereby  given,  that  by  virtue  of  the  warrant  annexed  to  a 

rate   bill   for  school  district   No.  ,  of  the  township  of  , 

bearing  date   the day  of ,  185  ,  I  have  levied  on  the 

goods  and  chattels  of ,  and  shall  expose  the  same  (or 

sale  at   public  auction  at  the   house  of ,  in  the  said 

school  district,  (or  wherever  the  property  may  be,)  in  the  township  of 

and  county  of ,  on  the day  of •,  165  ,  at 

the  hour  of o'clock  in noon  of  said  day. 

Given  under  my  hand  at ,  this  day  of ,  185  . 

A B , 

Assessor  of  said  District. 

This  notice  should  be  posted  up  ten  full  days  before  the  day  of 
sale,  in  three  of  the  most  public  places  where  the  property  is  to  be 
sold. 

SKC.  47.  In  case  the  moderator  and  director  shall  deem  it  necessary, 
they  may,  by  an  endorsement  on  such  warrant  signed  by  thorn,  extend  the 
time  therein  specified  for  the  collection  of  such  rate  bill,  not  exceeding 
thirty  days. 

FORM  OF  ENDORSEMENT. 

We  hereby  extend  the  time  specified  in  the  within  warrant  for  the 

Collection  of  the  rate  bill   attached,  for  the   further  period  of 

days.     Dated  the day  of ,  185  . 

A B ,  Director, 

C D ,  Moderator. 

1.  Sixty  dnys  is  sufficient  time  for  the  collection  of  the  rate  bill  in 
most  cases,  and  it  is  better  as  a  general  principle  to  collect  the  rate 
bill  promptly  within  the  period  first  specified  in  the  warrant. 

SRC.  48.  The  director  shall  provide  the  necessary  appendages  for  the 
•chool  house,  and  keep  the  samp  in  wood  condition  and  repair  during  the 
time  a  echod  shall  be  taught  therein,  and  shall  keep  an  accurate  account 
of  all  expenses  incurred  by  him  a.s  director. 

1.  The  duty  of  directors  under  this  section  is  special.  The  care  and 
custody  of  the  school  house,  and  other  property  of  the  district,  ex 
cept  so  far  as  this  section  directs,  belongs  to  the  district  board.  The 
power  of  the  director  here  given,  extends  to  the  supervision  of  the 
building,  so  far  as  it  needs  appendages  and  repairs;  and  to  keep  it  in 


371 

good  condition.  He  may  and  should  see  that  the  school  house  is 
provided  with  a  good  lock  and  key,  whether  he  has  been  directed  or 
not  to  procure  it.  The  windows  and  doors  should  be  guarded  in  ihe 
winter  season  to  secure  the  scholars  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weath 
er;  broken  panes  of  glass  at  all  times  removed,  and  new  ones  substi 
tuted;  the  stoves  properly  secured;  the  house  sufficiently  warmed; 
the  desks,  seats  and  school  house  protected  from  injury;  the  school 
house  yard  and  out  houses  attended  to  and  kept,  neat  and  clean.  To 
defray  these  expenses  a  tax  may  be  voted,  and  the  director  is  enti 
tled  to  compensation  for  his  services,  out  of  moneys  collected  by  tar 
for  the  support  of  schools,  or  by  special  vote. 

2.  The  health  and  comfort  of  chilireri,  the  success  of  the  teacher, 
and  the  welfare  of  the  school   depends  greatly  upon  the  manner  in 
which  the  director  attends  to  his  duty. 

3.  As  the  director  must  necessarily  incur  expense,  it  may  be  well 
for  the  district  to  vote  a  specific  sum,  to  cover  the  estimated  amount 
required,  in  advance. 

4.  A  director  may  charge  for  his  time   in  hiring  teachers — and  in 
making  out  rate  bills,  but  not  for  conveying  teachers  to  be  inspected, 
or  taking  them  home, 

SF,C.  49.  He  shall  present  said  account  for  allowance  to  the  qualified 
voters  of  the  district,  at  a  regular  mee'injj,  and  the  amount  <>f  s.'ich  ac 
count,  as  allowed  by  such  meeting  shall  be  assessed  and  collected  in  the 
game  manner  as  other  district  taxes:  but  no  such  accoun:  sliul!  he  allowed 
at  a  special  meeting  unless  the  intention  to  present  the  same  shall  be  ex 
pressed  in  the  notice  of  such  meeting. 

SEC.  50.  He  snail  ^ive  the  prescribed  notice  of  the  annual  district 
meeting,  and  of  all  such  special  meeting's  as  he  shall  be  required  to  give 
notice  of  in  accordance,  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  one  copy  of 
which  for  each  meeting  shall  be  posted  on  the  outer  door  of  the  district 
school  house,  if  there  be  one. 

SKC.  51.  The  director  shall  draw  from  the  township  library  the  propor 
tion  of  books  to  which  his  district  may  be  entitled,  and  return  the  same 
to  the  township  library  at  the  expiration  of  three  month-*,  and  shall  con 
tinue  to  draw  books  in  like  manner,  at  the  expiration  of  every  three 
mouths,  and  to  return  the  same  as  aforesaid. 

1.  This  la,st  provision  does  not  efficiently  aid  in  carrying  out  the 
wishes  of  the  people  and  the  intention  of  the  Legislature,  in  the  estab 
lishment  of  libraries.  It  needs  amendment  Directors  are  frequently 
delinquent  in  drawing  and  in  returning  books.  In  some  cases  they 
live  at  such  distance  from  the  township  clerk,  that  it  is  inconvenient 
to  draw  them,  and  oftentimes  it  is  rendered  quite  as  inconvenient  for 


372 

the  inhabitants  to  obtain  them  of  the  director.  (See  note  to  section 
115.)  Directors  in  some  instances  have  refused  to  draw  books,  IE 
which  case  they  are  liable  for  neglect  of  dufcy.  In  this  event,  how 
ever,  the  law  does  not  provide  who  shall  draw  them. 

SKC.  53.  HP  shall  distribute  the  bonks  drawn  out  by  him  to  the  parents 
or  guardians  of  the  nhildren  of  the  district  of  the  proper. u^e,  for  the  time 
and  under  the  restrictions  contained  in  the  rules  prescribed  by  the  board 
of  school  inspectors. 

1.  The  township  libraries  are  the  property  of  the  township.     The 
parents  and  guardians  of  all  children  between  the  ages  of  four  and 
eighteen  years  are  permitted  [section  114]    to  use   books  from  such 
library  without  charge,  being  responsible  to  the  township  for  the  safe 
return   thereof,  and  for  any  injury  done   thereto,  according  to  such 
rules  and  regulations  as   are  or  may  be  prescribed  by  the  board  of 
school  inspectors.     The   books   in   such   library  are  once  in  three 
months  to  be  distributed  by  the  township  librarian  among  the  sev 
eral  school  districts  of  the  township  in  proportion  to  the  number  of 
children  in  each  between  the   ages   aforesaid,  as  the  same  shall  ap 
pear  by  the  last  report  of  the  director.     [Section  115.]     Inhabitants 
of  the  distiict  not  parents  or  guardians  of  children  between  the  ages 
mentioned,  should  have  access  to  the  books  of  the  library,  and  may 
do  so  under  regulations  made  by  the  inspectors. 

2.  The  revised   constitution   provides  for  the  establishmt?nt  of  at 
least  one  library  in  each  township,  and  that  all  fines  assessed  and 
collected  in  the  several  counties  and  townships  for  any  breach  of  the 
penal  laws  shall  be  exclusively  applied  to  the  support  of  such  libra 
ries. 

3.  The  school  inspectors  make  themselves  liable  if  th>ey  appropri 
ate  the  library  money  to  any  other  purpose  than  for  the  support  of 
the  library. 

4.  For  library  purposes  $25  of  the  two  mill  tax  is  assessed  under 
section  107.     This  cannot  be  diverted  from  the  objects  specified  ic 
the  law. 

SKC.  53.  11°  shall  drnw  and  sio-n  all  orders  upon  the  assessor  for  all 
moneys  to  be  disbursed  by  the  district,  and  all  warrants  upon  the  township 
treasurer  I'o-  moneys  rai-ed  for  district  purposes,  or  apportioned  to  the 
district  by  the  township  clerk,  ami  present  the  same  to  the  moderator  to 
be  countersigned  by  him. 


373 

FORM    OF    ORDER   UPON    ASSESSOR    FOR    MONEYS    TO    BE    DISBURSED    BY 

SCHOOL  DISTRICTS. 

Assessor  of  School  District  No. ,  of  Township  of : 

I'ay  to  the  order  of — ,  the   sum  of  dollars 

and  cents,  out  of  any  moneys  in  your  hands  belonging  to  said 

district.     D^ted  this day  of ,  185  . 

[COUNTERSIGN* D  ]  A B ,  Director. 

C D ,  Moderator. 

1?ORM  OF  WARRANT  UPON  TOWNSHIP  TREASURER  FOR  MONEYS  BELONGING 
TO  SCHOOL  DISTRICTS. 

Treasurer  of  Township  of : 

Pay  to  the  order  of  — •  the  sum   of dollars 

and •  cents,  out  of  moneys  in  your  hands  belonging  to  said  dis 
trict,  and  raised  for  the  purposes  of . 

Given  under  rny  hand  this day  of .  185  . 

[COUNTERSIGNED.]  A B ,  Director. 

C D ,  Moderator. 

1.  If  orders  legally  drawn  by  the  director  and  countersigned,  are 
not  paid  on  presentation  at  the  proper  treasury,  the  district  is  liable 
for  the  amount,  and  may  be  sued  therefor.  If  the  district  officers 
have  complied  with  the  law,  they  are  not  liable  individually,  for  or 
ders  drawn  by  them  officially.  If  they  have  performed  the  duty 
which  the  law  imposes  on  them,  in  order  to  raise  the  tax,  they  may- 
presume  the  money  is  in  the  treasury  after  the  time  fixed  by  law  for 
its  collection  has  expired. 

SEC.  54.  The  director  shall  also,  at  the  end  of  each  school  year,  deliver 
to  the  township  clerk,  to  be  filed  in  his  office,  a  report  to  the  board  of 
school  inspectors  of  the  township,  showing1, 

1.  The  whole  number  of  children  belonging1  to  the  district,  between  the 
ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  according  to  the  census  taken  as  afore 
said  : 

2.  The  number  attending  school  during  the  year,  under  four,  and  also 
the  number  over  eighteen  years  of  age: 

3.  The  whole  number  that  have  attended  school  during  the  year: 

4.  The  length  of  time  the  school  has  been  tanghl  during  the  year  by  a 
qualified  teacher,  the  name  of  each  teacher,  the  length  of  time  kept  by 
each,  and  the  wages  paid  to  each: 

5.  The  average  length  of  time  scholars  between  four  and  eighteen 
years  of  age  have  attended  school  during  the  year: 

6.  The  amount  of  money  received  from  the  township  treasurer,  appor 
tioned  to  the  district,  by  the  township  clerk: 

7.  The  amount  of  money  raised  by  the  district,  and  the  purposes  for 
which  it  was  raised: 

8.  The  kind  of  books  used  in  the  school: 

9  Such  other  facts  and  statistics  in  regard  to  schools  and  the  subject 
of  education,  as  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  shall  direct. 

1.  The  provisions  of  the  law  re  _ju  latin.;-  the  duties  of  the  Super 
intendent,  and  authorizing  the  correction  of  errors,  approved  April 


374 

4,  1851,  do  not  extend  to  the  reports  of  the  directors.  Hence, 
great  care  should  be  observed  to  perfect  their  reports.  Blank  forms 
for  directors  are  annually  forwarded  to  the  county  clerks,  for  all  the 
districts  of  the  State. 

2.  When  a  district  loses  iis  proportion  of  the  income  of  the  pri 
mary  schoo'  fund  and  of  all  funds  arising  from  taxes  for  the  support 
of  schools,  by  neglect  of  the  director  to  mike  out  and  deliver  his  re 
port  to  the  inspectors,  such   director  is  liable  to  the  district  for  the 
amount,  of  which  it  has  been  deprived  by  his  neglect;  and  he  is  also 
liable  to  the  forfeiture  as  provided  in  section  130. 

3.  Suit  may  be  commenced  for  such  forfeiture  within  two  years 
from  the  time  the  forfeiture  was  incurred. 

DISTRICT    BOARD. 

SKC.  55.  The  moderator,  directjr  and  assessor  shall  constitute  the  dis 
trict  board. 

1.  By  an  additional  act   [section  92 J  it  is  provided  that  in  dis 
tricts  containing  more  than   one  hundred  scholars  between  the  ages 
of  4  and  18,  the  district   board  may  be  enlarged  by  adding  thereto 
four  trustees,   provided    the    district   determine  to  do  so  by  a  two- 
thirds  vote,  at  any  annual    meeting.     In  such   districts  the  district 
board  would  consist  of  a  moderator,  director,  assessor  and  four  trus 
tees. 

2.  A  district  board  elected  at  the  annual  school  meeting,  and  filing 
their  acceptance   forthwith,  supercede  the  old  officers  at  once,  and 
mriy  (or  any  two  of  them)  notify  the  supervisor  of  the  amount  of 
taxes  voted  at  said  meeting. 

SEC.  56.  Said  board  shall,  between  the  last  Monday  of  September  and 
second  Monday  of  October  in  each  year,  make  out  and  deliver  to  the  su 
pervisor  of  each  town.thip  in  which  any  part  of  the  district  is  situaicd,  a 
report  in  writing  under  their  hands,  of  all  taxes  voted  by  the  district  du 
ring  th.3  preoe.linjj  year,  and  of  all  taxes  which  said  board  is  authorized 
to  impose,  to  be  levied  on  the  taxable  property  within  the  district. 

FORM  OF  REPORT  BY  THE  DISTRICT  BOARD  TO  THE    SUPERVISOR. 

To  ike  Supervisor  of  the  Township  of .' 

The  undersigned,  district    boar.i  lor  school  district   No. ,  in 

said  township,  <lo  hereby  certify  that  the  following  taxes  have  been 
Toted  in  said  district,  during  the  school  year  last  closed,  viz:  [Here 
specify  the  amount  of  e-ch  tux  voted,  and  the  purpose  to  which  it 
is  appropriated:  also,  the  amount  of  tuxes  imposed  by  the  district 
,  uud'givu  the  sum  total  of  the  whole:}  which  you  will  please 


375 

assess  upon  the  taxable  property  of  said  district,  as  the  law  directs. 

Dated  at ,  this day  of ,  A.  D.  185  . 

A B ,  Moderator. 

C D ,  Dir<  ct»r, 

E F ,  Assessor. 

1.  The  amount  which  would  have  been  payable  for  fuel  and  teach 
ers'  wages,  by  persons  exempted  from  payment  thereof  by  the  district 
board,  must,  by  said  board,  be  included  in  their  report  of  taxes  to  the 
supervisor,  to  be  by  him  assessed  on  the    property  of  the  district. 
The  amount    paid  for   school  books    for  children,   admitted  free  of 
charge,  and  all  sums  which  could  not  be  collected    on  the  rate  bill, 
are  also   to  be  included  in  their  report  by  the  provisions  of  section 
57. 

2.  A  report  made  out  and  delivered  either  on  the  last  Monday  of 
September,  or  on  the  second  Monday  of  October,  is  in  compliance 
with  the  law. 

3.  A  district  board  should  not  report  a  tax  to  the  supervisor  unless 
a  vote  has  been  taken  finally  upon  it.     If  the  meeting  adjourns  to  a 
time  after  the  second  Monday  of  October,  and  the  question  is  pend 
ing,  the  board  should  not  report  a  tax. 

4.  If  the  board  include  it  in  their  report  to  the  supervisor,  and  he 
levies  it  on  the  property  of  the  district,  it  is  illegal. 

SEC.  57.  The  district  board  may  purchase,  at  the  expense  of  the  dis 
trict,  such  school  books  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  use  of  children  ad 
mitted  by  tnem  to  the  district  school  free  of  charge,  and  they  shall  include 
the  amount  of  such  purchases,  and  the  amount  which  would  have  been 
payable  for  fuel  and  teachers'  wages  by  persons  exempted  from  the  pay 
ment  thereof,  together  with  any  sums  on  the  district  rate  bill*,  which 
could  not  be  collected,  in  their  report  to  the  supervisor  or  super  \isors,  to 
be  assessed  as  aforesaid. 

SKC.  58.  Said  board  shall  exempt  from  the  payment  of  teachers'  wajree, 
and  from  providing  fuel  for  the  use  of  the  district,  all  surh  persons  resi 
ding  th  -rein,  as  in  their  opinion  ought  to  be  exempted,  and  thai]  certify  ' 
ench  exemptions  to  the  director;  and  the  children  of  such  persons  shall, 
be  admitted  to  the  district  school  free  of  charge  during  the  time  of  such 
exemption. 

1.  The  object  of  sections  57  and  '8  is  to  make  the  primary  schools  ac 
cessible  to  all;  the  children  of  the  poor  as  well  as  of  the  rich;  and  in  the 
exercise  of  the  power  conferred  on  the  board,  a  principle  of  liberality 
should  be  observed.  Every  reasonable  facility  should  be  afforded 
for  the  education  of  all  children  whose  parents  are  in  any  way  una 
ble  to  afford  the  expense  of  the  schools. 


376 

SRC.  59.  They  shall  purchase  or  lease  a  site  for  a  school  hous£,  as  shall 
have  heen  designated  by  the  district,  in  the  corporate  name  thereof,  and 
shall  build,  hire  or  purchase  such  school  house  out  of  the  fund  provided 
for  that  purpose,  and  make  sale  of  any  site  or  other  property  of  the  dis 
trict,  when  lawfully  directed  by  the  qualified  voters,  at  an  annual  or  special 
meeting:  Provided,  That  the  district  board  shall  not  in  any  case  build  a 
stone  or  brick  school  house  upon  any  site,  without  having  first  obtained 
a  title  in  fee  to  the  same,  or  a  lease  for  ninety-nine  years;  and  also  that 
they  shall  not  in  any  case  build  a  frame  school  house  upon  any  site  for 
which  they  have  not  a  title  in  fee,  or  a  lease  for  fifty  years,  without,  se 
curing  the  privilege  of  removing  the  said  school  house  when  lawfully 
directed  so  to  do  by  the  qualified  voters  of  the  district,  at  any  annual  or 
special  meeting. 

FORM  OF  A  DEED. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  A •  B and  C 

B ,  his  wife,  of  the  township  of ,  in  the  county  of , 

and  State  of  Michigan,  party  of  th  e  first  part,  for  and  in  considera 
tion  of  the  sum  of dollars,  to  them  paid  by  the  district  board 

of  school  district  No. of  the  ,township,  county  and  State  afore 
said,  the  receipt  whereof  is  hereby  acknowledged,  do  hereby  grant, 

bargain,  sell  and  convey  to  school  district  No. ,  the  party  of  the 

second  part,  and  their  assigns,  forever,  the  following  described  par 
cel  of  land,  namely: 

[Here  insert  description.] 

Together  with  all  the  privileges  and  appurtenances  thereunto  be 
longing,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  same  to  the  said  party  of  the  second 
part,  and  their  assigns,  forever.  And  the  said  p  <rty  of  the  first 
p»rt,  for  themselves,  their  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  do 
covenant,  grant,  bargain  and  agree,  to  and  with  the  said  party  of  the 
second  part,  and  their  assigns,  thut  at  the  time  of  the  ensealing  and 
delivery  of  these  presents,  they  were  well  seized  of  the  premises 
above  conveyed,  as  of  a  good,  sure,  perfect  absolute  and  indefeasi 
ble  estate  of  inheritance  in  the  law,  in  fee  simple,  and  that  the  said 
lands  and  premises  are  free  from  all  encumbrances  whatever;  and 
that  the  above  bargained  premises,  in  the  quiet  and  peaceable  pos 
session  of  the  said  party  of  the  second  part,  and  their  assigns,  against 
all  and  every  person  or  persons  lawfully  claiming  or  to  claim  the 
whole  or  any  p;»rt  thereof,  they  will  for  ever  warrant'and  defend. 

In  witness  whereof,  the  said  A B and  C B , 

bis  wife,  party  of  the  first  part,  have  hereunto   set  their  hands  and 

seals,  this day  of A.  D.  185  . 

A B ,  [SEAL.] 

C B ,  [SEAL.] 

Signed,  sealed  and  delivered  in  presence) 

of  H I ,     I 

j_    _K .     ) 

The  deed  should  have  of  course  the  usual  acknowledgement,  and 
should  then  be  recorded. 

FORM    OF    LEASE. 

Know   all  mon  by  these   presents,  that  I,  A B -,  of  the 

township  of ,  county  of  — ,  and  State  of  Michigan,  of 


377 


the  first  part,  do  hereby  lease  unto  school    district,  No.  ,  in  the 

township  of —     — ,  in  said  county,  of  the  second  part,  the  following 
piece  or  parcel  of  land,  viz: — 


— j    with  all   the  privileges  and    appurtenances 

thereunto  belonging;  to  have  and  to  hold  the  same  for  ninety  nine 
yenrs  from  the  date  hereof,  [or  fifty  as  the  case  may  be.]  fur  the  pur 
poses  of  a  site  for  a  school  house  in  said  district,  and  tor  no  other 
purpose  whatsoever;  and  in  case  of  snid  piece  or  parcel  of  land  being 
no  longer  used  i\  r  the  purposes  aforesaid,  the  same  shall  revert  to 
the  said  party  of  the  first  part,  his  heirs,  assigns,  or  legal  represen 
tatives.  And  in  consideration  of  the  premises,  the  said  school  dis 
trict,  party  of  the  second  part,  covenants  and  agrees  to  and  with  the 
said  party  of  the  first  part,  to  pay  said  party  of  the  first  part  for  the 

said  premises,  the  annud  rent  of dollars,  to  be  paid  as  follows: 

j_Here  describe  when  the  same  shall  be  paid,  and  how.  if  necessary.] 
In  testimony  whereof,    the    said  parties   have  hereunto  set  their 

hand  and  seals,  this day  of ,  A.  D.  185  . 

A- B -,  [L.  s.] 

Lessor. 

C D ,5 

E-   -  F ,  C    [L.  s.] 

G fl ,  } 

District  Board  of  School  District  No. ,  of  the  aforesaid  town  ship. 

Sgned  and  sealed  in  the  presence' 

of  I J 

K L 

1.  The  lessor  will  probably  want  a  copy  of  the  lease.     If  so,  a 
duplicate  should  be  made  out  and  signed  as  above,  and  placed  on  file 
with  the  director,  to  be  delivered  with  other  papers  of  his  office  to 
his  successor. 

2.  By  the  latter  clause  of  section  59  no  district  board  can  build  a 
atone  or  brick  school  house  on  any  site,  without  having  a  title  in  fee,  or 
a  lease  for  nhdy-nine  years;  nor  can  they  build  a  frame  school  house 
on  any  site  for  which  the  district  has  not  a  title  in  fee,  or  a  lease  for 

fifty  years,  without  securing  the  privilege  of  removing  the  house.  In 
case,  therefore,  a  lease  is  taken  for  a  shorter  period  of  time  than  spe 
cified  in  these  clauses,  the  following  condition  should  be  added  in  the 
lease,  before  the  concluding  paragraph: 

And  it  is  agreed  between  the  parties  of  the  first  part,  and  the 
second  part  hereto,  that  the  district  hoard  of  said  district  mny  at 
any  time  hereafter,  whenever  they  shall  be  lawfully  dinctcd  so  to  do 
by  the  qualified  voters  of  the  district  at  any  annual  or  special  meet 
ing,  remove  the  school  house  erected,  or  to  be  erected  on  said  site. 

48 


378 

3.  When  a  lease  of  a  site  is  given  for  the  full  term  of  years,  on 
condition  that  it  shall  be  used  for  a  school  house,  and  the  house  is  sold 
or  removed  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  better  house,  such  sale  is  no 
violation  of  the  terms  of  the  lease.     The  district  may  safely  proceed 
to  erect  another  building  thereon. 

4.  The  district  board  has  no  authority  to  do  any  of  the  acts  spe 
cified  in  section  59,  except   when  they  are  lawfully  directed  by  the 
district. 

5.  A  contract  to  build  a  brick  school  house  on  a  site,  leased  for  a 
less  term  than  the  law  provides,  is  in  contravention  of  law. 

SEC.  60.  The  district  board  shall  apply  and  pay  over  all  school  mon 
eys  belong!  ntr  10  the  district,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  law 
regulating  the  same,  as  may  be  directed  by  the  district;  but  no  school 
moneys  apportioned  to  any  district  shall  be  appropriated  to  any  other  use 
than  the  pavment  of  teachers'  wages,  and  no  part  thereof  shall  he  paid 
to  any  teacher  who  shr.il  not  have  received  a  certificate  as  required  in  this 
chapter,  before  the  commencement  of  his  school. 

1.  If  the  district  is  not  in  funds  when  the  teacher  has  fulfilled  his 
duties  under  his  contract  he  must  wait  until   the  tax  is  collected  for 
his  p'iy,  if  the  director  has  made  a  contract  to  that  effect.     If  the 
contract  does  not  provide,  the  teacher  may  sue  the  district  and  if  he 
does,  it  must  be  collected  as  provided  in  section  12o. 

2.  District  officers  cannot  draw  money  from  the  township  treasury 
as  an  advance  of  money   to   be  collected  by  rate  bill.     There  is  no 
authority  of  law  for  any  such  arrangement 

3.  The    provisions   of  this    section   are    imperative  in    relation  to 
teachers  who  have  no  certificate.     It  is  not  material,  how  well  qual 
ified  the  teacher  may  have  been,  how   many    certificates  may  have 
been  previously  granted  to  him.  if  he  has  not  a  certificate  in  force  at 
the   commencement  of  his  school,  no  money  apportioned  to  the  dis 
trict  can  be  paid  to  him. 

4.  The  inhabitants  of  districts  have  in  some  instances  withdrawn 
children  from  school   to  get   rid  of  the  teacher.     If  a  teacher  is  a 
qualified  teacher,  and  has  a  written  contract  in  conformity  to  law,  to 
teach  for  a  given  length  of  time,  he  may  collect  his  pay  for  the  whole 
time,  whether  he  has  had  scholars  or  not,  provided  he  has  held  him- 
stlf  ready  at  all  times  to  fulfill  his  contract 

SKC.  61  The  roolerator  an  1  director  shall  require  of  the  assessor,  and 
the  assessor  shall  execute  to  ihe  district,  a  bond  in  double  the  amount  of 
money  to  come  into  his  hands  as  such  assessor  during  the  year,  as  near 


379 

as  the  patne  can  be  ascertained,  with  two  sufficient  sureties  t^  be  ap 
proved  by  the  moderator  and  director,  conditioned  Cor  the  faithful  applica 
tion  of  all  moneys  that  shall  come  into  his  hands  by  virtue  of  his  office. 

For  form  of  this  bond,  see  page  359.  Such  bond  should  be  ap 
proved  by  the  moderator  and  director. 

SEC.  6'2.  Such  bond  shall  be  lodged  with  the  moderator,  and  in  case  of 
any  breach  of  the  condition  thereof,  the  director  shall  cause  a  suit  to  bo 
commenced  thereon  in  the  name  of  the  district,  and  the  money,  when 
eollected,  shall  be  paid  into  the  township  treasury,  for  the  use  of  the  dis 
trict,  subject  to  the  order  of  the  proper  district  officer^. 

SEC.  63.  Said  board  shall  present  to  the  district,  at  each  annual  meet 
ing1,  a  report  in  writing,  containing1  an  accurate  statement  of  all  moneys 
of  the  district  received  by  them,  or  any  of  them,  during-  the  preceding 
year,  and  of  the  disbursements  made  by  them,  'with  the  items  of  such  re 
ceipts  and  disbursements. 

SEC.  G4.  Such  report  shall  also  contain  a  statement  of  all  taxes  asses 
sed  upon  the  taxable  property  of  the  district  during  the  preceding  year, 
the  purposes  for  which  such  taxes  were  assessed,  and  the  amount  assessed 
for  each  particular  purpose,  and  said  reports  shall  be  recorded  by  the  di 
rector  in  a  book  to  be  provided  and  kept,  for  that  purpose. 

SEC.  65.  The  said  district  board  shall  have  the  care  and  custody  of  tho 
school  house  and  oiher  property  of  the  district,  except  so  far  as  the  same 
shall  be  specially  confided  to  the  custody  of  the  director,  including1  all 
books  purchased  for  the  use  of  pupils  admitted  to  the  school  free  of 
charge. 

1.  The  district  board  in  most  of  the  districts  of  the  State  have  re 
ceived  and  will  continue  to  receive  applications  for  the  use  and  occu 
pation  of  the  school  house  for  purposes  other  tlun  that  for  which  it 
was  built.  The  school  house  is  the  property  of  the  district  and  the  le 
gal  voters  may  take  such  action  as  they  see  fit  to  forbid  its  use  for  any 
other  purpose  than  for  teaching  a  primary  school.  They  cannot  di 
vert  the  object  for  which  it  was  built,  or  allow  the  use  of  the  house 
for  any  other  purpose  while  the  school  is  kept  therein.  When  the 
action  of  the  district  board  in  granting  its  use  for  other  than  school 
purposes  is  likely  to  create  feeling  r>r  lead  to  difficulty  or  complaint, 
the  expression  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  district  should  be  obtained 
by  a  special  meeting.  There  are  many  objects  nearly  allied  to  the 
cause  of  education  and  the  progress  of  our  children  in  the  schools, 
both  physically,  intellectually  and  morally,  for  which  the  doors  of 
the  school  house  should  be  thrown  open.  In  most  instances  the 
school  house  in  our  country  is  the  first,  and  in  all  cases  among  the 
first  buildings  erected  of  a  public  character.  If  a  majority  of  the 
qualified  voters  assent  to  it,  it  is  in  close  proximity  with  the  main, 
design  of  the  school  house,  to  permit  its  use  (when  not  occupied  by 


380 

the  school)  for  any  object  of  social,  raoral  or  religious  improvement; 
for  the  worship  of  God  upon  the  Sabbath;  for  a  Sunday  school  on 
the  same  day,  for  lectures,  debates,  and  for  any  literary,  moral,  use 
ful  or  scientific  purpose;  and  for  any.  public  purpose  connected  with 
the  general  welfare  of  the  inhabitants.  These  are  matters  of  tolera 
tion  however,  to  be  determined  by  the  qualified  voters. 

SKC.  66.  The  said  board  shall  have  power  to  fill,  by  appointment,  any 
va'-ancy  that  shall  occur  in  their  own  number,  and  it  shall  be  their  duty 
to  fill  such  vacancy  within  ten  days  after  its  occurrence. 

FORM    OF    APPOINTMENT. 

The  undersigned,  members  of  the  district  board  of  school  district 

No.  .  township  of ,  do  hereby  appoint  A B , 

— i of  said  district,  to  fill  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  fthe  removal, 

death  or  resignation]  of  C D ,  the  late . 

Dated  this day  of ,  185  . 

E F . )    District 

G H ,  j    Officers. 

1.  Persons  appointed  to  fill  vacancy,  should  file  their  acceptance 
in  pursuance  of  section  5,  and  the  director  should  make  record  of  the 
appointment,  and  date  thereof. 

2.  See  note  to  section  28. 

3.  A  majority  of  the  district  board  can  act,   in  order  to  fill  a  va 
cancy. 

4.  Section  95  provides   that  if  the  district  board   fail  to  supply 
any  vacancy  that  shall  occur  in   their  own  number,  within  ten  days 
after  the  time  of  its  occurrence,  the   school  inspectors  shall  fill  the 
same  by  appointment. 

5.  The  temporary   absence  of  a  district  officer,  in  consequence  of 
his  being  in  attendance  as  a  member  of  the  Legislature,  or  for  any 
other  cause,  does  not  create  a  vacancy. 

SEC.  67.  If  the  assessor  shall  fail  to  give  bond  as  is  required  in  this 
chapter,  or  from  sickness  or  any  other  cause,  shall  be  unable  to  attend  to 
the  duty  of  collecting  any  district  rate  bill,  the  said  board  shall  appoint 
an  acting  assessor  to  collect  the  same,  who  shall  possess  all  the  powers  of 
the  district  assessor  for  that  purpose,  and  shall  before  proceeding  to  the 
colleciion  thereof,  give  bond  to  the  district  in  double  the  amount  of  money 
to  be  collected,  in  the  same  manner,  and  with  the  sanr.e  effect  as  the  dis 
trict  assessor  is  required  to  give  such  bond. 

1.  If  the  circumstances,  whether  arising  from  sickness  or  other 
cause,  which  created  the  necessity  for  the  appointment  of  an  acting 
assessor,  have  ceased  to  exist,  it  will  not  affect  the  collection  of  the 
tax  by  the  acting  assessor,  if  he  has  entered  upon  that  duty  and 


381 

filed  his  bond.  The  acting  assessor  should  go  on  and  collect  the 
rate  bill.  The  bond  may  be  given  at  any  time  before  he  proceeds  to 
collect. 

The  following  is  a  clause  of  the  law  passed  in  1850,  and  is  here 
in  its  proper  place,  but  is  not  numbered  as  a  section: 

[Every  school  district  office  shall  become  vacant  upon  the  incumbent 
ceasing  to  be  a  resident  of  the  district  for  which  he  shall  have  been 
elected,  or  upon  the  happening  of  eiiherof  the  events  specified  in  section 
three  of  chapter  fifteen  of  the  revised  statutes  of  1846.] 

Section  3  of  chapter  15  of  the  revised  statutes,  as  amended  by  an 
act  of  June  27th,  1851,  enacts  that  every  office  shall  become  vacant 
on  the  happening  of  either  of  the  following  events,  before  the  expi 
ration  of  the  term  of  such  office: 

1.  The  death  of  the  incumbent: 

2.  His  resignation: 

3.  His  removal  from  office: 

4.  His  ceasing    to  be  an   inhabitant  of  this   State;  or,  if  the  office  be 
local,  of  the  district,  county,  township,  city  or  village,  for  which  he  shall 
have  been  elected  or  appointed,  or  within   which  the  duties  of  his  office 
are  required  to  be  discharged: 

5.  His   conviction  of  any  infamous  crime,  or  of  any  offence  involving 
a  violation  of  his  oath  of  office: 

6.  The  decision  of  a  competent  tribunal,  declaring    void  his  election 
or  appointment;  or, 

7.  His  refusal  or  neglect  to  take  his  oath  of  office,  or  to   give  or  renew 
any  official  bord,  or  to  deposit  such  oath  or  bond  in  the  manner  and  with 
in  the  time  prescribed  by  law. 

TOWNSHIP  BOARD  OF  SCHOOL  INSPECTORS. 

SKC.  68.  The  inspectors  elected  at  the  annual  township  meetings,  to 
gether  vvilh  the  township  clerk,  shall  constitute  the  township  board  of 
school  inspectors;  and  ihe  inspector  elected  at  the  annual  township  meet 
ing  having  the  shortest  time  to  serve,  shall  be  chairman  of  said  board,  and 
the  said  township  clerk  shall  be  the  clerk  thereof. 

1.  The  new  constitution  has  provided  that  there  shall  hereafter  be 
elected  in  each  organized  township,  one  township  clerk  who  shall  be 
ex-officio  school  inspector,  and  one  school  inspector.     This  provision, 
however,  will  not  be  effective,  until  the   present  law,  which  provides 

for  the  election  of  two  inspectors,  is  repealed,  and  a  law  passed  con 
formable  to  and  to  carry  out  such  constitutional  provision. 

2.  The  township  clerk  has  a  vote  in  the  decision  of  the  board, 
and  possesses  all  the  right  and  privileges  of  either  of  the  elected  of 
ficers  as  members  of  the  board. 

SKC.  69.  The  chairman  of  said  board  shall  be  the  treasurer  thereof,  and 
shall  (five  bond  to  the  township  in  double  the  amount  of  library  moneys  to 
come  into  his  hands  during  his  term  of  office,  as  near  as  the  same  can  be 


382 

ascertained,  with  two  sufficient  sureties  to  be  approved  by  the  township 
clerk,  conditioned  for  th*3  faithful  appropriation  of  all  moneys  that  may- 
come  into  his  hands  by  virtue  of  his  office. 

FORM  OF  BOND  TO  BE  GIVEN  BY  THE  CHAIRMAN  OF  TUB  BOARD  OF  SCHOOL 

INSPECTORS. 

Know  all  men  by  these  presents,    that  we,  A —  —  B ,  (the 

chairman  of  the  board  of  school  inspectors  of  the  township  of ,) 

and  C D ,  and  E F ,  (his  surety.)  are    held  and 

firmly  bound  unto  the  said  township,  in  the  sum  of  [here  insert  the 
sum  of  double  the  amount  to  come  into  said  chairman's  hands,  as 
nearly  as  the  same  can  be  ascertained,]  for  the  payment  of  which 
sum  well  and  trulv  to  be  nude  to  the  said  township,  we  bind  our 
selves,  our  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  jointly  and  severally, 
firmly  by  these  presents. 

Sealed  with  our  seals,  and  dated  this day  of  — ,  A.  D. 

185  . 

The  condition  of  this  obligation  is   such,  that  if  A — —  R , 

ch-iirman  of  the  board  of  school  inspectors,  shall  faithfully  appro- 
pri  ite  all  moneys  that  may  come  into  his  hands  by  virtue  of  his 
office,  then  this  obligation  shall  bo  void,  otherwise  of  full  force  and 
virtue. 

A B .  [L.  s.] 

It.  B/ 


C 


j          ?  |L.  g.j 
Signed,  sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  ~j 
of  \V G— ,      V 

\\r \ 

>  f    — ™  '    l"  •  J 

Remark. — This  bond  should  be  endorsed  as  follows: 

"I  approve  the  within  bond." 

(Signed)  G—  H-~ — ,  Township  Clerk. 

SRC.  70.  Said  bond  shall  be  filed  with  the  township  clerk,  and  in  case 
of  the  non-fulfillment  thereof,  said  clerk  shall  cause  a  suit  to  be  commenced 
thereon,  and  the  moneys  collected  in  such  suit  shall  be  paid  into  the  town 
ship  treasury  for  the  benefit  of  the  township  library. 

SRC.  71.  The  inspectors  shall  divide  the  township  into  such  number  of 
school  districts  as  may  from  timo  to  time  be  necessary,  which  districts 
thev  shall  number,  and  they  may  regulate  and  alter  the  boundaries  of  the 
same  as  circumstances  shall  render  proper:  but  no  district  shall  contain 
more  than  nine  sections  of  land,  and  each  district  shall  be  composed  of 
contiguous  territory,  arft.1  be  in  as  compact  a  form  as  may  be;  but  no  land 
(shall  be  taxed  for  building  a  school  house,  unless  some  portion  of  every 
lej/al  sub-division  of  said  land  shall  ba  within  two  and  one-half  miles  «f 
said  school  house  site. 

1.  The  division  of  the  townships  into  school  districts,  the  initiatory 
step  in  the  establishment  of  the  schools,  is  a  matter  which  rests 
solely  with  the  inspectors.  There  is  no  appeal  from  their  decision, 
and  in  all  cases  involving  the  expediency  of  their  acts,  they  are  only 
responsible  to  the  source  of  their  povrer — the  people.  The  duty 


383 

oonfided  to  them  is  not  only  one  of  the  most  important  devolving 
upon  school  officers,  but  often  times  the  basis  and  a  fruitful  source  of 
difficulty. 

The  following  notes  are  taken  from  the  pamphlet  edition  of  the 
school  law  of  1848: 

2.  School  inspectors,  by  examining  section  71  alone,  sometimevS 
proceed  to  district  a  township,  and  to  alter  the  boundaries  of  districts 
already  established,  without  giving  any  notice  thereof.  Great  dis 
satisfaction  is  frequently  and  justly  the  result  of  such  a  course.  The 
school  inspectors  may  not  be  able  to  please  every  person  residing  in 
districts  they  are  required  to  establish.  This,  indeed,  might  often 
be  incompatible  with  the  conscientious  discharge  of  their  official  du 
ty.  They  should,  nevertheless,  do  what  they  reasonably  can  to  har 
monize  conflicting  inteiests;  and  in  order  to  do  this,  they  must  give 
aggrieved  individuals,  and  all  others  interested,  a  reasonable  oppor 
tunity  for  a  hearing.  This  they  may  do  by  giving  the  notice  requi 
red  by  sections  86  and  91,  which  should  invariably  be  done. 

2.  The  Superintendent  would  caution  inspectors  against  subdividing 
districts  any  farther  than  becomes  actually  necessary  to  accommodate 
the  citizens  of  a   township.     Large  and  populous    districts  are  able 
to  build  good   school  houses,  and  employ   well    qualified  teachers; 
while  small  and  feeble  districts  sometimes  feel  necessitated  to  occupy 
unsuitable  houses,  and  to  depend  upon  the  services  of  incompetent 
teachers.     It  is  better  to  go  a  mile  and  a  half,  or  even  two  miles,  if 
need  be,   to  reach  a  good  school,  than  to  reside    within  half  a  mile 
of  an  indifferent  one. 

3.  When  a  regularly  organized  school  district,  in  which  a  school 
has  been  taught  the  time  required  by  law,  is  divided  so  late  in  the 
school  year,  as  not  to  allow  time   for  a  school  to  be  taught  three 
months  before  the  expiration  of  the  year,  does  the  part  set  off  lose 
its  school  money  for  the  ensuing  year? 

4.  If  the  division  takes  place  after  the  annual  report  is  made,  and 
before  the  school  money  is  received,  does  the  original  district  receive 
all  the  public  money,  or  is  the  part  set  off  entitled  to  a  portion  of  it? 

5.  Is   the  part  set  off  entitled  to  draw   books  from  the  township 
library,  before  the   beginning  of  a  new  school  year;  or,  in  other 
words,  until  after  the  director  makes  his  annual  report  to  the  school 


384 

inspectors?  or  can  the  original  district  claim  and  receive,  to  the  end 
of  the  year,  nil  the  books  it  would  have  been  entitled  to,  had  there 
been  no  division? 

The  opinion  of  the  office  heretofore  given  in  relation  to  these  SCY- 
eral  questions,  is  as  follows: 

"1st.  Whenever  a  school  district  is  divided,  each  of  the  districts 
formed  from  it,  has  a  right,  in  making  its  annual  report,  to  embrace 
the  time  a  school  was  taught  between  the  commencement  of  the 
school  year,  and  the  time  the  division  was  made,  and  to  add  thereto 
the  time  a  school  has  been  taught  in  said  district  subsequently  to 
the  division.  If  each  district,  reckoning  time  thus,  is  enabled  to 
report  a  school  taught  three  months  or  more,  by  qualified  teachers, 
each  is  entitled  to  draw  public  money.  But  if  either  district,  reckon 
ing  time  thus,  is  unable  to  report  a  school  taught  three  months  by 
qualified  teachers,  said  district  is  not  entitled  to  draw  public  mo 
ney. 

'"2.  In  the  distribution  of  school  moneys  to  said  districts,  the  same 
sum  should  be  apportioned  to  the  two,  that  the  original  district 
would  have  been  entitled  to  receive  had  there  been  no  division- 
This  sum  should  be  divided  between  them  according  to  the  rules  of 
justice  and  equity.  If  the  division  of  a  district  takes  place  immedi 
ately  after  the  commencement  of  a  school  year,  and  before  a  school 
has  been  opened,  the  money  should  be  apportioned  to  the  new  dis 
tricts  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  scholars  within  the  legal  ages 
residing  in  each  of  them  at  the  time  of  the  division.  But  if  the  di 
vision  is  made  after  the  close  of  the  winter  school,  and  two-thirds 
(more  or  less)  of  the  public  money  has  been  apportioned  to  said 
school,  in  which  both  of  the  districts  were  entitled  to  share  equita 
bly,  the  remaining  one-third  should  be  apportioned  as  in  the  first 
case  named. 

"3.  Whenever  a  district  is  divided,  the  part  set  off,  when  duly  or 
ganized,  is  entitled  to  draw  books  from  the  township  library  at  the 
time  for  qu  irterly  distribution  among  the  districts  of  the  township, 
provided  the  director  files  with  the  township  librarian  a  statement  of 
the  numbt-r  of  scholars  within  his  district  at  the  time  the  division  was 
made.  The  director  of  the  other  district  should  do  the  same.  The 
original  district  has  no  advantage  over  the  one  set  off  in  relation  to 


385 

the  use  of  the  library,  nor  in  any  other  respect. — [School  Law  and 
notes  of  1848. 

1.  If  land  is  so  situated  that  every  legal  subdivision  of  it  is  within 
two  and  a  half  miles  of  the  school  house  site,  in   the  district  where 
the  land  lies,  the    same  is  subject  to  a  school  tax,  or  any  other  tax 
for  school  house  purposes,  notwithstanding  the  same  land  may  have 
been  before  assessed  and  taxed  in  another  district.     If  a  new  district 
is  formed,  the  inspectors  should  ascertain  the  amount  justly  due  to 
the  new  district,  as  provided  in  sections  75,  76,  77  and  78.     If  this 
duty  is  neglected,  it  can  have  no  bearing  on  the  tax. 

2.  There  is  no  provision  of  law   by  which  lands  in  an  adjoining 
township,  and  not  in  any  organized  school  district,  may  be  added  to 
a  school  district  which  does  not  contain  nine  sections  of  land.     The 
inspectors  of  both  townships  may  proceed  and  create  a  joint  district, 
however. 

3.  When  a  district  is  divided,  regulated  or  altered,  it  should  be 
done  by  resolution  accurately  describing  the  change  and  boundaries. 
Such  alterations  and  regulations  will  continue  doubtless  to  be  neces 
sary  to  adapt  our  school  system  to  the  increasing  population  and  set 
tlement  of  the  State,  but  they  are  only  to  be  made  as  circumstances 
shall  render  proper.     The  resolution,  in  case  of  forming  a  district, 
should  be  similar  to  the  following,  viz: 

Resolved,  That  a  new  school  district  be  formed  in  this  township, 
to  consist  of  the  present  districts  No.  1  and  No.  2,  or  of  the  present 
district  No.  1  and  part  of  district  No.  2,  (or  whatever  it  may  be,) 

•which  said  district  shall  be  numbered  (insert  the  number) of 

the  township  of .     And  the  said  district  shall  be  bounded  as 

follows:  on  the  north  by  the  township  line,  on  the  east  by  the  east 
erly  line  of  the  farm  owned  by  A B and  occupied  by 

J L. ;  on  the  south  by  the  south  line  of  lots  owned 

by  L K and  numbered  26  and  27;  and  on  the  west 

by  the  westerly  line  of  the  farm  owned  by  D H ,  &c. 

The  above  is  given  merely  as  a  guide;  the  description  must  be 
made  according  to  the  circumstances  of  the  country  and  the  settle 
ment  of  the  township,  but  it  should  be  in  form,  and  some  such  reso 
lution  as  the  above  should  be  had  and  carefully  recorded.  And  the 
same  form  of  resolution  should  be  used  in  regulating  and  altering  the 
boundaries  of  the  district.  The  new  boundaries  caused  by  the  alter 
ation  should  be  given.  [See  section  138.] 

49 


386 

4.  The  inspectors  should  not  in  regulating  or  altering  the  bounda 
ries  of  a  district,  leave  any  portion  of  the  inhabitants  included  in  the 
former  district  or  districts,  unprovided  for,  or  cut  oft'  any  portion 
from  the  advantages  of  a  school. 

5.  "The  great  aim  of  the  officers  to  whom  this  duty  has  been  confided 
should  be  to  form,  as  far  as  may  be  practicable,  permanent  and  effi 
cient  districts,  competent  both   in  respect  to  taxable  property  and 
number  of  children,  to  maintain  good  schools  and  affording  all  re 
quisite  facilities  for  the  regular  attendance  of  all  the  children  entitled 
to  participate  in  the  benefits  of  the  school." — N.  Y.  Regulations. 

6.  Districts  should  not  be  any  smaller  than  the  necessity  and  cir 
cumstances  of  the  country  will  permit.     The  remark  made  by  an 
officer   of  the  school  system  of   New  York,  that  "in  feeble  dis 
tricts — cheap  instructors,  poor  and  ill  furnished  school  houses — and 
a  general  langour  of  the  cause  of  education  are  almost  certain,"  will 
be  found  to  be  true  here. 

SBC.  72.  They  may  attach  to  a  school  district  any  person  residing  in 
the  township,  and  not  in  any  organized  district,  at  his  request:  and  for 
all  district  purposes,  except  raising  a  tax  for  building  a  school  house, 
such  person  shall  be  considered  as  residing  in  such  district;  but  when  set 
off  to  a  new  district,  no  sum  shall  be  raised  for  such  person  as  his  pro 
portion  to  the  district  property. 

1.  Inspectors  may  perform  their  duty  under  this  section  without 
a  meeting  of  the  board,  (in  case  it  is  impracticable  for  them  to  meet 
together,)  by  preparing  a  proper  statement  showing  the  fact  that 
they  have  attached  such  person  or  persons  to  the  district,  which 
statement  should  be  recorded  by  the  township  clerk  after  being 
signed  by  the  inspectors  or  a  majority  of  them.  The  law  makes  it 
necessary  for  the  inspectors  to  act  upon  the  request  of  the  person 
•wishing  to  be  attached,  but  it  is  in  the  discretion  of  the  inspectors 
whether  to  attach  him  or  not.  If  they  do  so,  the  inhabitants  of  the 
district  have  no  remedy  but  to  acquiesce.  If  such  person  is  at 
tached,  he  stands  on  the  same  footing  as  a  resident  except  so  far  as 
he  is  restricted  by  this  section.  There  is  no  authority  given  to  the 
Superintendent  to  interfere  in  these  cases. 

SEC.  73.  The  inspectors  shall  apply  for  and  receive  from  the  township 
treasurer,  all  moneys  appropriated  for  the  township  library  of  their  town 
ship,  and  shall  purchase  the  books,  and  procure  the  necessary  appendages 
for  the  township  library,  and  make  such  rules  for  the  regulation  thereof, 
and  the  preservation  of  the  books  contained  in  it,  as  they  may  deem 
proper. 


387 

1.  It  is  made  the  duty  of  the  Superintendent  to  recommend  rules 
for  the  government  of  the  libraries.     This  provision  was  intended  as  a 
guide  or  assistance  to  inspectors,    and  to  secure  a  uniform  system; 
but  the  inspectors  may  adopt  such  rules  as  they  may  deem  proper. 

2.  The  inspectors  may  make  a  rule  imposing  a  fine  upon  a  direc 
tor  neglecting  to  return  the  books,  drawn  quarterly  by  him. 

3.  A  majority  of  the  board  may  make  purchase  of  books,  or  they 
may  designate  one  of  their  number  or  some  other  person,  to  make 
purchases,  under  their  direction.     The  chairman  of  the  board  has  no 
authority,  without  the  concurrence  and  consent  of  the  other  inspec 
tors,  or  one  of  them,  to  purchase  or  pay  for  books. 

The  authority  to  purchase  books  is  one  of  the  greatest  im 
portance,  involving  the  whole  question  of  the  subsequent  utility  of 
the  library.  If  the  books  purchased  are  not  such  as  they  should 
be — if  they  have  not  been  selected  with  great  care  and  considera 
tion,  and  with  a  view  to  their  adaptation  to  the  great  end  proposed 
in  the  establishment  of  the  libraries,  the  rules  arid  regulations  which 
may  be  made,  will  be  of  but  little  consequence.  It  was  a  subject 
of  deep  importance  with  the  framers  of  our  constitution,  to  secure 
the  permanent  establishment  of  these  libraries,  beyond  the  reach  of 
dissolution  and  destruction,  and  it  has  been  the  aim  of  our  legisla 
tors  to  make  them  in  the  highest  degree,  means  of  usefulness  to  our 
citizens  and  our  children. 

4.  The  inspectors  cannot  make  a  rule    in  contravention  with  the 
provisions  of  section  51. 

5.  Text  books  for   the   schools  cannot  be  purchased  as  library 
books. 

6.  The  inspectors  should  invest   the  library  money  so  as  to  pro- 
sure  books  of  a  varied  character,   historical,  philosophical,  agricul 
tural,   educational,   poetical,  &c.,  &c.,  but  works  of  a  merely  secta 
rian  or  controversial  character  should  not  be  purchased.     No  work 
of  an  immoral,  or  fictitious  character  should  be  purchased,  and  such 
works  as  "the  celebrated  trials  of  all  countries,"  "lives  of  pirates," 
and  the  light  reading  of  the  day,  are  certainly  not  the  works  to  prove 
useful  to  our  people  or  our  children. 

SEC.  74.  They  shall  appoint  one  of  their  number  to  visit  each  school 
ia  the  township  having  a  qualified  teacher,  at  least  once  in  each  school 
term  in  which  a  school  is  taught,  who  shall  inquire  into  the  condition  of 


389 

such  schools,  examine  the  scholars,  and  give  such  advice  to  both  teachers 
and  pupils  as  he  may  think  henefical. 

1.  If  the  opinions  of  the   best  and  most  experienced  writers  on 
primary  education  are  not  entirely  fallacious,  and  if  all  the  results 
of  experience  hitherto  are  not  deceptive,  the  consequences  of  a  vig 
orous  system  of  inspection   will  be  most  happy.     The  teachers  and 
pupils  will  feel  that  they  are  not  abandoned  to  neglect;  the  appre 
hension  of  discredit  will  stimulate  them  to  the  greatest  effort,  while 
the  suggestions  of  visitors  will  tend  certainly  to  the  improvement  of 
schools,  and  they  will   themselves  be  more  and  more  enabled  to  re 
commend  proper  measures  from  their  better  acquaintance  with  the 
subject. — [Spemer,  Superintendent  of  N.  Y. 

2.  When  the  schools  are   visited  by  the  inspector  appointed  to  do 
this  duty,  it  is  recommended  that  he  invite  parents  and  others  to  ae- 
eompany  him.     For  his  services,  he  is  entitled  to  his  per  diem  pay. 

3.  "  Section  74  makes  it  the  imperative  duty  of  the  board  of  school 
inspectors  to  "  appoint  one  of  their  number  to  visit  each  school  in  the 
township  having  a  qualified  teacher,  at  least  ONCE  in  each  school  term 
in  which  a  school  is  taught,  who  shall  inquire  into  the  condition  of 
such  schools,  examine  the  scholars,  and   give  such  advice  to  both 
teachers  and  pupils  as  he  may  think  beneficial." 

4.  "  If  the  citizens    of  townships  throughout  the  State,  would,  at 
their  annual  township  meetings,  select  good  practical  men  for  school 
inspectors — the  men  best  qualified  to  discharge  the  duties  of  the  of 
fice,  without  any  regard  to  personal  or  political  considerations — and 
if  the  inspectors  would  be  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  this  duty,  there 
can  be  little  reason  to  doubt  that  the  schools  of  the  State  would  ad 
vance  twenty  per  cent,  in  excellence." 

5.  "The  inspectors  should,  at  their  first  meeting  every  year,  appoint 
the   be&t  and  most  practical    and  efficient  member  of  the  board,  a 
TISITOR;  and  he  should  visit  every  school  ONCE  at  least,  as  the  law  di 
rects.     It  would  be  well  for  inspectors  to  invite  the  citizens  of  dis 
tricts,  so  far  as  practicable,  and  especially  district  boards,  to  accom 
pany  them  in  their  visits." 

6.  "The  visiting  of  schools  is  very  commonly  neglected,  from  the 
mistaken  impression  that  inspectors  are  not  entitled  to  pay  while  en 
gaged  in  the  discharge  of  this  duty.     But  section  91,  limiting  the 


389 

meetings  of  the  board  of  inspectors  at  the  expense  of  the  township 
to  six,  has  exclusive  reference  to  meetings  of  the  board.  This  is  a 
service  not  contemplated  in  that  limitation.  School  inspectors  enga 
ged  in  visiting  schools  are  entitled  to  pay  for  their  services,  as  when 
engaged  in  the  discharge  of  other  official  duties.'-' — [Notes  of  1848,  on 
School  Law. 

SEC.  75.  When  a  new  district  is  formed,  in  whole  or  in  part,  from  one 
or  more  districts  possessed  of  a  school  house,  or  entitled  to  other  proper 
ty,  the  inspectors,  at  the  time  of  forming  such  new  district,  shall  ascer 
tain  and  determine  the  amount  justly  due  to  such  new  district,  from  any 
district  out  of  which  it  may  have  been,  in  whole  or  in  part,  formed,  as 
the  proportion  of  such  new  district,  of  the  value  of  the  school  house  and 
other  property  belonging  to  the  former  district  at  the  time  of  such  divi 
sion. 

1.  When  part  of  a  district  possessed  of  a  school  house  and  other 
property,  is  detached  and  attached  to  another  district  possessed  of 
like  property,  the  detached  portion  does  not  draw  from  the  former 
district  its  proportion  of  the  value  of  the  district  property.     This  is 
only  the  case   where   a  new  district  is  formed.     Such  a  oase  might 
arise  under  section  71,  providing  for  altering  the  boundaries  and  not 
under  the  provisions  of  this  section. 

2.  See  section  138  for  mode  of  procedure  in  case  of  a  tax  for  dis 
trict  purposes,  when  any  portion  of  a  school  district  has  been  orga 
nized  into  a  new  district  after  a  tax  for  district  purposes  other  than 
the  payment  of  the  debts  of  the   district,  shall  have  been  levied  but 
not  collected. 

SEC.  76.  Such  proportion  shall  be  ascertained  and  determined  according 
to  the  value  of  the  taxable  property  of  the  respective  parts  of  such  former 
district,  at  the  time  of  the  division,  by  the  best  evidence  in  the  power  of 
the  inspectors,  and  such  amount  of  any  debt  due  from  the  former  district, 
which  would  have  been  a  charge  upon  the  new,  had  it  remained  in  the  for 
mer  district,  shall  be  deducted  from  such  proportion.  [Provided,  That  no 
real  estate  thus  set  off  and  which  shall  not  have  been  taxed  lor  the  pur 
chase  or  building  of  such  school  house,  shall  be  entitled  to  any  portion 
thereof,  nor  be  taken  into  account  in  such  division  of  district  property.] 

SBC.  77.  The  amount  of  such  proportion,  when  so  ascertained  and  de 
termined,  shall  be  certified  by  the  township  clerk  to  the  supervisor  of  the 
township,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  assess  the  same  upon  the  taxable  prop 
erty  of  the  district  retaining  the  school  house  or  other  properly  of  the  for 
mer  district,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  the  same  had  been  authorized  by  a 
rote  of  such  district,  and  the  money  so  assessed  shall  be  placed  to  the 
credit  of  the  taxable  property  taken  from  the  former  district,  and  shall  be 
in  reduction  of  any  tax  imposed  in  the  new  district  on  said  taxable  prop 
erty  for  school  district  purposes. 

SBC.  78.  When  collected,  such  amount  shall  be  paid  over  to  the  asses 
sor  of  the  new  district  to  be  applied  to  the  use  thereof,  in  the  same  man- 


390 

ner,  under  the  direction  of  its  proper  officers,  as  if  such  sum  had  been 
voted  and  raised  by  said  district  for  building  a  school  house  or  other  dis 
trict  purposes. 

[SEC.  79.  Between  the  first  and  fifteenth  days  of  October  in  each  year, 
the  inspectors  shall  make  out  and  deliver  to  the  township  clerk,  duplicate 
reports  to  the  county  clerk,  setting  forth  the  whole  number  of  districts  in 
their  townships,  the  amount  of  money  raised  and  received  for  the  town 
ship  library,  together  with  the  several  particulars  set  forth  in  the  reports 
of  the  school  directors  for  the  preceding  year.] 

1 .  The  necessary  forms  required  under  section  79  are  annually  for 
warded  to  the  proper  officers,  by  the  Superintendent.  The  inspectors 
will  perceive  that  the  law  is  here  materially  changed  since  the  pam 
phlet  edition  of  1848  was  printed.  They  now  cause  to  be  made  out  two 
copies  of  their  annual  report — which  are  to  be  transmitted  to  the  coun 
ty  clerk,  and  one  should  be  kept  by  the  township  clerk  in  his  office. 
This  change  was  made  so  as  to  bring  the  reports  of  inspectors  directly 
to  the  office  of  the  Superintendent  for  his  inspection,  and  to  prevent 
errors  in  apportioning  the  income  of  the  school  fund.  By  this  means 
the  Superintendent  is  enabled  to  ascertain  the  manner  in  which  the 
school  inspectors  perform  their  duties,  as  well  as  to  receive  such  sug 
gestions  as  they  may  see  fit  to  make  to  him  directly,  in  relation  to 
the  operation  of  the  school  system.  The  inspectors  may  afford  ma 
terial  assistance  in  this  way,  to  a  proper  understanding  and  develop 
ment  of  the  school  system,  and  enable  the  Superintendent  to  suggest 
practical  considerations  to  the  Legislature  for  the  improvement  of  the 
schools  and  the  perfection  of  the  system. 

SEC.  80.  The  board  of  inspectors,  before  making  their  annual  reports 
to  the  county  clerk,  shall  examine  the  record  of  teachers  to  whom  certifi 
cates  have  been  given  by  them,  and  if  in  any  school  district  a  school 
shall  not  have  been  taught  for  three  months  during  the  preceding  school 
year  by  a  qualified  teacher,  no  part  of  the  public  money  shall  be  distrib 
uted  to  such  disr.nct.  although  the  report  from  such  district  shall  set  forth 
that  a  school  has  been  so  taught;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  to 
certify  the  facts  in  relation  to  any  such  district  in  their  report  to  the  county 
clerk. 

1 .  If  a  district  has  employed  a  teacher,  who  by  reason  of  sickness, 
accident,  or  other  cause,  has  been  unable  to  teach  for  the  term  con 
tracted,  and  by  reason  thereof,  a  school  has  not  been  taught  for  three 
months  during  the  preceding  school  year,  the  district  cannot  receive 
its  share  of  the  public  money.  It  may  be  paid  to  the  teacher  for 
the  time  he  has  taught;  but  if  a  three  months'  school  has  not  been 
kept,  the  district  can  receive  no  public  money. 


391 

SEC.  81.  Whenever  it  shall  be  necessary  or  convenient  to  form  a  dis 
trict  from  two  or  more  adjoining  townships,  the  inspectors,  or  a  majority 
of  them,  of  each  of  such  adjoining  townships,  may  form  such  district, 
and  direct  which  township  clerk  shall  make  and  deliver  the  notice  of  the 
formation  of  the  same  to  a  taxable  inhabitant  thereof,  arid  may  regulate 
and  alter  such  district  as  circumstances  may  render  necessary:  [The  di 
rector  of  such  district  shall  make  his  annual  report  to  the  clerk  of  the 
township  in  which  the  school  house  is  situated.] 

1.  "In  the  formation  of  a  fractional  school  district,  the  concurrence 
of  a  majority  of  the  inspectors   from  each  of  all  the  townships  from 
which  it  is  formed,  is  necessary.     Suppose  it  is  contemplated  to  form 
a  fractional  school  district  embracing  a  portion  of  the   territory  of 
three  townships;  and  suppose  all  of  the  inspectors  from  two  of  the 
townships,  and  but  one  from  the  third  were  in  favor  of  its  formation, 
said  district  could  not  be  formed." 

2.  "Whenever  and  wherever  a  fractional  district  exists,  said  dis 
trict  cannot  be  dissolved,  nor  its  boundaries  be  in  any  way  modified, 
without  a  general  consent,  viz:  the  consent  of  a  majority^  of  the 
school  inspectors  of  each  township  from  which  the  district  is  in  part 
formed.     The  propriety  of  avoiding  their  organization,  when  it  can 
be  done  without  special  inconvenience,  is  hence  manifest." — Notes  of 
1848. 

3.  "It  is  the  duty  of  the  director  to   "report  to  the  clerk  of  each 
township  in  which  the  district  is  in  part  situated,  the  number  of  chil 
dren  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years  in  that  part  of  the 
district  lying  in  such  township,  and  books  shall  be  drawn  from  the 
library  of  each  township  for  the  use  of  such  district;  but  the  district 
shall  have  access  to  but  one  such  library  at  the  same  time,  and  the 
said  inspectors  shall  establish  the  order  in  which  books  shall  be 
drawn  from  each  township  library."     Hence  arises  another  inconve 
nience  connected  with  fractional  districts.     They  are  entitled  to  draw 
books  from  the  libraries  of  both  or  all  of  the  townships  in  which 
they  are  in  part  situated,  and  hence  have  access  to  a  greater  number 
of  books,  it  is  true;  but  still,  they  are  not,  according  to  the  provis 
ions  of  the  section  under  consideration,  (82,)  entitled  to  draw  so 
many  books  at  a  time  as  single  districts  of  the  same  size.     Suppose 
a  district  is  situated  in  part,  in  each  of  three  townships,  having  in 

the  township  A 40  scholars  between  the  ages  of  4  and  18  years, 

and  the  townships   B and  C each  20,  making  80  in  all. 

The  year  the  district  draws  books  from  town  A ,  they  are  enti- 


392 

tied  to  receive  but  one-half  (40  is  ^  of  80)  of  their  equitable  quota 

of  books;  and  the  years  they   draw  from    townships    B and 

C but  cue  fourth  (20  is  ^  of  80)  their  equal  proportion.  What 
ever  might  have  been  the  intention  of  the  legislature,  this  is  the  only 
construction  the  language  of  the  section  will  warrant." 

"Some  school  inspectors  will  not  allow  books  drawn  from  their 
township'Jibrary  to  circulate  in  those  parts  of  fractional  districts  sit 
uated  in  other  townships.  The  statutes  of  the  State  provide  that 
the  libraries  of  each  of  the  several  townships  in  which  a  fractional 
district^  is  in  part  situated,  may  circulate  throughout  said  district; 
and  this  provision  inspectors  consent  to,  whenever  they  form  a  frac 
tional  district.  The  only  way  of  restricting  the  circulation  of  town 
ship  libraries  to  the  townships  to  which  they  belong:,  (in  harmony 
with  existingj)rovisions  of  law,)  is,  to  dispense  with  fractional  dis 
tricts."—  Notes  of  1848. 

4.  Teachers  of  fractional  districts  must  be  examined  in  the  town 
ship  tojwhich  the  annual  report  is  required  to   be  made,  which,  as 
the  law  now  directs,  is  the  township  where  the  school  house  is  situ 
ated.     Boards  of  inspectors,  under  the  law  of  1848,  frequently  neg 
lected  to  designate  the  township  to  which  the  annual  report  should 
be  made.     This  report   must  be  made  to  the  township  where  the 
school  house  is  situated,  and  to  no  other.     But  the  director,  according 
to  section  82,  also  reports  to  the  clerk  of  each  township  in  which  the 
district  is  in  part  situated,  the  number  of  children  between  the  ages 
of  four  and  eighteen  years,   in  that  part  of  the  district  lying  in  his 
township.     This  latter  report  is  the  basis  of  the  distribution  made  by 
the  clerk^of  moneys  raised  in  the  townships.     The  annual  report  re 
quired  to  be  made  to  the  township  where  the  school  house  is  situated 
is  the'basis  of  the  distribution  of  the  public  money. 

5.  See  sections  142  and  143,  as  to  duty  of  supervisor  and  town 
ship  treasurer. 

6.  The  inspectors  can  neither  in  the   case  of  fractional  or  whole 
district?,  act  by  proxy.  They  must  be  present  at  the  meetings.  They 
cannot  give  their  assent  or  dissent  officially,  to  any  act  of  the  board 
without  being  present.     The  preceedings  of  joint  boards,  should  be 
sent  to  the  clerks  of  the  respective  townships,  for  record.     The  law 
does  not  provide  for  aiy  clerk  for  joint  boards  of  inspectors. 


393 

7.  Joint    boards  of  inspectors  may  attach   to  a  fractional  district 
any  person  who  requests  to  be  so  attached.     They  may  also  fill  va 
cancies  in  such  fractional  districts. 

8.  The  law  does  not   provide  specially  for  notices  of  meetings  of 
the  joint  boards;  but  it  would  seem  to  be  wise  to  pursue   the  same 
course  as  the  law  requires  of  whole  districts,   as    far  as  it  can  be 
done,  where  the  law  has  made  no  provision. 

9.  The  law  has  made    no  provision  in  regard  to    moneys  in  the 
hands  of  township  treasurers,  which  have  accumulated  by  reason  of 
the  directors  of  fractional  districts  having  heretofore  made  reports  to 
several  townships,  of  the  number  of  scholars  residing  in  such  dis 
tricts. 

10.  The  Superintendent  has  no  authority  officially,  to  review  the 
proceedings  of  the  boards  of  inspectors  either  of  whole  or  fractional 
districts,  or  the  proceedings  of  the  district  boards. 

11.  Fractional  districts  have  the  same  power  as    whole  districts, 
and  their  proceedings  are  the  same  in  all  cases,  where  the  law  does 
not  direct  otherwise. 

12.  A  fractional  district  may  be  formed  out  of  two  adjoining  town- 
•hips,  in  two  adjoining  counties. 

13.  For  manner  of  apportioning  the  income  of  the  primary  school 
fund,  and  moneys  raised  in  the  township,  see  section  139.     The  pub 
lic  money  is  to  be  distributed  to  the  townships  to  which  the  annual 
report  is  to  be  made.     The  other  moneys  raised  in  any  one  of  the 
townships,  to  the  districts  and  parts  of  districts  therein,  in  proportion 
to  the  number  of  children  in  each,  of  the  proper  age. 

SBC.  82.  The  director  of  every  district,  formed  as  provided  in  the  pre 
ceding  section,  shall  also  report  to  the  clerk  of  each  township  in  which 
the  district  is  in  part  situated,  the  number  of  children  between  the  ages  of 
four  and  eighteen  years  in  that  part  of  the  district  lying  in  such  township, 
and  books  shall  be  drawn  from  the  library  of  each  township  for  tru*  use  of 
such  district;  but  the  district  shall  have  access  to  but  one  such  library  at 
the  same  time,  and  the  said  inspectors  shall  establish  the  order  in  which 
books  shall  be  drawn  from  each  township  library. 

SKC.  73.  Such  school  districts  already  formed  from  two  or  more  town 
ships,  shall  continue  to  be  governed  by  the  regulations  established  ac 
cording  to  law,  in  relation  to  the  annual  reports,  and  the  drawing  of  books 
from  the  township  libraries,  subject  to  such  changes  as  may  be  made  in 
respect  thereto  by  the  said  inspectors,  in  conformity  with  ihe  preceding 
provisions. 

SKS.  84.  The  full  amount  of  all  taxes  to  be  levied  upon  the  taxable 
property  in  such  districts,  shall  be  certified  by  the  district  board  to  the  su- 

50 


394 

pervisor  of  each  of  such  townships,  arid  each  of  said  supervisors  shall 
certify  to  each  other  supervisor  within  whose  township  such  district  is  in 
part  situated,  the  amount  of  taxable  property  in  that  part  of  the  district 
lying  in  his  township;  and  such  supervisors  shall  respectively  ascertain 
the  proportion  of  such  taxes  to  be  placed  on  their  respective  assessment 
rolls,  according  to  the  amount  of  taxable  property  in  each  part  of  such 
district. 

SEC.  85.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  inspectors  to  examine  annually,  all 
persons  offering1  themselves  as  candidates  for  teachers  of  primary  schools 
in  their  townships,  in  regard  to  moral  character,  learning  and  ability  to 
teach  school;  and  they  shall  deliver  to  each  person  so  examined  and  found 
qualified,  a  certificate  signed  by  them,  in  such  form  as  shall  be  prescribed 
by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction:  which  certificate  shall  be 
in  force  for  two  years  from  the  date  thereof,  unless  annulled  within  that 
time:  and  no  person  shall  be  deemed  a  qualified  teacher  within  the  mean 
ing  of  this  chapter,  who  has  not  such  a  certificate  in  force. 

1.  This  duty  the  law  contemplates  shall  be  performed  by  all  three 
of  the  inspectors,  but  a  majority  may  act,  examine  candidates,  and 
sign  certificates,  the  township  clerk  having  the  same  power  and  au 
thority  as  either  of  the  inspectors. 

2.  The  examination  is  to  be  public,  and  no   certificate  is  to  be 
given  unless  the  inspectors  are   satisfied  that  the  applicant  possesses 
a  good  moral  character  and  a  thorough   and   accurate  knowledge  of 
the  several  branches  of  study  usually  taught  in  primary  schools,  and 
is  in  other  respects  competent  to  teach  and  govern  a  school. 

3.  If  the  applicant  is  found  to  be    qualified,  the  inspectors  deliver 
to  him  a  certificate  in  the  form  prescribed  by  the  Superintendent  of 
Public   Instruction.     This   certificate,  by  the  express  terms  of  the 
law,  continues  in  force  two  years,  unless  annulled  according  to  sec 
tion  90.     No  certificate  can  be  legally  given  in  any  other  form,  or  for  a 
longer  or  shorter  time.     There  is  no  discretion   vested  with  inspec 
tors  to  adopt  any  modified  or  qualified  form  of  certificate.    It  should 
be  made  out  and   delivered   to   every  person  found  to  be  qualified, 
immediately  after  examination,   and  should  be  in  the  possession  of 
the  teacher  when  he  commences  his  school,  or  he  is  not  entitled  to 
public  money. 

4.  The  law  makes  no  restriction   as  to  who  shall  be  examined. 
It  is  the  duty  of  the  inspectors   to   examine  all  persons  who  offer 
themselves  as  candidates  for  teachers  in    their  township.     A  school 
inspector  may  be  examined  as  a  teacher,  but  when  he  presents  him 
self  as  a  candidate,  he  must  cease  to  act  as  an  inspector.     He  must 
stand  before  the  other  members  of  the   board  like   any  other  appli- 


395 

cant.  He  cannot  sign  bis  own  certificate  with  one  other  member 
of  the  board.  It  must  bear  the  signature  of  the  other  two  inspec 
tors,  or  it  is  not  valid,  and  he  can  not  be  deemed  a  qualified  teacher 
under  the  law. 

5.  In  no  instance  can  the  requirements  of  the  law  for  the  exami 
nation  of  teachers  be  dispensed  with.     Every  person  offering  hin> 
self  as  a  candidate,  must  be  examined  in  the  manner  and  upon  the 
points  specified  in  the  law.     Such  examinations  must  be  had  regu 
larly  at  a  meeting  of,  and  before  the  board,  and  not  before  one  of  the 
inspectors  at  a  time.     When  there  are  several  persons  offering  them^ 
selves,  the  better  way  is  to  examine  them  as  a  class. 

6.  An  inspector  cannot  authorize  another  member  of  the  board  to 
act  for  him  on  the  examination  of  a  teacher,  or   to  sign  a  certificate 
for  him,  without  his  having  participated  in  the  examination. 

7.  A  certificate  is  valid  when  two  of  the  inspectors  sign  it  after 
having  had  an  examination  as  the  law  prescribes  under  section  86. 
The  township  clerk   should  give    the  notice    under  section  87;  but 
there  is  no  provision  for  public  notice. 

8.  The  inspectors  cannot  refuse  to  examine  any  person  who  offers 
himself  before  them  at  the  time  specified  in  section  86.     In  relation 
to  the  moral  character  of  the  applicant,  they  may  act  upon  their  own 
knowledge,  or  upon  any  satisfactory  evidence  adduced  before  them. 

9.  The  general  jurisdiction  given  by  law  to  the  inspectors  is  not 
affected  in  any  way  when  the  district  has  not  employed  a  qualified 
teacher.     A  school  kept  by  such  teacher  is  subject  to  the  inspection 
and  visitation  of  the  inspector  appointed  to  do  that  duty. 

FORM  OF  CERTIFICATE  TO  BE  GIVEN  BY  SCHOOL  INSPECTORS  TO  QUALIFIED 

TEACHERS. 

The  undersigned  inspectors  of  primary  schools  for  the  township 

Of  ?  in  the  county  of  ,  having  personally  examined 

A —  -  B ,  at  a  regular  meeting  of  the  board,  called  for  that  pur 
pose,  and  having  ascertained  his  qualifications  in  respect  to  moral 
character,  learning,  and  ability  to  instruct  a  primary  school,  DO  HERE 
BY  CERTIFY,  that  he  is  duly  qualified  for  that  service,  and  accordingly 
he  is  hereby  licensed  to  teach  primary  schools  in  said  township  "for 
two  years  from  the  date  hereof,  unless  this  certificate  shall,  before 
that  time,  be  annulled  according  to  law. 

Given  under  our  hands  this day  of ,  A.  D.  185  . 

g _  p '  /         School 

'  C      Inspectors. 


396 

SEC.  8b.  For  the  purpose  of  making  such  examination,  the  board  of 
school  inspectors  shall  meet  on  the  second  Saturday  of  April,  and  first 
Saturday  of  November  in  each  year,  at  the  office  of  the  township  clerk, 
or  at  s"ch  other  place  as  they  shall  designate;  of  which  meetings  the 
township  clerk  shall  give  at  least  ten  days'  notice  in  writing,  by  posting 
up^the  same  in  three  public  places  in  the  township. 

FORM    OF    NOTICE. 

Notice  is  hereby  given,  that  for  the  purpose  of  making  an  exam 
ination  of  all  persons  who  may  offer  themselves  as  candidates  for 
teachers  of  the  primary  schools  of  this  township,  the  board  of  school 

inspectors  thereof,   will  meet  at  the of ,  at  the  hour 

of o'clock  in  the noon  of  the day  of ,  A.  D. 

185  .  A B , 

Township  Clerk. 

SEC.  87.  The  inspectors  may  make  such  examination  at  such  other 
times  as  they  may  designate  for  that  purpose,  but  shall  make  no  charge 
against  the  township  for  examining  teachers  at  any  other  times  than  those 
specified  in  the  preceding  section. 

1.  This  section  forbids  the  inspectors  from  making  any  charges 
against  the  township  for  their  services  under  this  section.     It  is  rea 
sonable  however,  if  the  candidate  has  failed  to  be  present  at  the  reg 
ular  time  of  examination,  that  he  should  himself  pay  the  inspectors 
if  they  demand  it.     They  are  not  bound  to  make  the  examination  if 
the  candidate  will  not  assent  to  this  tax. 

2.  A  teacher  who  receives  his  certificate  at  the  examination  had 
on  any  other  than  the  days  specified  in  section   86,  is  a  qualified 
teacher  and  entitled  to  receive  pay  for  his  services  out  of  the  income 
of  the  school  money. 

SEC.  88.  The  examination  of  teachers  shall  be  public,  and  no  certifi 
cate  shall  be  given  by  the  inspectors  unless  they  are  satisfied  that  the  ap 
plicant  possesses  a  good  moral  character,  and  a  thorough  and  accurate 
knowledge  of  the  several  branches  of  study  usually  taught  in  primary 
schools,  and  is  competent  in  other  respects  to  teach  and  govern  a  school. 

For  the  mode  and  character  of  the  examination  which  ought  to 
be  required  under  this  section,  see  under  head  of  "Examination  of 
Teachers,"  in  a  subsequent  part  of  this  document. 

SEC.  89.  When  a  district  is  situated  in  two  or  more  townships,  the 
teacher  for  such  district  shall  be  examined  by  the  inspectors  of  the  town 
ship  to  which  the  director  is  required  to  make  his  annual  report. 

This  report  is  made  to  the  township  where  the  school  house  is  sit 
uated,  in  all  cases. 

SEC.  90.  Whenever  the  inspectors  shall  deem  it  necessary  to  re-ex 
imine  any  teacher  of  a  primary  school  in  their  township,  they  shall  give 
fire  days'  notice  to  such  teacher  of  the  time  and  place  of  such  re-examina- 


397 

tion,  and  of  their  intention  to  annul  his  certificate  if  they  find  him  defi 
cient  in  the  requisite  qualifications;  and  at  the  time  and  place  specified  in 
the  notice,  if  the  teacher  shall  not  appear  and  submit  to  such  re-examina 
tion,  or  if  he  shall  be  found  deficient  as  aforesaid  the  inspectors  shall 
annul  the  said  certificate. 

FORM  OF  NOTICE. 

To  A E : 

SIR — You  are  hereby  notified  that  the  undersigned,  school  inspec 
tors  for  the  township  of  ,  will  hold  a  meeting  at , 

on  the day  of ,  at o'clock  —  M.     You  will  please 

appear  before  them  at  the  time  and  place  aforesaid,  for  re-examina 
tion.  It  is  our  purpose  to  annul  your  certificate  if  you  are  found 
deficient  in  the  qualifications  requisite  for  a  primary  school  teacher. 

C D , 

W J , 

L M , 

School  Inspectors. 
Dated ,  185  . 

This  notice  may  be  signed  by  the  township  clerk,  as  clerk  of  the 
board.  In  case  the  board  determine  to  annul  the  certificate,  the  clerk 
should  make  entry  of  the  vote  or  resolution  of  the  board  to  that  ef 
fect;  and  the  district  which  has  employed  such  teacher  should  be 
furnished  with  a  copy.  And  in  case  the  certificate  shall  not  be  re 
turned  by  the  teacher,  notice  may  be  posted  or  published,  if  the  in 
spectors  deem  it  advisable,  in  the  following  form: 

NOTICE. 

The  undersigned,    school  inspectors  of  the  township  of  , 

having  given  the  notice  required  by  law,  have  re-examined  A 

B ,  a  primary  school  teacher,  and  found  him  deficient  in  the  re 
quisite  qualifications:  This  is  to  give  notice  that  his  certificate  grant 
ed  heretofore  on  the day  of ,  185  ,  has  been  annulled. 

C D ,)  School 

E F ,f       Inspectors. 

This  notice  may  be  signed  by  the  township  clerk,  as  clerk  of  the 
board,  or  he  may  publish  the  resolution  of  the  board  itself,  in  lieu 
of  notice.  When  the  teacher  does  not  appear,  that  fact  should  b« 
set  out  in  the  notice,  instead  of  the  fact  that  he  was  re-examined. 

SKC.  91.  The  whole  number  of  meetings  of  said  board  of  inspectors 
during  any  one  year,  at  the  expense  of  the  township,  shall  not  exceed 
six;  and  whenever  said  board  shall  meet  for  the  purpose  of  forming  or  al 
tering  school  districts,  they  shall  cause  the  like  notice  to  be  given  as  IB 
required  for  meetings  to  examine  teachers. 

SRC.  92.  Whenever  the  board  of  inspectors  of  any  township  shall  deem 
that  the  interests  of  any  of  the  schools  will  be  best  promoted  by  so  doing, 
they  may  form  a  single  district  ou*.  of  any  two  or  more  districts  therein, 
and  classify  the  pupils  in  such  district  into  two  or  more  classes,  according 


398 

to  their  proficiency  and  advancement  in  learning,  and  require  that  such 
pupils  be  taught  in  distinct  schools  or  departments  as  classified  by  them, 
and  such  district  may  have  the  same  number  of  school  houses,  if  neces 
sary,  and  raise  the  same  amount  of  taxes  which  the  original  districts 
forming  the  same  could  raise  if  not  united. 

[1.  In  districts  containing  more  than  one  hundred  scholars  between  the 
ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  the  district  board  may  be  enlarged  by 
adding  thereto  four  trustees:  Provided,  That  the  district  determine  to  do 
so  by  a  two-thirds  vote,  at  any  annual  meeting. 

2.  The  additional  trustees  first  elected  shall   serve  severally  one,  two, 
three  and  four  years,  to  be  determined  by  lot  immediately  on  filing  their 
certificate  of  acceptance  with  the  director.     After  the  first  election,  each 
trustee  shall  serve  four  years. 

3.  All  vacancies  that   may  occur  in  the  office  of  trustee  shall  be  filled 
according    to   existing   provisions    for   filling  vacancies    in   the  district 
board. 

4.  Rate  bills  shall  be  collected  and  all  moneys  shall  be  drawn  and  ap 
plied  according  to  existing-    provisions  of  law,  but  in  the  employment  of 
teachers  the  director  shall  have   the  approval  of  the  moderator  or  assessor 
according  to  provisions  of  law  heretofore  existing,  and  of  at  least  two  of 
the  trustees;  and  the  authority  to  classify  pupils  in  such  cases  shall  be 
transferred  from,  the  school  inspectors  to  the  enlarged  district  board. 

5.  The  boundaries  of  districts    that  may  avail  themselves  of  this  act, 
shall  not  be  enlarged  nor  diminished  without  the    written   approval  of  a 
majoriiy  of  the  enlarged  district  board.] 

SEC.  93.  The  said  inspectors  may  also,  on  the  application  of  the  dis 
trict  board  of  any  district,  classify  the  pupils  therein  in  the  manner  pre 
scribed  in  the  preceding  section,  and  require  that  such  pupils  be  taught  in 
distinct  departments,  whenever  they  shall  judge  that  the  interests  of  the 
school  will  be  best  promoted  thereby;  and  in  case  of  any  such  classifica 
tion  as  is  provided  for  in  this  or  the  preceding  section,  as  many  teachers 
may  be  employed  for  each  district,  as  there  are  departments  in  which 
teachers  are  required. 

[The  district  board  in  any  school  district  in  which  the  scholars  have 
been  or  may  be  classified  as  provided  in  section  number  ninety-two  or 
ninety-three  cf  chapter  number  fifty-eight  of  the  revised  statutes,  and  the 
act  or  acts  amendatory  thereto,  shall  have  power  to  graduate  the  price  of 
tuition  according  to  the  studies  pursued  by  the  scholars  respectively,  in 
such  manner  as  the  said  board  shall  deem  just.] 

[SEC.  2.  The  rate  bills  made  out  in  accordance  with  the  graduation  pro 
vided  for  in  the  preceding  section,  shall  have  the  same  force  and  be  col 
lected  in  the  same  manner  as  the  rate  bills  in  other  cases.] 

SEC.  94.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  inspectors,  to  render  to  the 
township  board,  on  the  Tuesday  next  preceding  the  annual  township 
meeting",  a  full  and  true  account  of  all  moneys  received  and  disbursed  by 
them  as  such  inspectors  during  the  year,  which  account  shall  be  settled 
by  said  township  board,  and  such  disbursement  allowed,  if  the  proper 
vouchers  are  presented. 

SEC.  95.  Whenever  any  district  board  sh&l]  fail  to  supply  any  vacancy 
that  shall  occur  in  their  own  numbeijfwithin  ten  days  after  the  time  of  its 
occurrence,  the  board  of  inspectors  shall  fill  the  same  by  appointment. 

FORM  OF  APPOINTMENT  OF    DISTRICT  OFFICERS  BY    SCHOOL    INSPECTORS. 

The  undersigned,  school  inspectors  for  the  township  of  —  — ,  do 
hereby  appoint  A B ,  assessor  of  school  district  No. , 


399 

in  said  township,  to  fill  the  vacancy  created  by  the of  C- 

D ,  the  late  incumbent. 

G H ', 

I J , 


School  Inspectors. 

1.  The  board  of  inspectors  of  one  township  cannot  fill  a  vacancy 
in  the  district  board  where  the  district  is  fractional.  This  requires 
the  action  of  the  joint  inspectors  of  the  several  townships. 

CERTAIN  DUTIES  OF  TOWNSHIP  CLERK. 

SEC.  9G.  The  township  clerk  shall  be  the  clerk  of  the  board  of  school 
inspectors  by  virtue  of  his  office,  and  shall  attend  all  meetings  of  said 
board,  arid  under  their  direction  prepare  all  their  reports  and  record  the 
same,  and  shall  record  all  their  proceedings,  including  the  names  of  teach 
ers  to  whom  certificates  shall  have  been  given,  with  the  date  of  each  cer 
tificate,  and  the  name  of  each  teacher  whose  certificate  shall  have  been 
annulled,  with  the  date  of  such  annulment. 

1.  An  error  of  the  township  clerk,  such  as  entering  upon  his  re 
cord  the  words  "  township  board,"  when  it  should  be  "  board  of 
school  inspectors,"  may  be  corrected.  Any  omission  on  the  part  of 
the  clerk  to  record  the  actual  proceedings  of  the  board,  should  be 
supplied  at  once.  For  this  reason,  the  clerk  should  read  to  the  in 
spectors  his  minutes  of  proceedings  before  they  are  recorded.  A 
mere  clerical  error  may  always  be  corrected. 

SEC.  97.  On  receiving  notice  from  the  county  treasurer,  of  the  amount 
of  school  moneys  apportioned  to  his  township,  he  shall  apportion  the  same 
amongst  the  several  districts  therein,  entitled  to  the  same,  in  proportion 
to  the  number  of  children  in  each  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen 
years,  as  the  same  shall  be  shown  by  the  annual  report  of  the  director  of 
each  district  for  the  school  year  last  closed. 

1.  The  apportionment  of  the  income  of  the  primary  school  fund 
made  from  the  office  of  Superintendent  is  to  the  different  townships,  in 
proportion  to  the  number  of  children  in  each,  between  the  ages  of 
four  and  eighteen,  as  appears  by  the  reports  of  school  officers  trans 
mitted  to   his  office.     This  money  is  apportioned   to  townships  in 
which  districts  have  not  kept  up  a  school  for  three  months,  if  the 
number  of  scholars  residing  in  such  districts   have   been   reported; 
but  the"  money  thus  apportioned  to  the  townships,  goes  to  those  dis 
tricts  only  in   which  schools  have  been  taught    three  months,  by  a 
qualified  teacher.    See  section  119. 

2.  When  money  has  been  erroneously  apportioned  to  a  district  in 
which  no  school  has  been  taught  for  the  prescribed  time,  and  drawn 


400 

by  the  district  officers,  there  is  no  statutory  provision  for  rectifying 
the  error.  It  should  be  restored  to  the  treasury  of  the  township, 
and  distribution  of  it  made  to  such  districts  as  are  entitled  to  it. 

3.  If  the  township  clerk  makes  an  error  in  his  apportionment,  by 
which  a  district  is  deprived  of  its  money,  the  district  may  look  to  the 
elerk  for  the  amount. 

4.  The  statute  vests  no  discretion  with  the  clerk  to  make  an  equi 
table  distribution  to  districts,  different  from  what  the  reports  of  the 
director  shows. 

5.  The  omission  to  date  a  report,   regularly  made  from  a  district 
to  a  moderator,  will  not  deprive  such  district  of  its  proportion  of 
public  money. 

6.  The  public  money  may  be  apportioned  to  a  district,  when  the 
school  has  been  sustained  by  subscription,  if  the  scholar  has  been 
taught  by  a  qualified  teacher  for  the  time  required  by  law. 

7.  The  public  money  may  be  used  to  pay  so  much  of  a  teachers' 
wages  as  may  be  due  him,  on  the  revocation  of  his  certificate. 

8.  For  the  manner  of  apportioning  to  fractional  districts,  see  see- 
tion  139. 

9.  The  public  money  is  to  be  apportioned  among  the  several  dis 
tricts,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  children  in  each,  between  the 
ages  of  four  and  eighteen,    as  the  same  appears  from  the  annual  re 
port  of  the  director  for  school  year  last  closed.     If  children  between 
these  ages  move  into  adjoining  districts  after  the  census  is  taken  by 
the  director,  and  the  report  is  made,  the  district  into  which  they  have 
moved  draws  no  public  money  on  their  account. 

10.  Moneys  raised  by  tax  for  support  of  the  schools,  can  not  b« 
apportioned  to  teachers  who  are  not  qualified  teachers. 

11.  When  interest  has  accumulated  on  moneys  raised  for  building 
purgoses,  it  should  be  appropriated  to  the  same  purposes  as  the  prin 
cipal.     There  is  no  authority  of  law  for  loaning  the  moneys  raised 
for  school  purposes,  or  building  school  houses. 

SEC.  98.  Said  clerk  shall  also  apportion,  in  like  manner,  on  receiving 
notice  of  the  amount  from  the  township  treasurer,  all  moneys  raised  b'y 
township  tax,  or  received  from  other  sources  for  the  support  of  schools, 
and  in  cases  make  out  and  deliver  to  the  township  treasurer,  a  written 
statement  of  the  number  of  children  in  each  district  drawing  money  and 
the  amount  apportioned  to  each  district,  and  record  the  apportionment  in  his 
office. 


401 

SBC.  99.  He  shall  receive  and  keep  all  reports  to  the  inspectors  from 
the  directors  of  the  several  school  districts  in  his  township,  and  all  the 
books  and  papers  belonging  to  the  inspectors,  and  file  such  papers  in  his 
office. 

SEC.  100.  He  shall  receive  all  such  communications  as  may  be  trans 
mitted  to  him  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  and  dispose  of 
the  same  in  the  manner  directed  therein. 

SEC.  101.  He  shall  transmit  to  the  county  clerk  all  such  reports  as  may 
be  delivered  to  him  for  that  purpose  by  the  inspectors,  within  the  time 
limited  in  this  chapter. 

1.  No  time  is  here  fixed  for  transmitting  the  return,  but  it  should 
be  done  without  delay.  The  distribution  of  public  money  is  made 
annually  in  May. 

SEC.  102.  Each  township  clerk  shall  cause  a  map  to  be  made  of  his 
township,  showing  by  distinct  lines  thereon,  the  boundaries  of  each  school 
district,  and  parts  of  "school  districts  therein,  and  shall  regularly  number 
the  same  thereon,  as  established  by  the  inspectors. 

SEC.  103.  One  copy  of  such  map  shall  be  filed  by  the  said  clerk  in  hia 
office,  and  one  other  copy  he  shall  file  with  the  supervisor  of  the  township; 
and  within  one  month  after  any  division  or  alteration  of  a  district,  or  the 
organization  of  a  new  one  in  his  township,  the  said  clerk  shall  file  a  new 
map  and  copy  thereof,  as  aforesaid,  showing  the  same. 

SEC.  104.  The  clerk  shall  also  certify  to  the  supervisor  the  amount 
to  be  assessed  upon  the  taxable  property  of  any  school  district  retaining 
the  district  school  house  or  other  property,  on  the  division  of  the  district, 
as  the  same  shall  have  been  determined  by  the  inspectors,  and  he  shall  also 
certify  the  same  to  the  director  of  such  district,  and  to  the  director  of  the 
district  entitled  thereto. 

SEC.  105.  Said  clerk  shall  also  be  the  township  librarian,  and  as  such, 
shall  have  the  custody  of  the  township  library;  and  he  shall  do  and  exe 
cute  all  such  other  acts  and  things  pertaining  to  his  office  as  may  be  re 
quired  of  him  by  the  inspectors. 

OF    TAXES    FOR  SCHOOL  PURPOSES. 

SEC.  106.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  supervisor  of  the  township  to  as 
sess  the  taxes  voted  by  every  school  district  in  his  township,  and  also  all 
other  taxes  provided  for  in  this  chapter,  chargeable  against  such  district 
or  township,  upon  the  taxable  property  of-the  district  or  township  respec 
tively,  and  to  place  the  same  on  the  township  assessment  roll  in  the  col 
umn  for  school  taxes,  and  the  same  shall  be  collected  and  returned  by  the 
township  treasurer,  in  the  same  manner,  and  for  thef  same  compensation 
as  township  taxes. 

SEC.  107.  The  supervisor  shall  also  assess  upon  the  taxable  property  of 
his  township,  two  mills  on  each  dollar  of  the  valuation  thereof,  in  each 
year;  and  twenty-five  dollars  of  the  same  .shall  be  applied  to  the  purchase 
of  books  for  the  township  library,  and  the  remainder  thereof  shall  be  ap 
portioned  to  the  several  school  districts  in  the  township,  for  the  support  of 
schools  therein,  and  the  sams  shall  be  collected  arid  returned  in  the  same 
manner  as  provided  [in  the  preceding  section,]  and  all  school  taxes  return 
ed  for  non-payment,  shall  be  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  State  and 
county  taxes.  [See  sections  141  and  142.] 

1.  In  many  township  >  heretofore,  for  various  causes,  it  has  been 
the  practice  for  the  supervisors  to  omit  the  assessment  of  this  tax- 
51 


402 

Ifc  is  the  basis  of  the  school  system,  and  the  most  important  portion 
of  the  system  of  taxation,  devised  to  support  the  schools  and  render 
them  under  the  requirements  of  the  revised  constitution,  free  to  all 
who  choose  to  enter  their  doors.  The  neglect  to  assess  this  tax  in 
the  manner  the  law  provides,  renders  the  supervisor  not  only  liable 
to  a  penalty,  but  such  a  neglect  is  a  misdemeanor,  and  an  indictable 
offence.  The  district  cannot  by  any  vote,  waive  its  assessment;  nor 
can  the  $25  appropriated  to  library  purposes  be  otherwise  disposed 
of  than  as  provided  in  this  section. 

2.  The  townships  have  in  some  instances  used  the  mill  tax  for 
township  purposes.     The  officers  who  thus  appropriated  it,  or  suf 
fered  it  to  be  thus  appropriated,  are  liable  for  it,  and  should  restore 
it  without  delay. 

3.  See  section  142. 

SBC.  108.  The  supervisor,  on  delivery  of  the  warrant  for  the  col 
lection  of  taxes  to  the  township  treasurer,  shall  also  deliver  to  said  treas 
urer  a  written  statement  of  the  amount  of  school  and  library  taxes,  the 
amount  raised  for  district  purpo&es  on  the  taxable  property  of  t-ach  district 
in  the  township,  the  amount  belonging  to  any  new  district  on  the  division 
of  the  former  district,  and  the  names  of  all  persons  having-  judgments  as 
sessed  under  the  provisions  of  this  chapter  upon  the  taxable  property  of 
any  district,  with  the  amount  payable  to  such  person  on  account  thereof. 

1.  By  the  provisions  of  section  142,  the  supervisor  of  each  town 
ship,  on  the  delivery  of  the  warrant,  &c.,  is  also  to  deliver  to  the 
treasurer  a  written  statement,  certified  by  him,  of  the  amount  of 
taxes  levied  under  section  107,  upon  any  property  lying  within  the 
bounds  of  a  fractional  district,  a  part  of  which  is  situated  within  the 
township,  and  the  returns  of  which  are  made  to  another  township: 
and  the  treasurer  pays  to  the  treasurer  of  such  other  township  the 
amount  of  taxes  so  levied  and  collected. 

SEC.  109.  The  township  treasurer  shall  retain  in  his  hands,  out  of  the 
moneys  collected  by  him,  after  deducting  the  amount  of  the  tax  for  town 
ship  expenses,  the  full  amount  of  the  school  tax  on  the  assessment  roll, 
and  hold  the  same  subject  to  the  warrant  of  the  proper  district  officers,  to 
the  order  of  the  school  inspectors,  or  of  the  persons  entitled  thereto. 

SRC.  110.  Said  treasurer  shall,  from  time  to  time,  apply  to  the  county 
treasurer  for  all  school  and  library  moneys  belonging  to  his  township,  or 
the  districts  thereof;  and  on  receipt  of  the  moneys  to  be  apportioned  to 
the  districts,  he  shall  notify  the  township  clerk  of  the  amount  to  be  ap 
portioned.  [See  sections  142  and  143.] 

CERTAIN  DUTIES  OF  TltE  COUNTY  CLERK. 

SEC.  111.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  county  clerk  to  receive  all  such 
communications  as  may  be  directed  to  him  by  the  Superintendent  of  Pub- 


403 

lie  Instruction,  and  dispose  of  the  same  in  the  manner  directed  by  said 
Superintendent. 

SEC.  112.  The  clerk  of  each  county  shall,  immediately  after  receiving 
the  annual  reports  of  the  several  boards  of  school  inspectors,  transmic  to 
the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  one  of  the  duplicate  repi  rts  of 
each  of  the  said  several  boards,  and  the  other  he  shall  file  in  his  office; 
and  on  receiving1  notice  from  the  Superintendent  of  the  amount  of  mon 
eys  apportioned  to  the  several  townships  in  his  county,  he  shall  file  the 
same  in  his  office,  and  forthwith  deliver  a  copy  thereof  to  the  county  trea 
surer. 

SEC.  113  of  the  sch3ol  law,  as  published  in  the  revised  statutes  and 
pamphlet  ediiion  of  1848,  is  repealed. 

1.  Section    112    makes  a    material  alteration  in  the  duties  of  the 
county  clerk,  from  the  law  as  published  in  pamphlet  form  in  1848. 
The  county  clerks  make  no  abstracts,  but  simply  forward  the  reports 
of  the  inspectors  to  the  Superintendent. 

2.  An  act  prescribing  the  duties  of  the  Superintendent,  approved 
March  29,  1S50,  provides  that  whenever  the  returns  from  any  coun 
ty,   township  or  city,  upon  which  a  statement  of  the   amount  to  be 
disbursed  or  paid  to  any  such  county,  township  or  city,  shall  be  so 
far  defective    as  to  render  it  impracticable  to  ascertain  the  share  of 
public  moneys  which  ought  to  be  disbursed  or  paid  to  such  county, 
township  or  city,  the  Superintendent  shall  ascertain  by  the  bes.t  evi 
dence  in  his  power,  the  focts  upon  which  the  ratio  of  such  apportion 
ment  shall  depend  and  make  the  apportionment  accordingly.     It  also 
provides  that  whenever  by  accident,  mistake,  or  any  other  cause,  the 
returns  from  any  county,  township  or  city,  shall  not  contain  the  whole 
number  of  scholars  in  such  county,  township  or  city,  between  the 
ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  and    entitled  to  draw  money  from 
the  fund,  arid  by  which  any  such  township,  county  or  city,  shall  fail 
to  have  apportioned  to  it  the  amount  to  which  it  is  justly  entitled,  the 
Superintendent  shail  apportion   such    deficiency  in  his  next  annual 
apportionment. 

LIBRARIES. 

SEC.  114.  A  township  library  shall  be  maintained  in  each  organized 
township  in  this  State,  which  shall  be  the  property  of  the  township,  and 
the  parents  and  guardianr  of  all  children  therein  between  the  ages  of  four 
and  eighteen  years,  ehall  be  permitted  to  use  books  from  such  library 
without  charge,  being  responsible  to  the  township  for  the  safe  return 
thereof,  and  for  any  injury  done  thereto,  according  to  such  rules  and  reg 
ulations  as  are  or  may  be  established  by  the  board  of  school  inspectors  of 
the  towns hi]>. 

SEC.  115.  The  books  of  such  library  shall,  once  in  three  months,  be 
distributed  by  the  township  librarian  among  the  several  school  districts  of 
the  township,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  children  in  each  between  the 


404 

ages  aforesaid,  as  the  same  shnll  appear  by  the  last  report  of  the  director 
thereof,  and  said  books  shall  be  drawn  and  returned  by  the  several  direc 
tors  for  their  respective  districts.  [See  section  144.]  " 

1.  The  law  does  not  authorize   any  other  person  but  the  director 
to  draw  books,  and  he  is  responsible  for  their  preservation  and  safety 
after  having  drawn  them. 

2.  No  provision  of  law  exists,  by  which  different  townships  can 
exchange  books. 

3.  Section  144  authorizes  the  school  inspectors  to  suspend  the  op 
eration  of  this  section  whenever  they  are  of  opinion  that  the  interests 
of  the  people  require  it,  and  to  restore  it  again  as  they  think  best. 

SBC.  116.  The  clear  proceeds  of  all  fines  for  any  breach  of  the  penal 
laws  of  this  State,  and  tor  penalties,  or  upon  any  recognizances  in  crimi 
nal  proceedings,  and  all  equivalents  for  exemption  from  military  duty, 
when  collected  in  any  county,  arid  paid  into  the  county  treasury,  together 
with  all  moneys  heretofore  collected  and  paid  into  said  treasury  on  account 
of  such  fines  or  equivalents,  and  not  already  apportioned,  shall  be  appor 
tioned  by  the  county  treasurer  between  the  first  and  t°uth  days  of  April 
in  each  year,  among*  the  several  townships  iu  the  county,  according  to  the 
number  of  children  therein  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  as 
shown  by  the  last  annual  statement  ot  the  county  clerk  on  file  in  his  office; 
which  money  shall  be  applied  to  the  purchase  of  books  for  the  township 
library,  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

1."  The  boards  of  supervisors  have  no  anthority  to  remit,  fines  im 
posed  by  courts  of  law,  and  all  moneys  collected  or  received  by  the 
county  treasurers  on  fines,  penalties  and  forfeitures  of  recognizan 
ces,  must  be  applied  to  the  purposes  indicated  in  this  section,  and  to 
these  alone. 

SEC.  117.  In  each  district  in  which  a  district  library  has  been  estab 
lished,  the  director  shall,  as  the  librarian  of  the  district,  distribute  the 
books  therein  to  the  childien  of  his  district  of  proper  age,  and  shall  collect 
from  the  parents  or  guardians  of  such  children,  all  such  damages  as  they 
may  respectively  become  liable  to  pay  on  account  of  any  injury  done  to, 
or  loss  of,  or  neglect  to  return  any  of  such  books  or  any  books  belonging 
to  the  township  library,  pursuant  to  such  rules  and  regulations  as  shall  be 
prescribed  by  the  board  of  school  inspectors. 

SKC.  118.  If  such  damage  shall  have  occurred  by  reason  of  any  injury 
to,  or  loss  of,  or  neglect  to  return  any  books  belonging  to  the  township  li 
brary,  they  shall  be  collected  in  the  name  of  the  township,  and  paid  into 
the  township  treasury  for  the  benefit  of  such  township  library:  and  if  the 
same  shall  have  accrued  by  reason  of  any  injury  to,  or  loss  of,  or  neglect 
to  return  any  books  belonging  to  the  district  library r  the  same  shall  be 
collected  in  the  name  of  the  district,  for  the  benefit  of  the  district  li 
brary. 

1.  It  is  questionable  whether  the  township  clerk  can  justly  with 
hold  books  from. a  director  who  has  refused  to  pay  a  fine  imposed  up 
on  him.  It  would  be  questionable  policy  to  withhold  the  distribu- 


405 

tion  of  the  books,  and  deprive  the  inhabitants  and  children  of  the 
benefit  of  them,  for  default  of  a  director.  The  law  relating  to  libra 
ries  is  a  subject  of  considerable  complaint.  Such  complaint  seems 
to  arise  partly  from  defects  in  the  law,  and  partly  from  the  selections 
of  books  made  by  the  inspectors.  This  subject  is  referred  to  at 
length  in  another  part  of  this  document,  in  connection  with  which 
will  be  found  rules  for  their  regulation  and  management. 

2.  The  libraries  are  designed  for  those  who  have  completed  their 
studies  in  the  primary  schools,    and  those  who  have  not.     They  are 
intended  for  the  use  of  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  district. 

3.  The  use  of  the  books  cannot  be  restricted  to  scholars  attending 
school.  * 

DISTRIBUTION  OK  THE  INCOME  OF  THK  SCHOOL  FUND. 

SEC.  119.  The  interest  of  the  primary  school  fund  shall  be  distributed 
on  the  first  Monday  of  May,  or  as  soon  thereafter  as  practicable,  in  each 
year,  for  the  support  of  primary  schools  in  the  several  townships  in  this 
State  from  which  reports  have  been  received  from  the  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  for 
the  school  year  last  closed,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  children  in 
such  townships  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years;  and  the 
same  shall  be  payable  on  the  warrant  of  the  Auditor  General  to  the  treas 
urers  of  the  several  counties. 

SEC.  120.  The  several  county  treasurers  shall  apply  for  and  receive 
such  moneys  as  shall  have  been  apportioned  to  their  respective  counties, 
when  the  same  shall  become  due;  and  each  of  said  treasurers  shall  imme 
diately  give  notice  to  the  treasurer  and  clerk  of  each  township  in  his 
county,  of  the  amount  of  school  moneys  apportioned  to  his  township,  and 
shall  hold  the  same  subject  to  the  order  of  the  township  treasurer. 

SEC.  121.  Whenever  the  clerk  of  any  county  shall  receive  from  the 
Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  notice  of  the  amount  of  moneys  ap 
portioned  to  the  several  townships  in  his  county,  he  shall  file  the  same  in 
his  office,  and  forthwith  deliver  a  copy  thereof  to  the  county  treasurer. 

OF  SUITS  AND  JUDGMENTS  AGAINST  SCHOOL  DISTRICTS. 

SEC.  122.  Justices  of  the  peace  shall  have  jurisdiction  in  all  cases  of 
aesumpsit,  debt,  covenant,  and  trespass  on  the  case  against  school  dis 
tricts,  when  the  amount  claimed,  or  matter  irj  controversy  shall  not  ex 
ceed  one  hundred  dollars,  and  the  parties  shail  have  the  same  right  of  ap 
peal  as  in  other  cases. 

SEC.  123.  When  any  suit  shall  be  brought  against  a  school  district,  it 
shall  be  commenced  by  summons,  a  copy  of  which  shall  be  left  with  the 
assessor  of  the  district,  at  least  eight  days  before  the  return  day  thereof. 

SEC.  124.  No  execution  shall  issue  on  any  judgment  against  a  school 
district,  nor  shall  any  suit  be  brought  thereon,  but  the  same  shall  be  col 
lected  in  the  m:  nner  prescribed  in  this  chapter. 

SEC.  125.  Whenever  any  final  judgment  shall  be  obtained  against  a 
school  district,  if  the  same  shall  not  be  removed  to  any  other  court,  the 
assessor  of  the  district  shall  certify  to  the  supervisor  of  the  township,  and 
to  the  director  of  the  district,  the  date  and  amount  of  such  judgment, 


406 

with  the  name  of  the  person  in  whose  favor  the  same  was  rendered,  and 
if  the  judgment  shall  be  removed  to  another  court,  the  assessor  shall  cer 
tify  the  same  as  aforesaid,  immediately  alter  the  final  determination  there 
of,  against  the  district. 

FORM    OF    CERTIFICATE    TO  SUPERVISOR. 

To  ike  Supervisor  of  the  Township  of : 

1  hereby  certify  that  the  following  judgments  have  been  recovered 

against  school  district-  No. ,  of  said  township,  and  that  the  date 

of  such  payments,  the  amounts  thereof,  and  the  name  of  the  person 
in  whose  favor  said  judgments  were  rendered,  were  as  follows: 


NAMES  OF  PERSONS.                   [DATE  OF  j'DGM'T. 

AM'T  OF  J'DOM'T. 

J^        __,                L  -,_,,—               £)                                                            'j 

C          1  > 

1 

Dated  this day  of 

G H ,  Assessor. 

1.  If  the  judgments,  or  any  of  them,  have  been  appealed,  the  as 
sessor,  under  his  signature    and   the  date  of  the  certificate,  should 
certify  as  follows: 

1  also  certify  that  the  judgments  above  specified  as  having  been 

recovered  by  A B and  C D ,  have  been  removed 

to  another  court,  according  to  law. 

2.  Copies  of  the  above  certificates  are  to  be  given  to  the  director. 
See  the  provisions  of  section    127  in  relation  to  judgments  against 
fractional  districts. 

SEC.  126.  If  the  assessor  shall  fail  to  certify  the  judgment,  as  required 
in  the  preceding  section,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  party  obtaining  the 
same,  his  executors,  administrators  or  assigns,  to  file  with  the  supervi 
sor  the  certificate  of  the  justice  or  clerk  of  the  court  rendering  the  judg 
ment,  showing  the  facts  which  should  have  been  certified  by  the  assess 
or. 

SEC.  127.  If  the  district  against  whom  any  such  judgment  shall  be 
rendered,  is  situated  in  part  in  two  or  murp  townships,  a  certificate  thereof 
shall  be  delivered  as  aforesaid  to  the  supervisor  of  each  township  in  which 
such  district  is  in  part  situated. 

SEC.  128.  The  supervisor  or  supervisors  receiving  either  of  the  cer 
tificates  of  a  judgment  as  aforesaid,  shall  proceed  to  assess  the  amount 
thereof,  with  interest  from  the  date  of  the  judgment  to  the  time  when  the 
warrant  for  the  collection  thereof  will  expire,  upon  the  taxable  property 
of  the  district,  placing  the  same  on  the  next  township  assessment,  roll 
in  ihe  column  fur  school  taxes,  and  the  same  proceedings  shall  be  had, 
and  the  same  shall  be  collected  and  returned  in  the  same  manner  as  other 
district  taxes. 

PENALTIES  AND  LIABILITIES. 

SRC.  129.  Every  taxable  inhabitant  receiving  the  notice  mentioned  in 
the  first  and  second  sections  of  this  chapter,  who  shall  neglect  or  refuse 


407 

duly  to  serve  and  return  such  notice,  and  every  chairman  of  the  first  dis 
trict  meeting  in  any  district,  who  shall  wilfully  neglect  or  refuse  10  per 
form  the  duties  enj  ined  on  him  in  this  chapter,  shall  respectively  forfeit 
the  sum  of  five  dollars. 

SEC.  130.  Every  person  duly  elected  to  the  office  of  moderator,  direc 
tor  or  assessor  of  a  school  district,  who  shall  neglect  or  refuse,  without 
sufficient  cause,  to  accept  such  oliice  and  serve  therein,  or  who,  having  en 
tered  upon  the  duties  of  his  otiice,  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  perform  any 
duty  required  of  him  by  virtue  of  his  office,  shall  forfeit  the  sum  of  ten 
dollars. 

SEC.  131.  Every  person  duly  fleeted  or  appointed  a  school  inspector, 
who  shall  neglect  or  refsue,  without  sufficient  cause,  to  qualify  and  serve 
as  such,  or  who,  having' entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office,  shall  neglect 
or  refu.se  to  perform  any  duty  required  of  him  by  virtue  of  his  office,  shall 
forfeit  the  sum  ot  ten  dollars. 

SEC.  13'2.  If  any  board  of  school  inspectors  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to 
make  and  deliver  to  the  township  c!°rk,  their  annual  report  to  the  county 
clerk,  as  required  in  this  chapter,  within  the  time  limited  therefor,  they 
shall  be  liable  to  pay  the  full  H  mount  of  money  lost  by  their  failure,  with 
interest  thereon,  to  be  recovered  by  the  township  treasurer  in  the  name  of 
the  township,  in  an  action  of  debt  or  on  the  case. 

SEC.  133.  If  any  township  clerk  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  transmit  the 
report  mentioned  in  the  preceding  section,  to  the  county  clerk,  as  required 
in  this  chapter,  he  shall  be  liable  to  pay  the  full  amount  lost  by  such  neg 
lect  or  refusal,  with  interest  thereon,  to  be  recovered  in  the  manner  spe 
cified  in  the  preceding'  section. 

SKC.  134.  Every  county  cleric  who  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  transmit 
the  report  required  in  this  chapter  to  be  made  by  him  to  the  Superintend 
ent  of  Public  Instruction,  within  the  time  therefor  limited,  shall  be  liable 
to  pay  to  each  township  the  full  amount  which  such  township,  or  any 
school  district  therein,  shall  losf>  by  such  neglect  or  refusal,  with  interest 
thereon,  to  be  recovered  in  the  manner  specified  in  the  last  two  preceding 
sections. 

SEC.  135.  All  the  moneys  collected  or  received  by  any  township  treas 
urer  under  the  provisions  of  e:ther  of  the  three  last  preceding  sections, 
shall  be  apportioned  and  distributed  to  the  school  districts  entitled  thereto, 
in  the  same  man.ier,  and  in  the  same  proportion  that  the  moneys  lost  by 
any  neglect  or  T-i'usal  therein  mentioned  would,  according  to  the  provis 
ions  of  this  chapter,  have  been  apportioned  and  distributed. 

SEC.  136.  The  town>hip  board  of  each  township  shall  have  power,  and 
is  hereby  required,  to  remove  from  office,  upon  satisfactory  proof,  after  at 
least  five  days'  notice  to  the  party  implicated,  any  district  officer  or  school 
inspector  who  shall  have  illegally  used  or  disposed  of  any  of  the  public 
moneys  en* rusted  to  his  charge. 

MISCELLANEOUS  PROVISIONS  RELATING  TO  PRIMARY  SCHOOLS. 

SEC.  137.  Any  person  paying  taxes  in  a  school  district  in  which  he  does 
not  reside,  may  send  scholars  to  ary  district  school  therein,  and  such  per 
son  shall,  for  lhat  purpose,  have  and  enjoy  all  the  rights  and  prvileges  of 
a  resident  of  such  district,  except  the  right  of  voting  therein,  and  shall  he 
rated  therein  for  ti-achers'  wages  and  fuel,  and  in  the  census  of  such 
district,  and  the  apportionment  of  moneys  from  the  school  fund,  scholars 
so  sent,  and  attending  generally  such  schools,  shall  be  considered  as  belong 
ing  to  such  district:  [Provided,  That  a  majority  of  the  qualified  voters 
attending  at  any  regular  meeitng  in  the  district  in  which  such  person 


408 

resides,  shall  have  determined  that  no  school  shall  be  taught  in  said  dis 
trict  for  the  year,  or,  provided  such  person  shall  not  reside  in  any  organ 
ized  school  district.] 

1.  Under  the   law  of  1848,  as   published  in  pamphlet  form,  any 
person  paying  taxes  in  a  school  district  in  which  he  did  not  reside, 
could  send  scholars  to  any  district  school  therein,  as  provided  in  the 
first  portion  of  this  section.     The  proviso  was  enacted  by  a  subse 
quent  Legislature. 

2.  A  person  paying  taxes  in  several  school  districts  in   which  he 
does  not  reside,  may  send  to  any  district  school  in  any  and  all  of  said 
districts,  subject  to  the  proviso  contained  in  this  section.     The  num 
ber  of  scholars  that  may  be  sent  is  not  limited  by  the  law. 

3.  The  scholars  that  are  so  sent,  are  not  limited  to  the  children  of 
such  persons,  but  to  all  such  as  are  in  their  employ  as  apprentices, 
and  all  children  living  with  such  persons,  and  subject  to  their  care 
and  protection.     Such  children  maybe  rated  for  teachers'  wages  and 
fuel,  and  should  be  included  in  the  census  of  such  district  and  in  the 
apportionment  of  the  income  of  the  school  fund. 

SEC.  138.  Whenever  any  portion  of  a  school  district  shall  be  set  off 
and  annexed  to  any  other  district,  or  organized  into  a  new  one,  after  a 
tax  for  district  purposes,  other  than  the  payment  of  any  debts  of  the  dis 
trict,  shall  have  been  levied  upon  the  taxable  property  thereof,  but  not 
collected,  such  tax  shall  be  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  if  no  part  of 
such  district  had  been  set  on>  and  the  said  former  district,  and  the  district 
to  which  the  portion  so  set  off  may  be  annexed,  or  the  new  district  orga 
nized  from  such  portion,  shall  each  be  entitled  to  such  proportion  of  said 
tax,  as  the  amount  of  taxable  property  in  each  part  thereof  bears  to  the 
whole  amount  of  taxable  property  on  which  such  tax  is  levied. 

SEC.  139.  For  the  purpose  of  apportioning  the  income  of  the  primary 
school  fund  among  the  several  townships,  a  district  situated  in  part  in 
two  or  more  townships,  shall  be  considered  as  belonging  to  the  township 
to  which  the  annual  report  of  the  director  is  required  to  be  made;  but 
money  raised  in  any  one  of  such  townships  for  the  support  of  schools 
therein,  shall  be  apportioned  to  the  districts  and  parts  of  districts  therein, 
according  to  the  number  of  children  of  the  proper  age  in  each. 

SEC.  140.  The  qualified  voters  of  any  school  district  may,  by  vote  at 
their  annual  district  meeting,  raise  by  tax  upon  the  taxable  property  of 
the  district  a  sum  not  exceeding  one  dollar  for  every  scholar  in  the  dis 
trict  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  for  the  support  of  com 
mon  schools  in  the  district,  and  such  tax  shall  be  reported  to  the  supervi 
sor  of  the  proper  township,  and  shall  be  levied,  collected  and  returned  in 
the  same  manner  as  townships  taxes  are  levied,  collected  and  returned. 

SEC.  141.  If  any  supervisor  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  assess  the  taxes 
provided  for  in  section  one  hundred  and  seven  of  chapter  fifty-eight  of  the 
revised  statutes,  he  shall  be  liable  to  pay  to  any  school  district  the  full 
amount  lost  to  such  district  by  such  neglect  or  refusal,  with  the  interest 
thereon,  to  be  recovered  by  the  assessor  in  the  name  of  the  school  dis 
trict,  in  an  action  of  debt  on  the  case. 


409 

SBC.  142.  The  supervisor  of  each  township,  on  tho  delivery  of  the  war 
rant  for  the  collection  of  taxes  to  the  township  treasurer,  shall  also  de 
liver  to  said  treasurer  a  written  statement  certified  by  him  of  the  amount 
of  the  taxes  levied  under  section  one  hundred  and  seven  of  said  chapter, 
upon  any  property  lying  within  the  hounds  of  a  fractional  school  district, 
a  part  of  which  is  situate  within  his  township,  and  the  returns  of  which 
are  made  to  the  clerk  of  some  other  township;  and  tho  said  township 
treasurer  shall  pay  to  the  township  treasurer  of  such  other  township  the 
amount  of  the  taxes  so  levied  and  certified  to  him  for  the  use  of  such  frac 
tional  school  district. 

SEC.  143.  Each  treasurer  of  a  township,  to  the  clerk  of  which  the  re 
turns  of  any  fractional  school  district  shall  bo  made,  shall  apply  to  the 
treasurer  of  any  other  township  in  which  any  part  of  such  fractional 
school  district  may  be  situate,  for  any  money  to  which  such  district  may 
be  entitled;  and  when  so  received,  it  shall  be  certified  to  the  township 
clerk,  and  apportioned  in  the  same  manner  as  other  taxes  for  school  pur 
poses. 

SEC.  144.  The  board  of  school  inspectors  shall  have  power  to  suspend 
the  operation  of  section  one  hundred  and  fifteen  of  said  cnapter,  whenever 
they  shall  be  of  opinion  that  the  convenience  or  the  interests  of  the  peo 
ple  of  their  township  will  be  promoted  thereby,  and  to  restore  the  same, 
as  in  their  judgment  they  shall  think  best. 


GENERAL  NOTES. 

So  far  as  the.  reports  of  cases  coming  before  the  higher  courts 
of  our  own  State,  have  been  published,  there  appears  to  bo  but  a 
single  case  which  has  been  adjudicated,  arising  out  of  the  operation 
of  our  school  laws.  This  case  is  copied  from  Douglas'  Michigan 
Reports,  and  is  as  follows:  [See  page  343  of  this  document] 

DISSOLUTION  OF  DISTRICTS. 

People  ex.  rel.  Strong,  vs.  Davidson  and  others,  school  inspectors 
of  the  township  of  Greenfield. 

Under  the  statute  (S.  L.  1840,  page  215,  Sec.  25,)  empowering 
the  school  inspectors  of  any  township  "  to  divide  the  township  into 
such  number  of  districts,  and  to  regulate  and  alter  the  boundaries 
of  said  school  districts,  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  necessary,  they 
may  dissolve  one  organized  district,  and  annex  it  to  another." 

MOTION  for  a  MANDAMUS,  commanding  Davidson  and  others, 
school  inspectors  of  the  county  of  Wayne,  to  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid 
to  school  district  No.  12,  in  said  township,  such  sum  of  money  as 
the  district  may  be  entitled  to  by  law,  from  the  common  school  fund, 
and  from  the  fund  arising  from  the  taxes  of  the  township. 

It  appeared  that  November  22,  1842,  the  respondents  divided  dis 
trict  No.  4,  in  said  township,  into  two  districts,  the  new  district  being 

numbered  12 — that  on  the  first  day  of  December  following,  the  or- 

52 


410 

ganization  of  the  new  district,  under  the  statute,  was  perfected;  and 
that  on  the  13ih  of  the  same  month  the  respondents  made  an  order, 
dissolving  the  new  district,  and  re-annexing  it  to  district  No.  4.  The 
question  involved  in  the  case  was,  whether  the  respondents  had  pow 
er  to  make  the  last  mentioned  order. 

B.  F  .H.  WITHERELL,  in  support  of  the  motion.  WHIPPLE  J.,  de 
livered  the  opinion  of  the  court. 

The  authority  of  the  inspectors  thus  to  dissolve  district  Nq.  12, 
and  re-annex  it  to  the  old  district  from  which  it  was  severed,  must 
depend  upon  the  construction  of  the  twenty -fifth  section  of  the  act 
entitled  "  an  net  to  amend  the  revised  statutes  relative  to  prim-i'ry 
schools,"  approved  April  12,  1840.  [Re-enacted  by  revised  statutes 
of  1840,  page  v;27.  Sec.  71.]  [Session  laws  of  1848,  page  215.J  By 
that  seclion  the  inspectors  are  authorized  "to  divide  ihe  township 
into  sxch  number  of  districts,  arid  (o  regulate,  and  alter  the  bounda 
ries  of  s  nd  school  districts,  a«  may  from  time  lo  time  be  necessary." 

It  will  be  perceived  that  the  number  of  districts  in  any  township 
is  to  be  determined  from  the  language  of  the  section,  which  confers 
authority  to  divide  the  township  from  time  to  time  into  such  number 
of  districts  as  may  be  necessary.  If  thev  may  divide  the  township 
into  twelve  districts,  why  may  they  not  divide  it  into  ten  by  enlarg 
ing  the  boundaries  of -one  or  more  of  those  in  existence,  or.  which 
is  the  same  thing,  by  annexing  two  or  more,  so  as  to  constitute  but 
one  district,  as  may  from  time  to  time  become  necessary?  The  power 
could  not  perhaps  be  derived  from  the  words  "regulate  and  alter  the 
boundaries,"  &c.,  but  these  words  taken  in  connection  with  the  au 
thority  to  "divide"  from  time  to  time  as  may  be  necessary,  justified 
legally  the  order  made  *by  the  inspectors  That  order  may  have 
been  unwise;  it  may  have  been  an  abuse  of  the  discretion  with 
which  the  inspectors  are  clothed;  but  such  abuse  of  discretion  can 
not  authorize  the  interference  of  this  court.  We  think  it  clear  that 
the  authority  to  determine  the  number  of  districts  in  each  township, 
ought  to  be  lodged  in  some  responsible  body.  Unless  it  is  conferred 
upon  the  inspectors,  the  power  does  not  exist;  «nd  as  the  words  of 
the  twenty  fifth  section  justify  the  construction  we  have  given  to  it, 
we  are  bound  to  overrule  the  motion  for  a  mandamus, 

Motion  denied. 

The  following  notes,  taken  from  the  New  York  decisions,  are  ap 
plicable  to  the  existing  laws  and  state  of  things  in  Michigan: 

MULTIPLICATION    OF  DISTRICTS. 

One  of  the  most  formidrible  obstacles  to  the  efficiency  of  our  com 
mon  schools  is  believed  to  be  the  unnecessarv  multiplication  mid  sub 
division  of  district*.  In  those  portions  of  the  IStnte  where  'lie  popu 
lation  is  scattered  ovt  r  a  large  extent  of  teiritoiy,  the  convenience 
and  accommodation  of  the  inhabitants,  require  the  formation  of  dis 
tricts  comprising  a  small  amount  of  taxable  property,  applicable  to 


411 

the  support  of  schools  and  a  limited  number  of  children.  But  where 
an  opposite  stale  of  things  exists,  the  interests  of  education  will  be 
most  effectually  promoted,  by  assigning  to  each  district  the  greatest 
extent  of  territory  comp  uible  with  securing  to  the  children  the  re 
quisite  facilities  for  their  regular  attendance  at  the  schools. — [_Jfa* 
York  Decisions. 

Almost  all  the  existing  evils  of  the  common  school  system  have 
their  origin  in  the  limited  means  of  the  school  district.  The  ten 
dency  is  to  subdivision  and  to  a  contraction  of  their  territorial  bound 
aries.  This  consequence  mast  follow  in  some  degree  from  the  in 
crease  of  population;  but  the  subdivision  of  school  districts  tends  to 
advance  in  a  much  greater  ratio.  The  average  number  of  children 
in  our  school  districts  is  about  lifty-live.  *  * 

From  the  observations  he  has  made,  the  Superintendent  Heerns 
it  due  to  the  common  school  system,  that  no  new  district  shall  be 
formed  with  a  much  smaller  number,  unless  peculiar  circumstances 
render  it  proper  to  make  it  an  exception  to  the  general  rule.  In  fee 
ble  districts,  cheap  instructors,  poor  and  ill  furnished  school  houses, 
and  a  general  languor  of  the  cause  of  education  are  almost  curtain- 
to  be  found. — N.  Y.  Dec. 

QUALIFICATIONS  OF  TEACHERS. 

The  qualifications  of  teachers  are  left  to  the  discrimination  and 
judgment  of  the  legal  examiners.  They  must  determine  the  degree 
of  learning  and  ability  necessary  for  a  teacher.  They  ought  to  be 
satisfied  that  a  certificate  is  given  to  those  only  whose  learning  and 
ability  tit  them  in  all  respects  to  instruct  common  schools. — Ib. 

In  judging  of  the  moral  diameter  of  a  candidate  for  teacher,  if 
the  examining  officers  know  of  any  serious  impution  or  defect  of 
principle,  it  is  their  duty  to  refuse  to  certify.  A  certificate  may  be 
annulled  for  immoral  habits  generally,  notwithstanding  the  teacher 
may  perform  all  his  duties  during  school  hours. — Ib. 

In  relation  to  the  moral  'character  of  the  teacher,  much  is  left  to 
the  discretion  of  the  examining  officer.  He  must  be  satisfied  that  it 
is  good,  because  he  has  to  certify  to  its  correctness.  On  this  point 
what  would  be  satisfactory  to  one  man  might  be  unsatisfactory  to 
another.  Every  person  has  a  right  to  the  enjoyment  of  his  own  re 
ligious  belief  without  molestation;  and  the  examining  officer  should 
content  himself  with  inquiries-as  to  the  moral  character  of  the  teach- 
or,  leaving  him  to  the  same  liberal  enjoyment  of  his  religious  belief 
that  he  asks  for  himself.  If,  however,  a  person  openly  derides  all 
religion,  he  ought  not  to  be  a  teacher  of  youth.  The  employment. 
of  such  a  person  would  he  considered  a  grievance  by  a  great  portion 
of  the  inhabitants  of  all  the  districts. — Ib. 

If  the  trustees  or  inhabitants  are  to  determine  what  their  district 
require,  and  the  certifying  officers  are  to  be  governed  bv  their  opin 
ions  and  wishes,  the  officers  themselves  might  as  well  be  dispensed 
•with.  In  his  annual  report  to  the  Legislature  for  the  \eir  1835,  the 


412 

Superintendent  of  Common  Schools  (Gen.  Dix)  observes:  "  One  of 
the  most  responsible  and  delicate  trusts  to  be  executed  under  the 
common  school  system  is  that  of  inspecting  teachers  and  pronoun 
cing  upon  their  qualifications.  If  this  is  negligently  conducted,  or 
with  a  willingness  to  overlook  deficiences,  instead  of  insisting  rigidly 
upon  the  'requirements  of  the  law,  it  is  manifest  that  men  without 
the  necessary  moral  character,  learning  or  ability,  will  gain  a  foot- 
hoold  in  the  common  schools,  and  present  a  serious  obstacle  to  the 
improvements  of  which  they  are  susceptible.  This  would  be  an 
evil  of  the  greatest  magnitude,  and  there  is  no  remedy  for  it  but  a 
strict  inspection  of  the  candidates.  It  has  been  the  practice  in  some 
instances  for  the  inspectors  to  have  a  reference  to  the  particular  cir 
cumstances  of  the  cases  in  giving  a  certificate.  Thus  they  have  some 
times  given  an  individual  a  certificate  with  a  view  to  a  summer  school, 
in  which  the  children  taught  are  usually  smaller  and  require  less  of 
the  teacher,  when  the  certificate  would  have  been  withheld,  if  it  was 
asked  with  a  view  to  qualify  the  teacher  for  a  winter  school.  But  it 
is  obvious  that  such  a  distinction  is  wholly  inadmissible.  A  certifi 
cate  must  be  unconditional,  by  the  terms  of  the  law.  The  inspec 
tors  must  be  satisfied  with  the  qualifications  of  the  teacher  "in  re 
spect  to  moral  character,  learning  and  ability;"  and  the  certificate 
when  once  given  is  <in  absolute  warrant  for  the  individual  to  teach, 
and  to  receive  the  public  money,  unless  revoked;  in  which  case  it 
ceases  to  be  operative  from  the  date  of  its  revocation.  The  standard 
of  qualification  for  teachers,  so  far  as  granting  certificates  is  concern 
ed,  is  of  necessity  arbitrary.  The  law  does  not  prescribe  the  degree 
of  learning  or  ability  which  a  teacher  shall  possess,  but  virtually 
refers  the  decision  of  this  important  matter  to  the  inspectors,  who 
have  not,  neither  should  the}'  possess  the  power  of  relaxing  the  gen 
eral  rule  with  reference  to  the  circumstances  of  any  particular  case, 
by  departing  from  the  standard  of  qualification  which  they  assume 
as  their  guide  in  others." — N.  Y.  Dec. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  district,  and  particularly  parents  who  have 
children  attending  the  school,  should  be  invited  to  be  present  at  the 
inspection;  *  *  and  trustees  of  districts  are 

required,  whenever  they  receive  information  of  an  intended  visit, 
to  communicate  it  as  generally  as  possible  to  the  inhabitants  — Ib. 

DISCIPLINE  AND  CONDUCT  OF  THE  SCHOOL. 

It  can  scarcely  be  necessary  to  remark  on  the  importance  of  order 
and  system  in  the  schools,  not  only  to  enable  the  pupils  to  learn  any 
thing,  but  to  give  them  those  habits  of  regularity  so  essential  in  the 
formation  of  character.  Punctuality  of  attendance,  as  well  as  its 
steady  continuance  should  be  enforced.  Parents  should  be  told  how 
much  their  children  lose,  to  what  inconvenience  they  expose  the 
teacher,  and  what  disorder  they  bring  upon  the  whole  school,  by  not 
insisting  upon  the  scholars  being  punctually  at  the  school  room  at 
the  appointed  hour;  and  above  all  they  should  be  warned  of  the  in 
jurious  consequences  of  allowing  their  children  to  be  absent  from 
school  during  the  term.  By  being  indulged  in  absences  they  lose 


413 

the  connection  of  their  studies,  probably  fall  behind  their  class,  be 
come  discouraged,  and  then  seek  every  pretext  to  play  the  truant. 
The  habit  of  irregularity  and  insubordination  thus  acquired,  will  be 
apt  to  mark  their  character  through  life. — A".  Y.  Dec. 

TEXT    BOOKS. 

It  is  believed  that  there  are  none  now  in  use  in  our  schools  that  are 
very  defective;  and  the  difference  between  them  is  so  slight  that  the 
gain  to  the  scholar  will  not  compensate  for  the  heavy  expenses  to 
the  parent,  caused  by  the  substitution  of  new  books  with  every  new 
teacher;  and  the  capriciousness  of  change  which  some  are  apt  to  in 
dulge  on  this  subject,  cannot  be  too  strongly  or  decidedly  resisted. 
Trustees  of  districts  should  look  to  this  matter  when  they  engage 
teachers. 

One  consequence  of  the  practice  is,  the  great  variety  of  text  books 
on  the  same  subject,  acknowledged  by  all  to  be  one  of  the  greatest 
evils  which  afflicts  our  schools.  It  compels  the  teacher  to  divide  the 
pupils  into  as  many  classes  as  there  are  kinds  of  books,  so  that  the 
time  which  might  have  been  devoted  to  a  careful  and  deliberate  hear 
ing  of  a  class  of  ten  or  twelve,  where  oil  could  have  improved  by 
the  corrections  »rtd  observations  of  the  instructor,  is  almost  wasted 
in  the  hurried  recitations  of  ten  or  a  dozen  pupils  in  separate  classes; 
while  in  large  schools,  some  must  be  wholly  neglected. — fb. 

CHANGE  OF  SITE. 

Experience  has  shown  that  by  far  the  most  fertile  sources  of  con 
tention  and  difficulty  in  the  various  school  districts,  originate  from 
the  proceedings  of  the  inhabitants  connected  with  the  change  of  the 
site  of  their  school  house.  Such  a  measure  should,  therefore,  only 
be  adopted  when  the  convenience  and  accommodation  of  the  inhabi 
tants  will  be  essentially  promoted  thereby:  when  the  altered  situation 
of  the  district  imperatively  requires  a  change;  and  even  then,  the 
full  and  hearty  concurrence  not  merely  of  a  clear  and  decided  ma 
jority  of  the  district,  but  of  the  inhabitants  generally,  should  be  se 
cured,  before  any  final  decision  is  made.  There  must  always  be  a 
portion  of  the  inhabitants,  residing  at  the  extremities  of  the  district, 
who  will  experience  more  or  less  inconviences,  at  particular  seasons 
of  the  year,  in  consequence  of  their  distanae  from  the  school  house; 
but  it  is  better  that  these  partial  inconveniences  should  be  submitted 
to,  than  that  they  should  be  transferred  to  others  and  the  whole  dis 
trict  plunged  into  a  contention  respecting  the  site.  But  when,  in  con 
sequence  of  the  enlargement  of  the  boundaries  of  the  district,  a 
change  is  indispensable,  the  inhabitants  should  come  together  in  a 
conciliatory  and  friendly  spirit,  having  no  other  object  in  view  than 
the  best  interests  of  the  district  and  the  convenience  of  the  greatest 
number;  and  their  action  should  be  deliberate  and  circumspect — re 
conciling,  as  far  as  possible,  the  interests  of  all,  and  rejecting  every 
proposition  calculated  to  sow  the  seeds  of  dissension  or  disturbance 
in  any  portion  of  the  district. — bearing  in  mind  that  a  mere  numeri 
cal  triumph,  leaving  a  large  minority  dissatisfied  and  irritated,  how- 


414 

ever  gratifying  to  the  successful  party,  for  a  time,  is  but  a  poor  com 
pensation  for  a  divided  and  distracted  district,  and  an  embittered  and 
hostile  neighborhood. — N.  Y.  Dec. 

There  can  be  no  partnership  in  the  erection  of  a  school  house, 
which  will  prevent  the  district  Irom  controlling  it  entirely  for  the  pur 
poses  of  the  district  school. — Ib. 

A  tax  cannot  be  laid  to  erect  a  building  to  be  occupied  jointly  as  a 
school  house  and  a  meeting  house. — Ib. 

A  tax  may  be  voted  for  the  erection  of  a  fence  around  the  school 
house  lot,  and  for  a  belL—Ib. 

RECONSIDER AION  OF    PROCEEDINGS. 

The  inhabitants  of  school  districts  may  reconsider  and  repeal,  al 
ter  and  modify  their  proceedings  at  any  time  before  they  have  been 
carried  into  effect,  either  wholly  or  in  part.  But  the  intention  to  do 
so,  should  be  explicitly  set  forth  in  the  notice  of  the  meeting  called 
for  that  purpose.  When,  however,  contracts  have  actually  been  en 
tered  into,  liabilities  incurred,  or  expenditures  of  money  had,  in  the 
prosecution  of  any  measure  directed  by  the  district,  a  reconsideration 
will  not  be  sanctioned,  as  no  means  exists  lo  indemnify  those  who 
may  be  losers  thereby. — Ib. 

TAXES 

Where  >a  tax  is  voted  by  the  inhabitants  for  any  purpose,  the  spe 
cific  amount  of  the  tax,  and  the  particular  purpose  for  which  it  is 
designed,  should  be  fully  and  clearly  stated.  And  where  several 
objects  of  expenditure  are  to  be  provided  for.  the  amount  to  be  rais 
ed  for  each  should  be  expressed  in  the  resolution. — Ib. 

CONTRACTS  WITH  TEACHERS. 

The  most  fruitful  source  of  difficulty  in  school  districts,  has  been 
the  looseness  and  irregularity  with  which  these  contracts  have  been 
made.  In  some  districts  the  trustees  are  in  the  habit  of  agreeing  to 
pay  the  teacher  the  whole  amount  of  public  money  that  should  be 
received,  be  it  more  or  less.  This  is  unjust  to  the  teacher  or  the  dis 
trict,  and  has  almost  always  led  to  contention.  The  agreement 
should  be  to  pay  him  a  specific  sum  by  the  month  or  by  the  quarter, 
adequate  to  the  value  of  his  services.  If  the  public  money  is  not 
sufficient,  [in  Michigan,  public  money  and  other  taxes  voted  for  sup 
port  of  schools]  the  deficiency  should  be  supplied  by  a  rate  bill.  It- 
is  not  to  be  believed  that  any  intelligent  citizens  will  consider  that  sor- 
didness  to  be  economy,  which  prefers  that  their  children  should  be 
brought  up  in  ignorance,  or  instructed  in  error,  rather  than  contribute 
the  mere  trifle  which  secure  them  an  education,  sound  and  accurate, 
at  least  as  far  as  it  goes.  When  the  rewards  which  other  professions 
and  avocations  hold  out  to  talent,  knowledge  and  industry,  are  so 
liberal,  how  can  it  be  expected  that  persons  competent  to  the  great 
business  of  instruction,  should  devote  themselves  to  it  for  a  compen 
sation  inadequate  to  their  support? — Ib. 


415 


BOARDING    TEACHERS. 


A  practice  prevails  to  a  very  considerable  extent  among  the  sev 
eral  school  districts,  of  trustees'  engaging  with  a  teacher  that  he  shall 
board  with  the  parents  of  the  children  alternately.  There  is  no  au 
thority  for  such  a  contract,  and  it  cannot  be  enforced  on  the  inhabi 
tants.  This  compulsory  boarding  gives  occasion  to  constant  alterca 
tion  and  complaint,  which  often  terminate  in  breaking  up  the  school. 
The  best  arrangement  is  to  give  the  teacher  a  specitic  sum  and  let 
him  board  himself  But  there  are  some  districts  so  destitute  that  it 
may  afford  the  inhabitants  considerable  relief  to  be  permitted  to 
board  the  teacher.  In  such  cases  the  object  can  be  obtained  in  an 
other  way.  Let  the  trustees  contract  with  the  teacher  at  a  specific 
sum  per  month,  or  by  the  quarter,  and  they  may  agree  with  him, 
that  if  he  shall  be  afforded  satisfactory  board  at  the  house  of  any  of 
the  inhabitants,  he  shall  allow  whatever  sum  may  be  agreed  upon 
per  week  for  such  board. — JVr.  Y.  Dec. 

TEACHERS'  CONTRACT. 

If  a  teacher's  certificate  is  annulled,  the  trustees  [district  board]  are 
at  liberty  to  dismiss  him,  and  to  rescind  their  contract  with  him.  They 
engage  him  as  a  qualified  teacher,  and  the  moment  he  ceases  to  be  so, 
there  is  a  failure  of  the  consideration  for  the  contract.  If,  however,  the 
trustees  continue  him  to  the  school  after  notice  that  his  certificate 
has  been  annulled,  it  will  be  regarded  as  such  a  continuance  of  the 
contract  that  they  will  not  be  allowed  at  a  subsequent  period  to  dis 
pute  it. — II). 

EXEMPTION    OF    INDIGENT  PERSONS. 

In  the  exercise  of  the  power  conferred  upon  the  trustees,  of  ex 
empting  indigent  inhabitants  of  their  district  from  the  payment  of 
the  whole,  or  of  portions  of  their  rate  bills,  the  utmost  liberality, 
compatible  with  justice  to  the  district,  should  be  indulged.  .Nothing 
can  be  more  at  variance  with  the  benign  spirit  and  intent  of  the  school 
laws,  than  the  compulsory  distress  and  sale  of  articles  of  absolute 
necessity  to  an  indigent  family,  for  the  purpose  of  satisfying  the  rate 
bill  for  teachers'  wages.  And  yet  cases  of  this  kind  are  frequently 
brought  to  the  notice  of  the  department.  Every  reasonable  facility 
should  be  afforded  to  the  children  of  the  poor,  for  the  attainment  of 
all  the  blessings  and  advantages  of  elementary  instruction;  and  this 
should  never  be  permitted  to  become  in  any  degree  burdensome  to 
their  parents.  \Vhere  any  inhabitant  of  the  district  in  indigent  cir 
cumstances  cannot  meet  the  rate  bill  for  the  payment  of  the  teachers' 
wages,  without  subjecting  himself  to  serious  embarrassment,  or  his 
family  to  sensible  deprivation,  he  should  promptly  and  cheerfully  be 
exonerated.  A  just  feeling  of  pride  may  reasonably  be  expected  to 
preclude  any  from  availing  themselves  of  this  exemption,  unless  un 
der  the  pressure  of  absolute  necessity;  and  occasional  abuses  of  the 
privilege  so  accorded,  are  productive  of  less  disastrous  results,  than 
a  prevailing  impression  among  the  indigent  inhabitants  of  a  district, 
that  their  children  can  partake  of  the  advantages  of  common  school 


416 

education,  only  at  a  burdensome  charge  to  themselves,  and  by  a 
sacrifice  of  the  ordinary  necessities  and  comforts  of  their  families. 
— N.  Y.  Dec. 

As  a  general  rule,  all  under  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  and  of  a 
proper  age  to  be  benefitted  by  instruction,  are  entitled  to  admission. 
There  must,  however,  be  some  discretion  vested  in  the  trustees,  in 
regard  to  such  admission.  Children  having  infectious  diseases — 
idiots — infants — and  persons  over  twenty-one,  may  undoubtedly  be 
excluded;  and  colored  children,  where  their  attendance  is  obnoxions 
to  the  greater  portion  of  the  patrons  of  the  school,  especially  in  cases 
where  schools  have  been  established  for  their  separate  benefit,  within 
a  reasonable  distance  from  their  residence. — Ib. 

DISMISSAL  OF  SCHOLARS. 

It  is  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  co-operate  with  the  teacher  in  the 
government  of  the  school,  and  to  aid  him,  to  the  extent  of  their 
power  and  influence,  in  ihe  enforcement  of  reasonable  and  proper 
rules  and  regulations;  but  they  have  no  right  to  'dismiss  a  scholar, 
except  for  the  strongest  reasons;  for  example,  such  a  degree  of  moral 
depravity  as  to  render  nn  association  with  other  scholars  dangerous 
to  the  latter,  or  such  violent  insubordination  as  to  render  the  mainte 
nance  of  discipline  and  order  impracticable,  in  wiiich  case  they  may 
legally  exclude  him  from  the  school,  until  such  period  as  he  may 
consent  to  submit  to  the  reasonable  rules  and  regulations  of  the 
teacher  and  trustees;  and  if  after  such  exclusion  he  persists  in  at 
tending,  without  permission  from  the  trustees,  and  contrary  to  their 
directions,  he  may  be  proceeded  against  as  a  trespasser. — Ib. 

LIBRARIES. 

The  object  of  the  law  for  procuring  district  libraries  is  to  diffuse 
information,  not  only,  or  even  chiefly,  among  children  or  minors,  but 
among  adults  and  those  who  have  finished  common  school  educa 
tion.  The  books,  therefore,  should  be  such  as  will  be  useful  for  cir 
culation  among  the  inhabitants  generally.  They  should  not  be 
children's  books,  or  of  a  juvenile  character  merely,  or  light  and  friv- 
ulous  tales  and  remances,  but  works  conveying  solid  information 
which  will  excite  a  thirst  for  knowledge,  and  also  gratify  it,  as  far  as 
such  a  library  can.  Works  imbued  with  party  politics,  and  those  of 
a  sectarian  character,  or  hostility  to  the  Christian  religion,  should  on 
no  account  be  admitted;  and  if  any  are  accidentally  received  they 
should  be  immediately  removed.  Still  less  can  any  district  be  per 
mitted  to  purchase  school  books,  such  as  spelling  books,  grammars, 
or  any  others  of  the  deseription  used  as  text  book  in  schools.  Such 
an  application  of  the  public  money  would  be  an  utter  violation  of  the 
law.  *  *  * 

The  selection  of  the  books  for  the  district  library,  is  devolved  bj 
law  exclusively  upon  the  trustees,  (in  Michigan  upon  the  school  in- 
sepctors,)  and  when  the  importance  of  this  most  beneficial  and  en 
lightened  provision  for  the  intellectual  and  moral  improvement  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  several  districts,  of  both  sexes  and  all  condi- 


417 

tions,  is  duly  estimated,  the  trust  here  confided  is  one  of  no  ordinary 
responsibility.  In  reference  to  such  selections,  but  two  prominent 
sources  of  embarrassment  have  been  experienced.  The  one  has 
arisen  from  the  necessity  of  excluding  from  the  libraries  all  works 
having,  directly  or  remotely,  a  sectarian  tendency,  and  the  other, 
from  that  of  recommending  the  exclusion  of  novels,  romances  and 
other  fictitious  creations  of  the  imagination,  including  a  large  pro 
portion  of  the  lighter  liertature  of  the  day. 

The  propriety  of  a  peremptory  and  uncompromising  exclusion  of 
those  catch-penny,  but  revolting  publications  which  cultivate  the 
taste  for  the  marvellous,  the  tragic,  the  horrible,  and  the  supernatur 
al — the  lives  and  exploits  of  pirates,  banditti  and  desperadoes  of  ev 
ery  description — is  too  obvious  to  every  reflecting  mind  to  require 
the  slightest  argument.  Unless  parents  desire  that  their  children 
should  pursue  the  shortest  and  surest  road  to  ignominy,  shame  and 
destruction — should  become  the  ready  and  apt  imitators,  on  a  circum 
scribed  scale,  of  the  pernicious  models  whicl  they  are  permitted  and 
encouraged  to  study — they  will  frown  indijhantly  on  every  attempt 
to  place  before  their  immature  minds,  works  whose  invariable  and 
only  tendency  is  disastrous,  both  to  the  intellect  and  the  heart. 

The  exclusion  of  works  imbued  to  any  perceptible  extent  with 
sectarianism,  rests  upon  the  great  conservative  principles  which  are 
at  the  foundation  of  our  free  institutions.  Its  propriety  is  readily 
conceded  when  applied  to  publications,  setting  forth,  defending,  or 
illustrating  the  peculiar  tenets  which  distinguish  any  one  of  the 
numerous  religious  denominations  of  the  day  from  the  others.  On 
this  ground  no  controversy  exists  as  to  the  line  of  duty.  But  it  has 
been  strongly  argued  that  those  ' 'standard"  theological  publications 
which,  avoiding  all  controverted  ground,  contain  general  expositions 
of  Christianity — which  assume  only  those  doctrines  and  principles 
upon  which  all  "evangelical"  denominations  of  Christians  are  agreed, 
are  not  obnoxious  to  any  reasonable  censure,  and  ought  not,  upon 
any  just  principles,  to  be  excluded  from  the  school  district  library. 
There  are  two  answers  to  this  argument,  either  of  which  is  conclu 
sive.  The  one  is,  that  the  works  in  question,  however  exalted  may 
be  their  merit,  and  however  free  from  just  censure,  on  the  ground  of 
sectarianism,  are  strictly  theological,  doctrinal  or  metaphysical;  and 
therefore  no  more  entitled  to  a  place  in  the  district  library  than  works 
devoted  to  the  professional  elucidation  of  law,  medicine,  or  any  other 
learned  professions.  Their  appropriate  place  is  in  the  family,  church 
or  Sunday  school  library.  The  other  answer  is,  that  in  every  por 
tion  of  our  country  are  to  be  found  conscientious  dissenters  from  the 
most  approved  theological  tenets  of  these  commentators  on  Chris 
tianity;  individuals  who  claim  the  right,  either  of  rejecting  Christian 
ity  altogether,  (as  the  Jews.)  or  of  so  interpreting  its  fundamental 
doctrines,  as  to  place  them  beyond  the  utmost  verge  of  "  evangeli 
cal"  liberality;  and  this  too,  without  in  any  degree  subjecting  them- 
Eelves  to  any  well-founded  imputations  upon  their  mor»l  character 
as  citizens  and  as  men.  The  State,  in  the  dispensation  of  its  boun 
ty,  has  no  right  to  trample  upon  the  honest  convictions  and  settled 
53 


418 

belief  of  this  or  of  any  other  class  of  its  citizens,  against  whose 
demeanor,  in  the  various  relations  of  society,  no  accusation  can  be 
brought;  nor  c-in  it  rightfully  sanction  the  application  of  any  por 
tion  of  those  funds  to  which  they,  in  common  with  others,  have  con 
tributed,  to  the  enforcement  of  theological  tenets  to  which  they  can 
not  conscientiously  subscribe.  Any  work,  therefore,  which,  depart 
ing  from  the  inculcation  of  those  great,  enduring  and  cardinal  elements 
of  religion  and  morality  which  are  impressed  upon  humanity  as  a 
part  of  its  birthright — acknowledged  by  all  upon  whom  its  stamp  is 
affixed,  however  departed  from  in  practice,  and  incorporated  into  the 
very  essence  of  Christianity  as  its  pre-eminent  and  distinctive  prin 
ciple — shall  descend  to  a  controversy  respecting  the  subordinate  or 
collateral  details  of  theology,  however  ably  sustained  and  numerous 
ly  sanctioned,  has  no  legitimate  claim  to  a  place  in  the  school  district 
library,  nor  can  its  admission  be  countenanced  consistently  with 
sound  policy  or  enlightened  reason. 

The  following  general  principles  have  been  laid  down  in  a  special 
report  on  common  school  libraries,  prepared  under  the  direction  of 
the  department,  by  Henry  S.  Randall,  Esq.,  County  Superintendent 
of  common  schools  of  Cortland  county,  and  may  be  regarded  as  the 
settled  principles  of  the  department  in  reference  to  this  class  of 
books: 

"  I.  No  works  written  professedly  to  uphold  or  attack  any  sect  or 
ereed  in  our  country,  claiming  to  be  a  religious  one,  shall  be  tolerated 
in  the  school  libraries. 

"  2.  Standard  works  on  other  topics  shall  not  be  excluded,  because 
they  incidentally  and  indirectly  betray  the  religious  opinions  of  their 
authors. 

"3.  Works  avowedly  on  other  topics,  which  abound  in'  direct  and 
unreserved  attacks  on,  or  defences  of,  the  character  of  any  religious 
sect;  or  those  which  hold  up  any  religious  body  to  contempt  or  exe 
cration,  by  singling  out  or  bringing  together  only  the  darker  parts  of 
its  history  or  character,  shall  be  excluded  from  the  school  libraries, 

"It  is  said  that  under  the  above  rules,  heresy  and  error  are  put  on 
the  same  footing  with  true  religion — that  Protestant  and  Catholic, 
orthodox  and  unorthodox.  Universalist,  Unitarian,  Jew,  and  even 
Mormon,  derive  the  same  immunity!  The  fact  is  conceded;  and  it  is 
averred  that  each  is  equally  entitled  to  it,  in  a  government  whose 
very  constitution  avows  the  principle  of  a  full  and  indiscriminate  re 
ligious  toleration. 

"  He  who  thinks  it  hard  that  he  shall  not  be  allowed  to  combat, 
through  the  medium  of  the  school  libraries,  beliefs,  the  sin  and  error 
of  which  are  as  clear  to  him  as  is  the  light  in  Heaven,  will  bear  in 
mind  that  the  library  at  least  leaves  him  and  his  religious  beliefs  in 
as  good  a  condition  as  it  found  him.  If  it  will  not  propagate  his 
tenets,  it  will  leave  them  unattacked.  If  he  is  not  allowed  to  use 
other  men's  money  to  purchase  books  to  assault  their  religious  faiths, 
he  is  not  estopped  from  spending  his  own  as  he  sees  fit,  in  his  private, 
or  in  his  Sunday  school  library — nor  is  he  debarred  from  placing  these 
books  in  the  hands  of  all  who  are  willing  to  receive  them.  His  pow- 


419 

srof  morally  persuading  his  fellow  men  is  left-  unimpaired;  nor  will 
he,  if  he  has  any  confidence  in  the  recuperative  energies  of  truth — if 
he  believes  his  God  will  ultimately  give  victory  to  truth — ask  more. 
In  asking,  or  condescending  to  accept,  the  support  of  an  earthly  gov 
ernment,  he  admits  the  weakness  of  his  cause,  the  feebleness  of  his 
faith.  He  leans  on  another  arm  than  that  which  every  page  in  the 
Bible  declares  all-sufficient.  In  what  age  of  the  world  has  any  church 
entered  into  meretricious  connection  with  temporal  governments,  and 
escaped  unsullied  from  the  contact?  Any  approximation  to  such 
connection,  even  in  the  minutest  particular — any  exclusive  right  or 
immunity  ^iven  to  one  religious  sect  or  another  in  the  school  library 
or  elsewhere,  is  not  only  anti-religious,  but  ami-republican.  As  men, 
we  have  the  right  to  adopt  religious  creeds,  and  to  attempt  to  influ 
ence  others  to  adopt  them;  but  as  Americans,  as  legislators  or  offi 
cials  dispensing  privileges  or  immunities  among  American  citizens, 
we  have  no  right  to  know  one  religion  from  another.  The  persecu 
ted  and  wandering  Israelite  comes  here,  and  he  finds  no  bar  in  our 
naturalization  laws.  The  members  of  the  Roman,  Greek  or  English 
Church  equally  become  citizens.  Those  adopting  every  hue  of  re 
ligious  faith — every  phase  of  heresy,  take  their  place  equally  under 
the  banner  of  the  Republic — and  no  ecclesiastical  power  cm  snatch 
even  '  the  least  of  these'  from  under  its  glorious  folds.  Not  an  hour 
of  confinement,  not  the  amercement  of  a  farthing,  not  the  depriva 
tion  of  a  right  or  liberty  weighing  'in  the  estimation  of  a  hair,'  can 
any  such  power  impose  on  any  American  citizen,  without  his  own 
full  and  entire  acquiescence." — J\r.  Y.  Dec. 

When  it  is  considered  that  the  foundations  of  education  are  laid 
during  the  period  of  youth,  and  that  the  taste  for  reading  and  study 
is,  with  rare  exceptions,  formed  and  matured  at  this  period,  if  at  all, 
the  importance  of  furnishing  an  adequate  supply  of  books,  adapted 
to  the  comprehension  of  the  immature  but.  expanding  intellect — suit 
ed  to  its  various  stages  of  mental  growth,  and  calculated  to  lead  it 
onward  by  a  gradual  transition,  from  one  field  of  intellectual  and 
moral  culture  to  another,  cannot  fail  to  be  appreciated.  And  even  if 
the  intellectual  wants  of  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  districts,  of 
more  mature  age,  are  duly  considered,  it  admits  of  little  doubt  that 
a  due  proportion  of  works  of  a  more  familiar  and  elementary  char 
acter  than  are  the  ma*s  of  those  generally  selected,  would  have  a 
tendency  not  only  to  promote,  but  often  to  create  that  taste  for  men 
tal  pursuits  which  leads  by  a  rapid  and  sure  progression  to  a  more 
extended  acquaintance  with  the  broad  domains  of  knowledge.  Those 
whose  circumstances  and  pursuits  in  life,  have  hitherto  precluded  any 
systematic  investigation  of  literary  subjects,  and  who,  if  th«;y  pos 
sessed  the  desire,  were  debarred  the  means  of  intellectual  improve 
ment  now  brought  within  their  reach,  can  scarcely  be  expected  to 
pass  at  once  to  that  high  appreciation  of  useful  knowledge,  which 
the  perusal  of  elaborate  treatise  on  any  of  the  numerous  branches  of 
science  or  metaphysics  requires;  and  the  fact  brought  to  view  by 
the  annual  reports  of  the  county  superintendents,  that  by  far  the 
greater  proportion  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  several  districts  neglect 


420 

to  avail  themselves  of  the  privileges  of  the  library,  indicates  too  gen 
eral  a  failure  to  supply  these  institutions  with  the  requisite  propor 
tion  of  elementary  books. 

In  the  selection  of  books  for  the  district  libraries,  suitable  provi 
sion  should  be  made  for  every  gradation  of  intellectual  advancement; 
from  that  of  a  child,  whose  insatiable  curiosity  eagerly  prompts  to 
a  more  intimate  acquaintance  with  the  world  of  matter  and  of  mind, 
to  that  of  the  most  finished  scholar,  who  is  prepared  to  augment  his 
stock  of  knowledge  by  every  means  winch  may  be  brought  within 
his  reach.  The  prevalence  of  an  enlightened  appreciation  of  the  re 
quirements  of  our  people  in  this  respect,  has  already  secured  the 
application  of  the  highest  grade  of  mental  and  moral  excellence  to 
the  elementary  departments  of  literature:  arid  works  adapted  to  the 
comprehension  of  the  most  immature  intellect,  and  at  the  same  time 
conveying  the  most  valuable  information  to  more  advanced  mindB. 
have  been  provided — wholly  tree,  on  the  one  haml,  from  that  puer 
ility  which  is  fit  only  for  the  nursery,  and  on  the  other,  from  those 
generalizations  and  assumptions  which  are  adapted  only  to  advanced 
stages  of  mental  progress.  A  more  liberal  infusion  of  this  class  of 
publications  sanctioned  by  the  approbation  of  the  most  experienced 
friends  of  education  into  our  district  libraries,  would,  it  is  confidently 
believed,  remove  many  of  those  obstacles  to  their  general  utility, 
which  otherwise  are  liable  to  bo  perpetuated  from  generation  to  gen 
eration. — Dix,  Sup't.  N.  Y. 

SUITS. 

Officers  required  by  law  to  exercise  their  judgments,  are  not  an 
swerable  for  mistakes  of  law,  or  mere  errors  of  judgment,  without 
any  fraud  or  malice. — Jenkins  vs.  Wcddron,  \\th  Johnson's  Reports, 
114. 

A  public  officer  who  is  required  by  law  to  act  in  certain  cases,  ac 
cording  to  his  judgment  or  opinion,  and  subject  to  penalties  for  his, 
neglect,  is  not  liable  to  a  party  for  an  omission  arising  from  a  mis 
take  or  want  of  skill,  if  acting  in  good  faith — Seaman  vs.  Paten,  %d 
Caine's  Reports,  312. 

But  an  officer  entrusted  by  the  common  law  or  by  statute,  is  liable 
to  an  action  for  negligence  in  the  performance  of  his  trust,  or  for 
fraud  or  neglect  in  the  execution  of  his  office. — Jenner  vs.  Joliffe,  9 
John.  Rep.  381. 

The  collector  or  other  officer  who  executes  process,  has  peculiar 
protection.  He  is  protected,  although  the  court  or  officer  issuing 
such  process  have  not,  in  fact,  jurisdiction  of  the  case;  if,  on  the  face 
of  the  process,  it  appears  that  such  court  or  officer  had  jurisdiction 
of  the  subject  matter,  and  nothing  appears  in  such  process  to  apprise 
the  officer  but  that  there  was  jurisdiction  of  the  person  of  the  party 
affected  by  the  process — Savacool  vs.  BougJiton,  5  Wendell's  Report*, 
170.— [N.  Y.  Dec. 

TEACHERS. 

A  teacher  may  employ  necessary  means  of  correction  to  maintain 
order;  but  he  should  not  dismiss  a  scholar  from  school  without  C 
sultation  with  the  trustees. —Ib. 


Teachers,  though  not,  strictly  speaking,  inhabitants  of  the  district 
where  they  are  located,  should  be  allowed  to  participate  in  all  the 
privileges  and  benefits  of  the  district  libraries. — N.  IT  Dec. 

The  authority  of  the  teacher  to  punish  his  scholars,  extends  to  acts 
done  in  the  school  room,  or  play  ground,  only;  and  he  has  no  legal 
right  to  punish  for  improper  or  disorderly  conduct  elsewhere. — Ib. 

Where  a  teacher  is  dismissed  by  the  trustees  for  good  cause,  he 
ean  collect  his  wages  only  up  to  the  period  of  his  dismissal. 

The  teacher  of  a  school  has  necessarily  the  government  of  it;  and 
he  may  prescribe  the  rules  and  principles  on  which  such  government 
will  be  conducted.  The  trustees  should  not  interfere  with  the  disci 
pline  of  the  school,  except  on  complaint  of  misconduct  on  the  part  of 
the  teacher;  and  they  should  then  invariably  sustain  such  teacher, 
unless  his  conduct  has  been  grossly  wrong. — Ib. 

The  holydays  on  which  a  teacher  may  dismiss  his  school  are  such 
as  it  is  customary  to  observe,  either  throughout  the  country  or  in 
praticular  localities;  among  which  may  be  enumerated  the  Fourth 
of  July,  Thanksgiving,  Christmas,  New-Year's,  &c. — Ib. 

The  teacher  may  also,  unless  restraineed  by  special  contract  to 
the  contrary,  dismiss  his  school  on  the  afternoon  of  each  Saturday, 
or  the  whole  of  each  alternate  Saturday,  according  to  the  particular 
custom  of  the  district  in  that  respect,  or  his  own  convenience  and 
that  of  the  inhabitants. — Ib. 

The  practice  of  inflicting  corporal  punishment  upon  scholars,  in  any 
case  whatever,  has  no  sanction  but  usage.  The  teacher  is  responsible 
for  maintaining  good  order,  and  he  must  be  the  judge  of  the  degree 
and  nature  of  the  punishment  required,  where  his  authority  is  set  at 
defiance.  At  the  same  time  he  is  liable  to  the  party  injured  for  any 
abuse  of  a  prerogative  which  w  wholly  derived  from  custom. — Ib. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  REPORTS  OF  THE  SUCCESSIVE 
SUPERINTENDENTS  OF  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION  OF  THE 
STATE  OF  MICHIGAN. 

The  opinions  of  men  who  have  successively  held  the  position  of 
Superintended  of  Public  Instruction,  and  whose  labors  and  expe 
rience  have  been  given  to  the  cause  of  education  and  to  the  system  of 
instruction,  cannot  but  be  deemed  of  importance.  Their  views  upon 
the  subjects  embraced  under  the  following  heads  should  not  be  lost 
sight  of,  but  are  respectfully  commended  to  the  school  officers  and 
citizens  of  Michigan,  as  embracing  valuable  suggestions.  Taken 
together,  they  form  the  opinions  upon  various  subjects  of  all  the  of 
ficers  who  have  been  placed  at  the  head  of  the  school  system  of 
Michigan,  so  far  as  it  has  been  deemed  practicable  to  compile  them 
for  publication  in  this  document. 


422 

IMPORTANCE  OF  THE  PUBLIC  8CIIOOLS. 

The  Superintendent  cannot  but  urge  anew  the  vast  importance  of 
making  the  public  schools  fully  adequate  to  the  wants  of  the  entire 
community,  and  furnishing  them  wilh  teachers  competent  to  dis 
charge  the  duties  of  their  high  c  tiling.  If.  as  they  should  be,  deci 
dedly  superior  to  all  other  schools,  they  will  be  patronized  as  well  by 
the  rich  as  the  poor.  No  schools  are  so  expensive  as  private  schools. 
Thus  in  Cincinnati,  where  the  greatest  provision  is  made  for  common 
school  education  of  any  city  in  the  west,  fifteen  hundred  children  are 
taught  in  private  schools,  at  an  annual  expense  of  twenty-seven  thou 
sand  dollars;  while  in  the  public  schools  about  three  thousand  are 
taught  at  a  yearly  expense  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars.  And  it 
is  gratifying  to  learn  that  the  best  teachers  are  to  be  found  in  the 
public  schools;  and  so  judiciously  are  these  schools  managed,  that 
they  are  fast  superseding  all  private  ones,  and  gaining  the  ascen 
dancy  in  the  minds  of  all  classes.  If  those  two  sums  could  be  united 
in  the  support  of  the  public  schools,  the  entire  youth  of  the  city  would 
be  adequately  supplied  with  schools  of  the  first  order.  No  influence 
can  be  more  salutary  upon  the  public  mind,  than  that  going  out  from 
such  institutions.  It  soothes  and  harmonizes  the  great  community 
of  the  public,  and  forms  a  connecting  link  among  its  different 
classes.  Says  Mr.  Lewis,  in  the  address  before  quoted,  "It  is  to  be 
borne  in  mind  that  ours  is  a  government  of  public  opinion,  and  when 
manhood  arrives,  the  most  ignorant  and  depraved  lad  about  your 
streets,  will  have  as  much  positive  influence  us  the  most  wealthy  and 
intelligent;  and  their  influence  among  their  fellows  is  generally  even 
greater,  owing  to  the  prejudice  against  the  rich.  Nor  are  all  the 
•wealthy  wholly  exempt  from  a  prejudice  on  the  other  extreme;  es 
pecially  when  educated  in  select  schools  and  confined  to  select  so 
ciety. 

"Establish  common  schools,  and  sustain  them  well,  and  you  will 
most  assuredly  fix  a  place  where  all  classes  will  in  childhood  become 
familiar,  before  the  influence  of  pride,  wealth  and  family  can  bias 
the  mind.  An  acquaintance  thus  formed,  will  last  as  long  as  life  it 
self.  Take  fifty  lads  in  a  neighborhood,  including  rich  and  poor, 
send  them  in  childhood  to  the  same  school,  let  them  join  in  the  same 
sports,  read  and  spell  in  the  same  classes,  until  their  different  cir 
cumstances  fix  their  business  for  life;  but  let  the  most  eloquent  ora 
tor  that  ever  mounted  a  western  stump,  attempt  to  prejudice  the 
minds  of  one  part  against  the  other,  and  so  far  from  succeeding,  the 
poorest  of  the  whole  would  consider  himself  insulted,  and  from  his 
own  knowledge  stand  up  in  defence  of  his  more  fortunate  school 
mate.  The  ties  of  friendship  formed  at  school,  outlive  every  other 
where  relationship  does  not  exist.  Can  any  man  meet  the  school 
mate  of  by-gone  days,  without  feelings  that  almost  hallow  the  greet 
ing?" 

if  such  are  the  influences  created  by  common  schools,  who  would 
not  wish  to  see  them  established  in  every  corner  of  the  Stale?  Who 
would  not  wish  to  see  such  feelings  cherished  in  every  you:hful 


423 

breast?  If  the  rich  would  but  consult  the  future  interests  of  their 
children,  and  not  their  pride  and  vanity;  if  they  would  raise  them 
up  to  be  beloved  and  respected,  and  not  to  become  a  by  word  and  a 
reproach  among  all  their  neighbors,  and  to  be  despised  and  pointed 
at  with  the  tinger  of  scorn  whenever  they  pass  the  streets;  they 
would  countenance  and  support  the  establishment  of  public  schools 
adequate  to  the  wants  of  the  whole  community.  Nothing  more  is 
wanting  to  put  our  schools  on  high  and  prominent  ground  than  the 
general  co-operation  of  the  public  and  a  full  supply  of  well  qualified 
teachers.  Time  and  the  measures  going  into  operation  will  ere  long 
furnish  these,  and  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  the  good  sense  and 
reflection  of  the  public  will  soon  lead  to  that  co-operation.  But 
whatever  may  be  the  obstacles  to  universal  education,  and  however 
great  and  many  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered,  they  must  be  met 
and  overcome.  "The  people  must  be  educated  or  the  government 
cannot  stand.  The  right  of  suffrage  is  universal — the  means  of  know 
ledge  must  be  co-extensive.  Where  the  necessities  for  education  are 
the  greatest,  there  the  difficulties  are  the  greatest,  and  the  means 
the  least.  Education  does  not  and  cannot,  by  any  means  yet  devised 
and  in  operation,  reach  the  mass  of  the  peeple,  adequate  to  qualify 
them  for  the  duties  and  responsibilities  of  freemen.  Nay,  there  are 
immense  numbers  who  never  enter  a  school  or  receive  an  education 
at  all.  It  has  been  estimated,  and  the  fact  been  published  in  Europe, 
that  there  are  at  least  thirteen  hundred  thousand  free  white  children 
and  youth  south  and  west  of  New  York,  totally  destitute  of  the 
means  of  elementary  instruction.  These  facts,  with  the  practical 
commentary  afforded  by  the  riots,  recklessness  of  law  and  order,  by 
the  deliberate  organization  of  infuriated  mobs  on  the  slighest 
grounds,  and  for  the  most  inadequate  causes,  are  full  of  meaning, 
and  cannot  be  misunderstood.  These  symptoms  of  disorganization 
and  defiance  of  law  have  been  manifested  in  every  part  of  the  coun 
try,  and  they  demonstrate,  with  appalling  certainty,  that  popular  ig 
norance  and  vice  do  gain  ground  upon  all  the  means  of  popular 
education  now  in  action.  How  long  the  institutions  of  the  country, 
based  upon  the  intelligence  of  the  people,  and  intended  for  the  en 
joyment  of  intelligent  freemen,  can  withstand  and  survive  the  under 
minings  of  ignorance  and  corruption,  and  the  shocks  of  reckless  vice 
and  crime,  is  a  problem  which  it  will  not  take  many  generations  to 
solve."*  "You  may  dig  canals,  construct  railroads  and  turnpikes, 
establish  manufactories,  cultivate  fields,  erect  your  splendid  man 
sions,  accumulate  wealth  until  you  become  the  pride  of  the  earth,  if 
you  do  not  keep  a  good  moral  education  of  the  whole  population  in 
advance  of  all  your  oilier  improvements,  you  are  but  making  a 
richer  prize  for  some  bold,  crafty  and  successful  tyrant,  who  must 
ultimately  be  hailed  as  a  welcome  deliverer  from  anarchy  and  con 
fusion.  Whatever  was  written  aforetime  was  written  for  our  instruc 
tion.  Let  me  refer  you  to  the  history  of  other  nations  and  other  times. 
Did  not  France  desire  to  be  free?  Did  she  not  deserve  to  be  iree9 


flloa,  Jam*  •  :J<.  Cartor,  Speech.  EIotBj  Rep  e.o.itr.tivca,  Massacl  u  e.'.a,  US'. 


424 

if  a  sacrifice  of  blood  and  treasure  could  merit  freedom.  She  was 
not  without  learned  men.  *  But  the  great  mass 

of  the  community  were  not  learned.  Hence  they  were  imposed  upon 
by  the  few,  and  the  people,  after  enacting  all  that  patriotism,  bra 
very,  wealth  and  numbers  could  do,  and  breasting  the  opposition  of 
combined  Europe,  ultimately  threw  themselves  into  the  sirms  ot  a 
Corsician  soldier! — to  save  themselves  from  the  ravages  of  an  out 
raged  aud  ignorant  mob.  And  it  is  only  through  fear  of  re-enacting 
the  same  scenes,  that  France  has  recently  submitted  to  a  tyranny  as 
much  worse  than  that  of  the  dethroned  monarch  as  we  can  well  con 
ceive."*  It  is  devoutly  to  be  hoped  that  the  Michigan  school  system 
may  be  found  iully  adequate,  in  the  means  it  is  providing  and  accu 
mulating  to  qualify  each  and  every  individual  for  the  duties  and 
responsibilities  of  a  freeman  and  a  citizen. — fj.  D.  PIERCE,  Superin 
tendent,  1838. 

The  object  of  education  is  to  raise  up,  and  not  to  pull  down;  to 
improve  the  condition  of  man,  to  advance  the  interests  of  the  whole 
people,  while  increasing  the  individual  happiness  and  prosperity  of 
every  member  in  the  commonwealth.  If  education  results  in  the 
perfection  of  government,  it  also  leads  to  the  like  perfection  in  science, 
m  the  arts  and  in  every  species  of  improvement.  It  is  education 
that  unfolds  the  hidden  mysteries  of  creation,  and  introduces  man  to 
the  secret  springs  by  which  he  is  destined  to  arrive  at  the  highest 
degree  of  physical,  intellectual  and  moral  attainment.  The  improve 
ments  she  is  yet  to  make,  and  which  she  alone  can  make,  in  ma 
chinery,  in  mechanic  arts,  and  in  the  implements  of  husbandry,  will 
secure  to  every  man,  with  four  hour's  labor,  a  competence  for  him 
self  and  his  family.  The  great  balance  of  time,  expended  as  it 
should  be,  in  moral  and  mental  eulture,  would  introduce  us  at  once 
to  the  golden  age  of  man.  A.  less  amount  of  labor  than  this  can 
never  be  desired.  Such  an  amount  is  essential  to  the  beauty  and 
perfection  of  his  physical  nature — to  the  development,  the  healthy 
and  rigorous  action  of  his  bodily  constitution  and  power. 

The  people  of  the  older  States,  sensible  of  the  urgent  necessity  of 
education,  are  awaking  to  redoubled  efforts  in  its  behalf.  Wise  men 
in  those  States,  confident  that  this  is  the  only  way  to  preserve  a  pre 
ponderating  influence  in  the  general  government  of  our  common 
country,  have  been,  and  are  promoting  every  means  to  advance  the 
cause  of  general  education,  with  the  avowed  purpose  of  raising  up 
men  of  distinguished  attainments  and  ability,  to  guide  and  direct  in 
their  councils.  This  was  the  purpose  of  Jefferson,  when  he  founded 
the  University  of  Virginia.  He'perceived  that  power  was  gradually 
passing  the  mountains,  and  that,  at  no  distant  period,  it  was  destined 
to  take  up  its  abode  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi;  and  instead  of 
bewailing  its  departure,  set  himself  to  devise  ways  and  means  to 
retain  and  exercise  all  the  influence  that  high  attainments  in  litera 
ture,  science  and  the  arts  can  give  to  any  people.  Governor  Ever 
ett,  in  his  late  address  at  the  commencement  of  Williams"  college, 

*  Address  of  lion.  Samuel  Ix;wis. 


425 

urges  education  upon  the  people  of  Massachusetts  for  the  same  re-a- 
son.  "1  am  strongly  convinced,"  says  he,  "that  it  behooves  our  an 
cient  commonwealth  to  look  anxiously  to  this  subject,  if  she  wishes  to 
maintain  her  honorable  standing  in  the  union  of  the  States." 

Would  Michigan  attain  a  high  r.;nk  and  an  honorable  distinction 
in  this  matchless  confederacy  of  States, — would  she  keep  pace  with 
the  rapid  march  of  improvement  and  of  mind, — would  she  exert 
her  just  share  of  influence  in  the  grand  councils  of  the  nation — let 
her  stretch  every  nerve,  and  ply  every  means  to  move  toward  the 
glorious  work.  Let  perseverance  be  written  upon  the  walls  of  her 
capitol,  arid  let  this  be  the  watchword  of  her  people,  till  every  child 
in  the.  State  shall  become  thoroughly  educated,  and  fitted  to  faliil  his 
duty  faithfully,  to  his  country  and  his  God.  The  object  is  high,  the 
inducements  great,  and  the  rewards  above  all  price. — [J.  D.  PIERCE, 
Superintendent,  1839. 

While  the  desirableness  of  education,  in  the  best  sense  of  the 
term,  is  admitted  by  every  reflecting  mind,  its  importance,  under  a 
free  government  like  ours,  no  one  can  fully  estimate.  Our  fathers 
held  it  in  their  highest  regard,  for  they  planted  their  school  houses, 
with  their  churches,  beside  the  war  path  of  the  Indian,  while  yet 
their  first  rude  cabins  but  half  sheltered  them  from  the  cold  blasts 
of  a  New  England  winter.  Since  the  May-flower  landed  the  "An 
glo  Saxon  exiles,"  that  band  of  noble  spirits  which  laid  the  founda 
tion  of  a  far  spreading  and  powerful  empire,  no  period  is  to  be  found 
in  the  history  of  our  country,  when  education  has  not  been  more  or 
less  generally  regarded  as  an  object  of  the  highest  public  concern 
ment. 

It  is  most  assuredly  an  omen  of  lasting  good  to  this  infant  com 
munity,  and  also  a  matter  of  congratulation,  that  so  many  are  dis 
posed  not  only  to  listen  to,  but  to  es.ter  upon,  the  discussion  of  a  sub 
ject  so  transcendently  important  in  all  its  bearings  upon  the  great 
interests  of  man,  as  the  education  of  a  whole  people.  It  is  certainly 
desirable  to  extend  a  good,  education  to  every  child  in  the  State,  of 
whatever  name  or  complexion — such  an  education  as  is  suited  to  his 
wants,  to  his  condition  and  circumstances  in  life.  To  do  thus 
much  should  be  the  settled  purpose  of  every  citizen  of  this  rising 
commonwealth,  and  the  high  aim  of  its  legislation  and  government 

As  the  desire  of  improvement  is  universal,  why  not  extend  the 
blessings  of  education  to  every  individual  of  all  classes?  This  de 
sire  is  not  only  universal,  but  every  member  of  the  human  family  is 
capable  of  an  endless  progression  in  improvement.  Progress  is  the 
great  principle  of  human  existence.  Progress  in  knowledge,  in  mo 
rality,  in  expansion  of  intellect,  in  arts  and  the  subjugation  of  all  na 
ture  to  his  own  uses — progress  in  civilization,  in  refinement,  and  in 
the  more  full  enjoyment  of  his  noble  rational  existence,  is  the  all  en 
grossing  desiie  of  man.  Not  of  any  one  man — but  of  the  entire 
race.  Why  then  confine  the  blessings  of  education  to  a  privileged 
few?  It  can  be  desired  by  that  few  only  for  the  purpose  of  convert 
ing  the  balance  of  our  race  into  mere  hewers  of  wood  and  drawers 
of  water 

54 


426 

Man  has  not  only  the  capacity  and  the  power  of  continual  ad 
vancement,  but  he  has  advanced,  often  in  the  midst  of  the  most  ad 
verse  circumstances,  from  the  beginning  of  time.  Not  every  indi 
vidual  of  every  age  and  tribe,  not  every  generation  of  man — but 
man  in  his  sochl  nature  and  condition,  as  a  sensitive  and  percipient 
being — the  human  race  as  a  great  and  mighty  family,  have  always 
been  moving  forward  more  or  less  rapidly  in  civilization  and  im 
provement.  Besides,  all  men  admire  new  forms  of  beauty — all  ara 
pleased  with  elegant,  graceful  and  sublime  objects — all  desire  to  bet 
ter  their  condition,  to  improve  themselves  and  families,  to  enjoy  more  of 
]ife  in  its  best  sense — and  ail  may  improve  and  better  their  condition 
by  wisely  directed  efforts.  Why  then  resist  this  generous  and  enno 
bling  impulse  of  human  nature — why  continue  to  chain  down  both 
body  and  soul  in  all  the  misery,  the  degradation,  the  meanness,  the 
despair,  the  blackness  and  darkness  of  perpetual  ignorance?  Why 
resist  the  onward  march  of  improvement  to  universal  empire? 

Children,  as  well  as  men,  love  improvement.  They  love  to  learn, 
go  forward,  see,  hear,  examine,  compare,  combine.  The  God  of 
nature  has  formed  them  for  it,  and  made  them  as  susceptible  of  ad 
vancement  in  all  that  can  adora  and  beautify,  as  the  earth  is  of  cul 
tivation;  and  this  desire  of  improvement  can  no  more  be  eradicated 
from  the  constitution  af  man  than  he  can  cease  to  be.  So  long  as 
men  desire  the  comforts  of  life — pure  air,  wholesome  food,  suitable 
clothing  and  convenient  dwellings — they  must  constantly  desire  tp 
better  their  condition.  Why  then  do  such  men  as  Peel  and  Welling 
ton,  and  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  regard  with  an  evil  eye,  and 
resist  to  utter  desperation,  all  efforts  and  plans  to  instruct  and  ele 
vate  the  great  body  of  the  people?  Why  do  they  so  strenou>ly  op 
pose  the  establishment  of  schools  throughout  the  empire,  of  which 
they  are  so  prominent  and  powerful  members?  Is  it  because  in 
these  institutions  men  would  learn  to  understand  and  appreciate  their 
rights,  powers,  obligations  and  duties,  and  hence  be  no  longer  capa 
ble  of  being  used  as  mere  instruments  to  administer  to  the  ambition, 
the  pride,  the  pleasure  and  self-exaltation  of  the  noble  few?  Or  is  it 
because  they  apprehend,  in  case  the  schools  succeed,  that  they  and 
their  families  may  be  reduced  to  what  is  to  them  the  most  terrible 
of  all  evils,  the  necessity  of  laboring  to  provide  for  their  own  sub 
sistence?  But  education,  which  is  the  cause  of  man,  must  and  will 
triumph  over  all  its  enemies. 

To  educate,  is  to  dr-iw  out,  unfold,  develop,  enlarge  and  strengthen, 
all  the  powers,  faculties  and  susceptibilities  of  human  nature.  Edu 
cation  is  hence  the  great  business  of  human  existence.  It  is  the  all 
important  end  to  be  pursued  through  life;  while  instruction  is  the 
presentation  of  facts,  the  communication  of  light  and  knowledge, 
and  is  one  principal  means  of  accomplishing  that  end  It  is  true 
much  depends  on  the  nature  of  the  education,  which  is  obtained 
through  the  manifold  instrumentality  that  may  be  employed.  "As 
the  twig  is  bent,  the  tree's  inclined."  This  declaration  is  full  of 
meaning.  How  desirable  then  that  such  an  education  be  given  and 
received,  as  will  fit  for  continued  and  increasing  usefulness?— J.  D. 
PIBBOE,  Superintendent,  1840. 


427 

That  knowledge  which  a  good  education  furnishes,  is  exceedingly 
valuable  in  all  that  pertains  to  human  life — in  the  direction  of  house- 
bold  affairs — in  the  supply,  management  and  economy  of  the  kitch 
en — in  the  laying  out  «nd  proper  cultivation  of  the  garden — in  all 
the  arrangements  and  business  of  the  farm — in  the  gathering  and 
preservation  of  all  the  products  both  of  the  farm  and  garden — in  the 
building  of  houses,  barns,  mills,  factories  and  other  edifices,  whether 
public  or  private — in  digging  a  race  or  canal — in  constructing  a  mill 
dam  or  railroad — in  the  manufactory  of  every  variety  of  articles, 
whether  for  domestic  or  foreign  use — in  navigation  and  the  multifa 
rious  operations  of  commerce — in  all  the  business  of  government — in 
legislation — in  the  administration  of  justice — in  all  the  professions — in 
the  practice  of  law  and  medicine — in  the  pulpit  and  teaching. 

An  ignorant  man.  in  the  midst  of  an  educated  community,  must 
ever  find  it  impossible  to  sustain  himself.  Ml  with  whom  he  has  to 
do,  seem  to  be  above  him.  Others  appear  to  enjoy  the  fruit  of  his 
labor.  And  why  is  it  so?  Because  he  has  not  sufficient  acquired  knwol- 
edge  to  direct  wisely  his  own  efforts.  Being  unable  to  compete  with 
his  neighbors,  he  becomes  disheartened  and  gives  himself  up  to 
crime.  The  inmates  of  State  prisons  are  generally  ignorant,  uned 
ucated  men.  Those,  therefore,  who  suffer  their  children  to  grow  up 
uninstructed,  leave  them  without  the  means  necessary  to  improve 
their  condition,  protect  their  rights,  or  even  to  preserve  what  they 
may  have  gained  for  them.  The  same  is  true  of  a  State  in  the  midst 
of  nations  generally  uneducated.  No  people  can  prosper  without  in 
telligence  and  skill  to  direct  State  affairs.  An  ignorant  community 
can  never  compete  with  a  State  guided  by  superior  knowledge.  What 
has  enabled  the  government  of  Great  Britoi'i  to  lay  under  heavy  con 
tribution  large  portions  of  the  globe?  Wh  it  has  enabled  the  tew  of 
that  island  to  tax  many  millions  of  people  in  other  parts  of  the  world? 
Superior  knowledge.  As  education  with  them  is  confined  to  the  priv 
ileged  orders,  they  have  contrived  by  various  monopolies  to  appropri 
ate  to  themselves  a  great  share  of  the  wealth  and  proceeds  of  the 
labor  of  their  own  country  and  people. 

The  history  of  the  world  in  by-gone  ages  furnishes  a  most  instruc 
tive  lesson.  It  teaches  us  what  must  ever  be  the  fate  of  an  ignorant, 
uneducated  people. 

Our  own  history  strikingly  illustrates  the  value  of  knowledge, 
among  the  great  mass  of  the  people.  It  lies  at  the  foundatioij  of  all 
the  improvements  and  enterprise  of  the  country.  It  was  the  origin 
of  that  glorious  revolution  which  gave  birth  to  a  great,  widely  ex 
tended,  and  growing  republic,  and  liberty  to  all  her  citizens.  Our 
fathers  knew  their  rights.  The  people  were  all  educated.  No  child 
was  suffered  to  grow  up  ignorant  of  his  rights,  powers,  obligations,, 
duties.  When  of  age,  and  called  to  act  in  the  township  assemblies, 
those  pure  democracies,  to  which  a  late  distinguished  writer  has 
traced  the  origin  of  nil  our  republican  institutions — he  was  qualified 
to  act  his  part  with  honor  to  himself  and  usefully  to  his  country. 
When  we  can  fully  appreciate  our  present  condition,  prosperous  and 
happy,  in  comparison  with  that  of  the  great  body  of  the  people  io 


428 

other  portions  of  the  globe,  we  shall  bettor  understand,  and  form 
an  inconceivably  higher  estimate  of  the  value  of  knowledge  among 
the  people.— J.  D.  FIERCE,  Sup't,  1840. 

IMPROVEMENT  OF  THE  SCHOOLS. 

Vast  sums  are  yearly  squandered  to  no  purpose.  If  the  books 
selected  consist  of  extracts  and  compilations,  wholly  unsuited  to  the 
capacity  of  children — if  the  house  is  cold  or  crowded,  inconvenient 
and  uncomfortable — and  especially  if  given  over  to  the  management 
of  an  incompetent  teacher,  the  school  becomes  a  scene  of  anarchy 
and  confusion,  and  all  is  waste — the  young  mind  becomes  disgusted 
with  books  and  schools  and  teachers,  and  hates  learning  forever  af 
ter.  There  is  need  also  of  improvement  in  the  selection  of  school 
house  sites;  it  is  not,  as  many  seem  to  imagine,  a  matter  of  indiffer 
ence  where  the  school  house  is  located.  It  ought  to  be  the  most 
healthy  and  attractive  spot  within  the  circle  of  the  district,  just  re 
gard  being  had  to  convenience.  The  building  should  be  spacious 
and  warm,  and  well  ventilated,  with  a  yard  suitably  enclosed  for 
playful  exercise.  The  entire  premises,  with  all  thereunto  belonging, 
the  construction  of  the  house  and  its  internal  arrangements,  should 
be  a  picture  of  order,  of  neatness  and  comfort;  and  present  to  the 
youthful  mind  a  pleasing  and  lovely  aspect.  It  should  be  an  en 
chanting  spot,  sheltered  alike  from  the  cold  blasts  of  winter,  and  the 
summer's  scorching  sun;  a  place  of  love,  of  kindness  and  good  will; 
and  not  a  place  of  whips,  consternation,  despotism  and  terror.  Let 
all  be,  in  arid  out  of  school,  as  it  should  be,  and  the  young  mind  is 
led  daily  to  contemplate  the  usefulness  and  beauty  of  method,  which 
cannot  fail  to  produce  a  refined  taste,  with  habits  of  order.  But  these 
topics  in  regard  to  the  internal  condition  of  schools,  their  govern- 
'ment  and  order — the  branches  to  be  taught — the  books  to  be  used; 
the  improvements  which  may  be  introduced  in  the  methods  of  teach 
ing — what  defects  are  to  be  supplied — what  evils  to  be  remedied;  the 
comparative  advantages  and  disadvantages  of  different  systems,  es 
pecially  of  the  monitorial — and  various  other  matters  pertaining  to 
schools,  will  naturally  arid  necessarily  come  up  for  consideration, 
•  when  some  general  system  for  their  external  organization  shall  be 
perfected.  The  foundations  must  be  laid,  and  the  frame  work  com 
pleted,  before  the  edifice  can  receive  its  finish  in  the  internal  apart 
ments.— [J.  D.  PIERCE,  Sup't,  1837. 

CHARACTER   OF    INSPECTORS. 

Upon  the  wisdom,  fidelity  and  zeal  of  this  board,  the  success  of  the 
whole  system  will  in  a  great  measure  depend.  They  will  be  called 
to  decide  on  the  qualifications  of  teachers;  and  consequently  to  fix 
the  standard  of  education  in  their  respective  townships.  If  thifs 
standard  is  low,  the  schools  must  suffer  an  irretrievable  loss.  For 
the  maxim  of  the  Germans  is  strictly  true:  "  As  is  the  master  so  is 
the  school."  If  his  capacity  is  small,  and  his  acquirements  small,  he 
will  lull  to  sleep  rather  than  wake  up  the  energies  of  the  youthful 
mind.  Should  he  prove  to  be  a  man  of  passion,  he  will  inspire  fear, 


429 

rather  than  a  love  of  knowledge.  It  will  therefore  be  within  the 
power  of  the  board  of  inspectors  to  aid  greatly  in  raising  the  stand 
ard  of  education.  And  as  this  board  must  be  supposed  to  represent 
the  sentiment  and  i'eolin^  of  the  communities  in  which  they  respec 
tively  rside,  it  will  be  essentially  important  to  impress  upon  the  town 
ships  the  necessity  of  maintaining  an  efficient  board  of  school  inspec 
tors.  Let  their  powers  be  ample,  and  let  them  be  adequately  sus 
tained  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties,  and  the  work  will  be  done. 
And  then  the  fruit  will  be,  a  well  educated  and  vigorous  people — a 
people  trained  in  the  school  of  knowledge  and  virtue — a  people  un 
derstanding  their  rights  and  capable  of  sustaining  them. 

Whatever  form  of  external  organization  it  may  be  thought  best  to 
adopt,  it  will  be  remembered  that  the  system  cannot  be  executed 
without  agents.  And  as  already  intimated,  on  the  number,  activity 
and  energy  of  these  agents,  will  the  success  of  the  syotem  depend. 
Much  must  necessarily  be  committed  to  them,  and  left  to  their  man 
agement  and  care.  It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  they  will  be  intrust 
ed  with  executive  and  not  legislative  powers.  These  agents  will  be 
trusts  of  the  people,  deputed  to  fulfill  certain  important  trusts. 
They  will  not  be  makers,  but  officers  of  the  law;  it  will  be  their  duty 
to  do  its  bidding.  To  insure  success,  we  must  have  simplicity,  combin 
ed  with  activity  and  energy.  Hence  the  number  of  the  agents  should 
be  just  enough  to  secure  these  desirable  ends.  If  there  are  too  many 
to  do  the  work,  it  will  not  be  done.  In  such  a  state  of  things,  there 
will  sometimes  be  neglect,  and  sometimes  confusion,  rather  than  de 
cision,  efficiency  and  action.  It  is  therefore  submitted,  as  worthy  of 
deliberate  consideration,  whether  it  will  not  be  best  to  reduce,  from 
what  they  now  are,  at  least  one-half,  the  officers  of  the  district  and 
township  organization.  Let  the  agents  be  few,  let  their  duties  be 
clearly  defined,  and  let  them,  as  in  the  Prussian  system,  be  paid  for 
their  services.  Whatever  may  be  thought  of  the  Prussian  govern 
ment,  so  strong  is  the  sense  of  justice  in  that  people,  that  they  have 
no  idea  of  taking  the  time  and  labor  of  individuals,  and  applying 
them  to  the  public  benefit,  without  compensation.  And  iUs  con 
ceived  to  be  equally  against  the  spirit  and  letter  of  our  constitution, 
to  require  the  services  of  any  without  paying  them  for  what  they  do. 
The  time  of  every  man  is  his  property,  and  cannot  either  justly  or 
constitutionally  be  taken  and  given  to  the  public  without  remunera 
tion.  Hence,  when  the  good  of  the  public  calls  any  of  its  members 
to  the  discharge  of  important  duties,  let  them  be  paid  for  their  labor. 
In  this  view  of  the  subject,  it  will  not  be  advisable  to  employ  more 
agents  in  the  school  system  than  will  be  sufficient  to  insure  its  suc 
cess.  To  employ  more  than  enough,  would  be  to  impose  an  unnec 
essary  burden,  whether  paid  or  unpaid. — [J.  D.  PIERCE,  Superinten 
dent,  1837. 

What  has  here  been  said  regarding  a  judicious  choice  of  men  to 
form  the  district  board,  applies,  with  increased  force,  to  the  selection 
of  persons  to  constitute  the  township  board  of  school  inspectors.  Their 
situation  involves  great  responsibility.  Their  duties,  if  not  the  most 
arduous,  are  always  important,  and  sometimes  delicate.  They  have 


430 

ample  scopti  for  the  exercise  of  their  talents,  discretion  and  firmness. 
They  have  abundant  opportunity  to  manifest  their  desire  to  advance 
the  public  education,  morals  and  interest.  A  competent  education  of 
the  entire  man,  universally  enjoyed,  would  prevent  many  of  the  phys 
ical  evils  to  which  man  is  liable;  and  nearly  all  the  vices,  with  all 
their  consequent  miseries,  that  infest  the  world.  It  promotes  the 
most  desirable  objects  that  pertain  to  man.  It  has  a  direct  bearing 
upon  his  happiness  and  honor,  in  his  present  and  future  existence. 
Hence  its  immense  magnitude  is  apparent.  Its  paramount  claims 
upon  the  highest  regards  and  energies  of  mankind,  individually,  and 
in  every  form  of  society,  are  strong  and  imperative. — [0.  0.  COM- 
STOCK,  Superintendent,  1845. 

COURSE  OF  STUDIES  PROPER  TO  BE  PURSUED  IN  THE  SCHOOLS. 

The  relations  of  life  are  many  and  various;  and  out  of  these  rela 
tions  spring  all  the  duties  of  life.  There  are  duties  which  men  owe 
to  each  other  as  rational  and  moral  beings,  duties  which  they  owe 
to  the  State  that  sustains  them,  and  duties  which  they  owe  to  the 
government  of  the  State  that  protects  them.  These  duties  grow  out 
of  the  relations  which  they  bear  to  each  other,  to  the  State,  and  to 
its  government.  Without  proper  instruction,  how  can  they  know, 
much  less  discharge  these  duties?  Without  such  instruction  in  early 
life,  how  can  it  rationally  be  expected  that  they  will  be  properly  qual 
ified,  judiciously  to  exercise  the  elective  franchise,  the  most  impor 
tant  duty  of  freemen?  Without  it,  how  can  they  go  forward  from 
time  to  time,  and  understandingly  exercise  that  portion  of  the  sover 
eignty  of  the  State,  which  resides  in  themselves?  Without  it,  how 
can  they  properly  judge  in  regard  to  the  most  important  questions 
and  measures  of  government,  and  so  determine  in  all  cases  as  to  pro 
mote  the  general  welfare?  It  results,  therefore,  that  our  young  men 
of  ail  conditions  in  life,  should  be  taught  the  great  principles  of  the 
constitution  and  laws  of  the  State,  and  of  the  United  States.  It  is 
of  the  first  importance  for  them  to  hive  a  correct  knowledge  of  these 
things,  because  the  sovereignty  of  the  State  resides  in  a  majority  of 
its  citizens.  Such  young  men  as  have  no  correct  understanding  of 
these  great  subjects,  must  be  miserably  fitted  for  the  active  duties  of 
life.  For  the  want  of  this,  they  may  be  led  unwittingly  to  invade 
the  rights  of  others,  and  thereby  forfeit  their  own.  If  unexpectedly 
called  to  fill  important  trusts,  and  discharge  responsible  duties,  they 
are  necessarily  subjected  to  great  inconvenience,  as  well  as  extreme 
mortification,  and  find  themselves  obliged  to  commence  the  study  of 
those  things  which  they  ought  to  have  learned  in  childhood  and 
youth.  The  young  men  of  our  country  can  scarcely  fail  of  being 
called  to  judge  of  measures  for  the  improvement  of  the  district  in 
which  they  reside,  for  the  government  of  the  township  to  which  they 
belong,  for  the  promotion  of  the  larger  interests  of  the  county  organ 
ization,  for  the  growth  and  enlargement  of  the  State,  and  the  full 
development  of  its  abun  lant  resources,  and  for  the  protection,  ad 
vancement  and  permanent  prosperity,  peace,  happiness  and  glory  of 
this  great  and  united  republic.  But  without  education,  what  can  they 

t 


431 

do?     What  services  can  they  render?     They  must  sink  down  into 
utter  insignificance. 

There  are  also  other  branches  of  knowledge  of  great  importance, 
with  which  the  youth  of  our  country  ought  early  to  be  made  ac 
quainted;  and  branches,  too,  which  have  an  especial  reference  to 
their  own  future  prospects  and  interests;  but  to  a  knowledge  of  which 
they  can  never  expect  to  attian  without  correct  instruction-  Most 
certainly  it  would  be  of  great  utility  to  them  to  have  a  general  ac 
quaintance  with  the  business  transactions  of  the  country;  with  its 
foreign  and  domestic  commerce  and  relations;  with  its  manu Picturing 
and  agricultural  productions;  with  its  internal  improvements,  popu 
lation  and  power,  as  well  as  wiih  its  geography,  history,  literature  and 
language.  These  things  are  interesting  in  themselves,  and  as  useful  as 
they  are  interesting.  They  should  also  have  some  correct  under 
standing  of  the  great  business  of  civil  magistracy,  and  be  made  ac 
quainted  with  the  names  of  the  different  officers  of  government  un 
der  the  constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  of  the  respective  States; 
and  also  of  their  appropriate  duties.  Nor  should  the  young  men  of 
Our  country  be  suffered  to  grow  up  in  utter  ignorance  of  the  business 
and  course  of  legislation;  of  the  organization,  proceedings,  and  pe 
culiar  functions  of  courts  of  justice,  and  the  object  and  duties  of 
Courts  of  equity.  Without  some  knowledge  of  the  kind,  they  are  not 
qualified  to  read  either  with  pleasure  or  profit  to  themselves,  even 
the  common  newspaper  publications  of  the  day.  In  addition  to 
these  things,  the  arts  of  husbandry,  the  history  and  use  of  domestic 
animals;  the  principles  of  mechanism  and  the  mechanic  arts;  the  va 
rious  agents  and  powers  of  nature,  which  have  been  called  into  the 
service  of  man;  mensuration,  civil  engineering,  architecture  and 
gardening,  are  each  and  all  of  them  highly  important  and  profitable 
branches  of  knowledge.  It  may  be  thought,  however,  that  so  wide 
a  range  of  studies  is  unnecessary,  if  not  injurious.  Hut  the  truth  is, 
the  more  the  mind  acquires,  the  more  it  is  capable  of  acquiring.  On 
the  mole  hill,  in  the  valley,  the  vision  of  man  is  limited;  it  led  from 
this  position  to  some  eminence  on  the  surrounding  hills,  no  difficulty 
is  felt;  and  if  transported  to  the  chief  summit  of  the  loftiest  moun 
tain  upon  earth,  no  injurious  consequences  result;  the  eye  is  found 
to  be  equally  well  adapted  to  this  large  sphere  of  observation;  and 
the  depth  of  the  emotion  felt,  and  the  pleasurable  sensations  excited, 
are  proportionate  to  this  enlargement  of  view.  So  it  is  with  the 
mind.  A  desire  of  knowledge  is  one  of  its  original,  innate  elements. 
It  is  one  of  the  essential  principles  of  the  human  mind.  It  belongs 
to  the  constitution  of  man,  and  forms  a  part  of  his  existence.  It  is 
early  developed  in  children;  they  uniformly  love  to  learn;  and  the 
more  they  study,  the  more  they  wish  to  study;  and  the  more  they 
read,  the  more  do  they  wish  to  read,  provided  the  books  put  within 
their  reach  are  what  they  should  be,  plain  and  easy  to  be  understood, 
<und  tilled  with  useful  and  interesting  matter. 

Every  new  acquisition  gives  additional  strength  to  the  mind;  and 
this  additional  strength  increases  the  power  for  acquiring  further 
knowledge.  Besides,  nature  is  one,  and  the  arts  and  sciences,  like 


432 

her  children,  of  one  family  and  kindred.  An  acquaintance  with 
one  facilitates  an  acquaintance  with  another,  and  the  light  of  one  is 
the  surest  guide  to  a  knowledge  of  the  others.  As  all  the  colors 
arc  necessary  to  make  up  the  white  and  pure  light  of  day,  so  all 
principles  of  knowledge  are  but  p^rts  of  one  great  and  glorious 
whole.  It  has  often  been  a  matter  of  wonder,  how  any  man  could, 
like  Sir  William  Jones,  acquire  in  one  short  life  a  facility  in  speaking 
and  writing  twenty-eight  living  languages;  yet  when  we  consider 
that  all  languages  have  a  common  root,  whose  members  are  grouped 
in  classes,  we  come  to  admire  not  so  much  a  giant  intellect  as  a  pa 
tience  of  investigation  worthy  of  all  renown.  But  however  desirable 
it  may  be  to  lead  the  children  and  youth  of  our  State  far  onward  in 
the  paths  of  literature  and  science,  it  is  nevertheless  true  that  a  much 
less  amount  of  knowledge  will  be  found  to  be  sufficient  for  the  ordi 
nary  transactions  of  life. 

The  education  of  Washington  the  great,  was  confined  in  early  life 
to  the  ordinary  branches  of  an  English  education,  at  a  period  when 
knowledge  and  the  means  of  acquiring  it  were  not  what  they  now  are. 
This  fact  strikingly  illustrates  the  truth  of  the  remark  of  a  great  man, 
that,  "give  a  child  a  sufficient  mastery  of  the  English  language  to 
enable  him  to  spell,  read  and  write  it,  and  out  of  this  amount  of  in 
struction,  with  a  desire  of  improvement,  he  would  work  his  way  to 
the  highest  achievements  of  intellectual  power."  Hence,  says  Pauld- 
ing,  in  his  life  of  Washington,  "  while  it  serves  to  exalt  the  charac 
ter  and  abilities  of  this  famous  man,  to  learn  that  though  his  means 
of  acquiring  knowledge  were  not  superior,  nay,  not  equal  to  those 
now  within  the  reach  of  all  for  whom  I  write,  yet  did  he,  in  after 
life,  by  the  force  of  his  genius  and  the  exercise  of  a  manly  perseve 
rance,  supply  all  his  deficiencies;  so  that  when  called  upon  to  take 
charge  of  the  destinies  of  his  country,  and  bear  a  load  as  large  as 
was  ever  laid  upon  the  shoulders  of  man,  he  was  found  gloriously 
adequate  to  the  task,  and  bore  her  triumphantly  through  a  struggle 
which  may  be  likened  to  the  agonies  of  death,  resulting  in  immor 
tality.  As  with  him,  so  with  my  youthful  readers,  most  of  whose 
opportunities  of  acquiring  knowledge  are  greater  than  those  of  Wash 
ington,  and  who,  though  they  will  not  reach  his  fame,  may  rationally 
aspire  to  an  imitation  of  his  perseverance,  his  integrity,  and  his  pat 
riotism.  Opportunities  for  great  actions  occur  but  seldom;  but  every 
day  and  every  hour  presents  occasion  for  the  performance  of  our 
duties."  Who  would  not  teach  his  children  to  lisp  the  name  of 
Washington,  and  to  emulate  his  virtues?  Who  would  not  wish  every 
child  of  the  State  to  study  his  character,  and  read  the  history  of  his 
splendid  achievements?  But  a  consummation  so  much  to  be  desi 
red,  can  be  attained  only  by  furnishing  every  such  child  with  a  good 
education.  With  such  an  education  the  children  of  our  State  uni 
versally  can  and  must  be  furnished. — [J.  D.  PIERCE,  Sup't,  1838. 

As  there  probably  is  some  difference  of  opinion  on  the  subject,  it 
may  be  proper  to  consider  at  some  length  what  is  implied  in  a  good 
education — in  such  an  education  as  the  primary  schools  ought  to  fur- 


433 

nish.  It  appears  evident  to  the  undersigned,  that  the  public  expec 
tation  is  not  sufficiently  raised  in  regard  to  what  they  are  capable  of 
doing.  They  are  obviously  fitted  to  do  more,  and  to  enter  upon  a 
higher  career  of  usefulness,  than  has  ever  yet  been  asked  of  them. 
Let  justice  be  done  our  schools,  and  they  will  soon  exceed  in  their 
achievements  the  highest  expectation  of  friends.  The  following  con 
siderations  are  presented  as  the  result  of  experience  and  much  reflec 
tion. 

A  good  education  necessarily  implies  a  knowledge  of  ourselves. 
Know  thyself,  was  one  of  the  iirst  precepts  of  an  ancient  teacher; 
and  it  is  emphatically  a  precept  of  the  first  importance.  A  know 
ledge  of  what  we  are  is  essential.  The  nature  of  man  is  complexed 
— two  elements,  matter  and  mind,  are  combined  in  his  present  ex 
istence.  The  body  is  the  dwelling  place  of  the  living  rational  agent. 
How  important  to  know  the  laws  by  which  this  complex  being  is  gov 
erned,  and  how  these  two  principles  mutually  affect  each  other. 

Children  should  be  early  informed  in  regard  to  their  bodily  consti 
tution.  They  ought  to  have  a  clear  and  correct  knowledge  imparted 
to  them  of  what  is  necessary  to  its  highest  beauty,  perfection,  activ 
ity,  vigor  and  health.  Much  of  their  usefulness  and  enjoyment  of 
life,  through  coming  years,  depend  on  the  early  attainment  of  this 
essential  knowledge.  Did  the  fairer  portion  of  our  land  know  more 
of  their  bodily  frame,  of  its  different  vital  organs  and  their  uses,  is 
it  conceivable  that  so  many  of  them,  in  obedience  to  the  dictates  of 
an  imported  prostitute  fashion,  would  willingly  incur  the  guilt  of  self- 
murder?  Did  they  know  themselves,  is  it  to  be  believed  that  any 
of  them  would  continue  to  lay  violent  hands  upon  that  beautiful 
frame  which  God  has  given  them,  when  certain  that  death  must  en 
sue  ?  It  is  highly  important  to  us  as  a  people,  to  have  a  more  accu 
rate  and  thorough  knowledge  of  that  wonderful  formation,  and  cu 
rious  product  of  divine  wisdom — the  body — the  house  in  which  we 
are  destined  while  here  to  live,  move,  think,  feel  and  act.  This 
knowledge  of  our  frame — of  its  organization  and  parts — of  its  wants 
and  relations  to  surrounding  objects,  is  essential  to  preserve  and  pro 
long  life.  The  average  of  human  life,  in  different  countries,  will  be 
found  to  be  in  exact  proportion  to  the  prevalence  of  such  knowledge. 
A  man  who  knows  what  his  physical  constitution  is,  and  requires, 
will  not  be  likely  to  be  either  a  glutton  or  a  drunkard — but  temperate 
in  all  things. 

If  a  good  education  implies  a  knowledge  of  our  bodily  frame,  how 
much  more  a  knowledge  of  our  rational  nature.  This  nature  is  ob 
viously  three-fold — intellectual,  moral  and  religious.  The  chief  intel 
lectual  powers  are  perception,  memory,  reason,  association  of  ideas, 
imagination  and  fancy;  the  moral  powers  are,  ability  to  distinguish 
between  right  and  wrong — to  will,  choose  and  refuse;  while  the  af 
fections,  emotions  and  passions,  form  the  heart,  and  constitute  our 
religious  being.  It  is  in  the  highest  degree  important,  and  essential 
to  our  welfare  as  individuals,  to  have  a  correct  knowledge  of  this  in 
tellectual,  moral  and  religious  nature.  We  ought  as  a  people  to 
know  more  @f  the  powers  and  susceptibilities  of  the  human  mind — 
55 


434 

of  its  workings — of  its  relations;  what  it  can  and  what  it  cannot 
achieve — when  and  under  what  circumstance  it  can  be  most  easily 
enlarged  and  improved.  Such  knowledge  is  essential  to  the  instruc 
tor,  and  equally  so  to  parents.  Children  should  be  early  taught  to 
turn  their  thoughts  back  upon  themselves,  for  the  purpose  of  ob 
serving  the  varied  operations  of  their  intellectual,  moral  and  religious 
being. 

It  is  highly  important  to  know  more  of  the  relation  between  mat 
ter  and  mind,  and  how  each  is  affected  by  this  relation.  If  the  brain 
is  the  chief  instrument  of  mind  in  all  its  operations,  then  whatever 
may  affect  the  brain  must  necessarily  affect  the  mind.  Both  parents 
and  teachers  should  fully  understand  and  appreciate  this  law  of  our 
present  existence.  Without  this  knowledge,  a  child  in  feeble  health 
may  be  permanently  injured,  if  not  sent  to  an  early  grave.  Being 
unable  to  do  much  else,  the  child  is  kept  close  at  study — the  worst 
thing  that  could  be  done.  The  brain  being  unduly  stimulated  and 
excited,  the  whole  system  becomes  deranged,  and  unless  timely  ar- 
rasted,  dissolution  must  ensue.  It  is  also  to  be  further  observed, 
that  in  children,  muscular  energy  is  often  excessive — hence  they 
need  much  exercise.  Long  continued  confinement  renders  them  un 
easy,  fretful,  restless,  miserable.  Punishment  in  no  form,  neither 
chiding  nor  flogging,  will  cure  this;  it  is  human  nature.  In  no  case 
should  they  be  kept^  either  in  or  out  of  school,  more  than  one  hour  at 
close  study,  without  giving  them  full  liberty  for  that  kind  of  exercise 
which  they  need.  If  allowed  to  run,  skip,  hop,  jump,  romp — as  na 
ture  dictates — they  will  not  be  likely  either  to  pull  down  benches,  or 
wrench  off  doors  from  their  hinges.  If  kept  longer  than  one  hour, 
the  laws  of  our  being  are  transgressed;  both  body  and  mind  injured; 
and  the  whole  man,  for  the  time  being,  rendered  unfit  for  further 
improvement.  Disgust,  hatred  of  schools,  books,  teachers,  is  the 
sure  result.  These  things  ought  to  be  more  generally  known.  Pa 
rents  should  know  them;  teachers  also  should  know  them;  a  good 
education  implies  a  knowledge  of  them. 

It  implies,  moreover,  a  knowledge  of  our  country.  To  be  igno 
rant  of  the  country  which  gave  us  birth — sustained  and  protected 
us — is  highly  disgraceful.  Every  child  should  know  the  geography 
of  his  native  land — its  boundaries,  grand  outlines  and  features — the 
relative  position  of  its  different  mountains  and  valleys,  bays  and  har 
bors,  lakes  and  rivers,  and  navigable  waters.  Destitute  of  this  in 
formation,  no  person  can  read  understandingly  a  common  newspa 
per.  He  may  read  of  transactions  upon  the  great  lakes  and  rivers 
of  our  country,  but  he  knows  not  whether  they  occurred  among  the 
Esquimaux,  Hindoos,  Hottentots  or  among  his  own  people.  It  is 
equally  important  to  know  its  political  \iivisions — the  number  and 
relative  position  of  the  States — their  capitols,  chief  towns,  ports  of 
entry,  and  principal  commercial  cities.  Ignorance  of  such  things 
pertaining  to  our  country,  should  not  be  suffered,  where  primary 
schools  exist.  Nor  should  it  be  allowed  in  regard  to  its  geological 
formation.  In  the  bosom  of  the  earth,  there  is  an  abundance  of 
treasure — resources  without  limits — materials  of  untold  importance 


435 

and  value;  such  as  coal,  salt,  iron,  gypsum,  copper,  lead,  marble, 
silver  and  gold,  with  other  useful  articles;  some  of  which  must  be 
had,  being  essential  to  human  existence  and  comfort.  Some  know 
ledge  of  geology  would  save  oftentimes  an  immense  amount  of  labor 
and  expense  in  searching  for  these  hidden  treasures,  and  aid  greatly 
in  the  procurement  of  them  when  found.  Such  an  education  as 
ought  to  be  given,  would  include  a  knowledge  of  the  different  soils, 
their  composition,  fertility,  power  and  adaptedness  to  different  pro 
ductions — whether  fitted  for  grass  or  grain — whether  this  or  that 
crop  will  best  succeed.  This,  to  farmers,  is  of  the  first  importance. 
Nor  should  they  be  ignorant  of  the  various  productions  of  their  coun 
try.  It  ought  to  be  a  shame  to  any  oiie  not  to  kuovv  where  the  ar 
ticles  he  uses,  which  he  wears,  which  he  puts  upon  his  table,  were 
produced;  whether  in  his  own  or  some  other  State;  whether  in  his  own 
country  or  foreign  lands.  With  this,  every  person  should  have  some 
knowledge  of  the  commerce  of  his  country;  what  articles  are  im 
ported,  where  procured,  how  and  by  whom  produced,  what  are  ex 
ported,  where  and  to  whom  sent;  whether  this  commerce  is  carried 
on  by  our  people,  and  in  their  own  ships,  or  by  men  and  in  ships 
of  other  nations.  This  would  include  a  knowledge  of  the  principal 
manufactures  as  well  as  agriculture  of  the  country — as  manufac 
tured  and  agricultural  productions  form  the  chief  articles  of  its  com 
merce. 

The  institutions  and  laws  of  our  country  should  be  known.  A 
correct  knowledge  of  them  is  certainly  implied  in  a  good  education. 
Hence  they  ought  to  be  studied  in  all  the  primary  schools.  Every 
citizen  should  be  acquainted  with  the  government  under  which  he 
lives,  in  its  legislative,  judicial  and  executive  departments;  and  have 
a  full  understanding  of  the  federal  and  State  constitutions,  which 
secures  to  every  man  his  rights  and  liberties,  civil,  political  and  reli 
gious.  No  man  can  safely  be  ignorant  of  these  things;  no  man  can 
do  his  duty  while  ignorant  of  them.  The  names  and  duties  of  pub 
lic  officers,  the  tenure  of  their  respective  offices — how  appointed; 
whether  by  direct  vote  of  the  people,  or  by  some  agent  authorized 
by  law  to  make  the  appointment,  are  matters  of  high  concernment  to 
every  member  of  the  republic.  The  same  is  true  of  public  works; 
they  ought  to  be  known;  children  should  be  informed  in  regard  to 
them.  They  are  matters  of  general  interest.  They  belong  to  the 
people;  being  their  property.  A  good  education  must  also  carry 
along  with  it  a  knowledge  of  the  manifold  improvements  of  the  age. 
These  have  changed  the  aspect  of  affairs  throughout  the  civilized 
world;  many  of  them  are  stupendous  both  in  magnitude  and  power; 
the  results  exceed  all  previous  computation.  Who  would  be  igno 
rant  of  these  things?  These  improvements  have  settled  Michigan, 
and  other  of  the  new  States.  Without  them,  these  plains,  openings, 
prairies  and  forests  would  still  be  what  they  were  before  the  red  man 
gare  place  to  the  white.  Their  moral  effects  have  been  astonishing 
ly  great.  Nations  are  now  more  intimate,  with  oceans  rolling  be 
tween,  than  families  of  the  same  State  were  a  few  years  ago.  All 
this  is  for  good  or  for  evil.  Increased  activity,  energy,  enterprise, 


436 

much  thinking,  constant  discussion,  investigation  of  first  principles,, 
thorough  examination  of  old  systems;  discarding  of  such  as  are  not 
founded  in  truth;  the  exaltation  of  many  to  rights  long  denied  them; 
these  are  the  results,  and  the  causes  which  produced  them  are  press 
ing  down  with  a  weight  and  power  almost  resistless,  upon  the  worn 
out,  corrupt,  fraudulent  institutions  of  the  old  world.  They  may 
soon  sink  under  the  pressure,  and  none  be  found  to"  help  thtm,  is  a 
consummation  devoutly  to  be  wished.  Again,  it  is  asked,  who  would 
be  ignorant  of  these  things? 

The  history  of  our  country  is  another  branch  of  knowledge  implied 
in  a  good  education.  Who  would  not  have  his  children  told  the  sto 
ry  of  the  pilgrims?  Their  wrongs,  sufferings,  fortitude,  self-denial, 
love  of  liberty,  wisdom  and  perseverance,  laid  the  foundation  for  the 
rich  inheritance  which  has  come  down  to  us  Who  would  not  have 
his  children  told  the  story  of  Washington  and  his  brave  associates? 
Their  heroic  deeds  and  achievements  in  the  war  of  the  revolution, 
gave  liberty  and  independence  to  our  country.  Who  would  not  have 
his  children  told  the  story  of  those  civic  fathers  that  framed  its  pres 
ent  constitution  and  government?  Their  deliberations  and  counsels 
firmly  established  and  secured  to  us  what  was  begun  by  the  pilgrims, 
and  consummated  by  Washington  and  his  associates  in  arms.  It 
must  be  a  burning  shame  to  be  ignorant  of  the  history  of  one's  own 
country — of  such  a  history  as  ours — so  full  of  novelty  combined  with 
instruction — so  rich  in  incident,  usefulness  and  entertainment — teach 
ing  by  actual  experiments,  never  before  made,  lessons  of  wisdom. 

In  addition  to  this  knowledge  of  the  geography,  commerce,  insti 
tutions,  improvements  and  history  of  our  own  country,  every  child 
should  have  some  general  information  imparted  to  him  in  regard  to 
foreign  lands.  Most  certainly,  since  wek  as  a  people  have  much  to 
do  with  other  nations,  we  ought  not  to  be  ignorant  of  their  position 
and  circumstances.  We  cannot  safely,  if  we  would,  be  ignorant  of 
their  history,  productions,  commerce,  institutions  and  law?.  We  have 
so  many  interests,  in  common  with  them,  that  this  knowledge  is  re 
quisite  for  the  protection  of  those  interests. 

Something  should  also  be  known  of  the  mineral,  vegetable  and 
animal  kingdoms.  It  is  obviously  important  to  large  portions  of  the 
community  to  be  versed  in  the  history  of  metals — to  know  their 
strength,  uses  and  relative  value.  To  farmers  some  knowledge  of 
the  laws  of  vegetation — the  germination  of  seeds  and  growth  of 
plants,  is  exceedingly  desirable.  They  are  specially  interested  to 
know  what  is  favorable  to  vegetable  life — what  is  the  necessary  nat 
ural  food  of  different  species  of  plants — and  the  effect  of  cultivation 
upon  them.  They  are  equally  concerned  to  have  a  correct  knowl 
edge  of  the  animal  economy.  They  ought  to  know  the  history  of 
the  different  species — their  peculiar  properties,  uses,  relative  value, 
and  how  improved.  No  husbandman  can  safely  be  ignorant  of  these 
things. 

The  principles  of  architecture  and  mechanism  must  not  be  forgot 
ten.  The  power  and  uses  of  different  natural  agents,  as  well  as  the 
mechanic  arts,  are  essential  elements  in  the  knowledge  of  a  people 


437 

who  have  millions  invested  in  their  manufacturing  establishments, 
and  who  are  constantly  adding  to  those  millions.  All  should  know 
something  of  these  things;  and  for  mechanics  to  be  ignorant  of  these 
matters,  is  unpardonable. 

In  a  republic  like  ours,  every  man  needs  to  be  acquainted  with 
numbers.  A  knowledge  of  the  first  elements  and  rules  of  computa 
tion  is  essential.  The  ordinary  trades,  transactions,  and  business  of 
life  require  it. 

To  this  should  be  added  a  knowledge  of  book-keeping.  With  a 
commercial  credit  going  people,  accounts  must  be  kept;  and  every 
person  should  know  how  to  keep  them. 

As  language  is  the  instrument  of  thought,  and  medium  of  com 
munication,  a  good  education  must  carry  along  with  it  a  knowledge 
of  the  proper  construction,  use  and  power  of  language.  No  one 
should  be  ignorant  of  his  native  tongue.  Every  individual  should 
know  how  to  speak  it  properly — to  spell,  read  and  write  it  correctly. 

Above  all,  a  knowledge  of  our  relations,  domestic  and  public,  and 
consequent  obligations  and  duties  to  each  other,  to  our  country  and 
to  God,  is  exceedingly  important  and  desirable.  Of  things  of  this 
nature,  no  human  being  should  be  suffered  to  grow  up  in  ignorance; 
and  no  one  need  be  ignorant  of  them.  Our  schools  should  cover  the 
whole  ground  and  furnish  the  required  information. 

Here  it  may  be  proper  to  anticipate  an  objection.  It  may  be  said, 
if  a  good  education  implies  what  has  been  claimed  for  it,  then  it  is 
useless  for  the  children  of  tradesmen,  farmers,  mechanics,  and  other 
laborers  to  think  of  obtaining  it.  This  objection  has  sometimes  been 
urged  with  confidence  against  the  introduction  of  any  .branches  into 
the  primary  schools,  beyond  the  simplest  rudiments.  It  is  affirmed, 
that  such  children  must  be  employed  a  large  share  of  their  time  in 
manual  labor,  and  consequently  reading,  writing,  and  the  first  ele 
ments  of  arithmetic,  is  all  they  can  be  expected  to  learn.  Though 
this  objection  may  have  prevailed  to  a  considerable  extent,  it  is  nev 
ertheless  founded  altogether  in  mistake.  The  nature  of  man  is  such, 
no  limit  is  to  be  prescribed  to  his  attainments — he  is  capable  of  end 
less  progression.  The  more  he  learns,  the  easier  it  is  for  him  to  learn. 
The  more  he  knows,  the  more  readily  does  he  advance  from  one 
field  of  science  to  another.  What  is  still  more  important  to  his  ad 
vancement,  the  light  of  one  is  reflected  upon  all  the  others;  and  his 
advance  from  one  to  another  is  made  with  a  constant  accumulation 
of  light. 

With  proper  instruction,  children  may  obtain  a  correct,  though  in 
some  cases,  limited  knowledge  of  all  the  subjects  mentioned,  before 
they  are  twenty  years  of  age.  In  any  event,  many  will  do  more 
than  this.  But  it  may  be  asked,  shall  they  be  kept  in  school  the 
year  round  till  they  are  twenty?  By  no  means.  From  four  to  six 
months  in  the  year,  under  good  teachers,  is  ail  sufficient.  During 
the  balance  of  their  time,  if  properly  directed,  whether  in  the  kitch 
en,  dining  room  or  parlor,  at  home  or  abroad,  in  the  field,  workshop, 
mill  or  counting  room,  they  will  be  constantly  increasing  in  knowl 
edge.  And  it  may  be  added,  that  the  knowledge  thus  obtained  is 


438 

an  essential  part  of  a  good  education.  Expedience  teaches  us  that 
it  is  not  necessary  for  young  persons  to  spend  all  their  time  at  books 
to  become  learned.  The  history  of  the  greatest  and  best  men  in 
our  country — of  those  who  have  attained  the  proudest  eminence  in 
literature,  science  and  arts,  makes  it  certain  that  high  attainments 
and  useful  ness  are  not  confined  to  those  who  have  nothing  to  do  in 
early  life  but  go  to  school.  Few  of  this  class  have  ever  been  dis 
tinguished  for  anything  but  idleness,  extravagance  and  dissipation. 
*  **  *  *  * 

It  is  while  at  home,  in  the  infancy  of  days,  that  children  learn  the 
names  of  a  multitude  of  objects.  Here  they  learn  the  names  of  the 
different  rooms  and  apartments  which  they  occupy,  with  their  uses, 
the  names  and  places  of  different  utentils,  implements,  and  carriages, 
employed  in  and  about  the  fraternal  residence,  whether  upon  the  farm, 
or  in  the  work-shop — the  names  and  uses  of  domestic  animals;  these 
with  a  little  care,  they  must  learn  in  a  short  time.  They  learn  also 
the  names  of  the  numerous  objects  with  which  their  home  is  sur 
rounded,  with  their  peculiar  properties  and  uses.  They  early  be 
come  acquainted  with  the  names  of  different  trees,  herbs,  grasses, 
grain  and  roots,  with  the  name  of  every  kind  of  fruit  and  berries, 
with  that  of  every  shrub,  bush  and  flower  within  their  reach,  and 
the  names  of  the  different  earths,  rocks  and  pebbles.  Besides,  they 
learn  to  apply  to  different  actions  the  appropriate  words.  To  one 
the  word  run,  to  another  skip,  to  another  hop,  to  another  strike,  to 
another  leap,  to  another  drive,  to  another  ride,  to  another  fly.  They 
learn  also  to  apply  the  proper  appellations  to  distinguish  the  quality 
of  objects,  as  good,  bad — hard,  soft — sweet,  sour. 

Here  we  have  the  first  elements  of  language,  and  the  first  and 
most  essential  principles  of  knowledge,  acquired  before  the  child  is 
of  sufficient  age  to  be  sent  to  school.  He  has  acquired  a  knowledge 
of  things,  and  their  names.  He  has  not  learned  mere  words,  the 
signs  of  ideas.  The  process  is  simply  this:  an  object  is  presented, 
it  is  viewed,  perhaps,  as  children  are  wont  to  do,  examined  closely, 
the  name  of  it  is  repeated,  he  associates  with  the  object  the  name  of 
it;  whenever  afterwards  the  object  is  presented,  he  calls  it  by  this 
name.  The  child  has  thus  learned  the  sign  of  an  idea,  but  before 
learning  it,  he  had  acquired  a  knowledge  of  the  thing  signified  by  that 
sign.  This  is  the  order  of  nature.  "It  is  plain  therefore  that  a  know 
ledge  of  the  sign,  and  thing  signified,  is  acquired  as  near  together  as 
may  be." 

But  as  parents  have  not,  generally  speaking,  the  requisite  time,  if 
they  always  had  suitable  qualifications,  to  give  their  children  all  the 
instruction  which  they  need,  public  schools  are  established.  At  these 
schools,  clear  and  definite  instruction  is  expected  to  be  given.  Here 
they  should  be  taught  to  spell  the  words  they  have  already  learned, 
and  while  learning  to  spell  them,  be  taught  how  to  put  them  together 
so  as  to  form  correct  sentences.  This  mny  be  done  by  requiring 
them  to  describe  the  objects  with  which  they  are  acquainted.  Let 
the  first  lesson  be  a  description  of  the  house  in  which  they  live; 
the  next,  a  description  of  the  objects  around  them;  the  next,  a 


439 

description  of  the  objects  between  their  own  dwelling  and  the 
school  house.  The  advantage  of  this  course,  which  ought  to  be 
pursued  for  some  time,  would  be  the  early  formation  of  a  habit  of 
close  observation  and  accuracy  of  description.  Reading,  writing 
and  numbers,  would,  as  a  matter  of  course,  come  in  from  day  to  day. 
Easy  lessons  in  geography  and  history  would  soon  follow;  and  from 
time  to  time,  the  elements  of  other  branches  of  knowledge  should 
be  introduced.  It  is  hence  obvious,  that  the  amount  of  valuable  in 
struction  to  be  given  in  the  primary  schools  may  be  amazingly  aug 
mented.  Let  this  method  be  pursued,  and  it  will  soon  appear  that 
much  may  be  done  beyond  mere  reading,  writing  and  first  rules  of 
computation.  These  are  not  the  ends  to  be  aimed  at  in  our  schools; 
they  are  to  be  regarded  as  means  of  attaining  that  end,  and  that  end 
is  a  good  education.  As  already  intimated,  the  proposed  method  of 
instruction  would  lead  in  early  life  to  habits  of  close  observation,  and 
clearness  and  accuracy  in  relating  facts  and  circumstances.  The 
reason  why  children  often  seem  confused  in  telling  a  story,  is  for  the 
want  of  closely  observing  what  they  see  and  hear.  If  earl}  called 
to  describe  objects,  with  which  they  are  familiar,  this  habit  will  soon 
be  formed,  and  with  it  habits  of  thinking  and  reflection. 

Children,  moreover,  are  fond  of  making  experiments.  This  is  an 
important  principle  in  human  nature,  and  is  early  developed.  Such 
experiments  as  they  are  ever  disposed  to  make,  and  such  also  as 
teachers  might  mike  for  them  by  way  of  illustration,  are  essential 
means  in  promoting  a  good  education.  Some,  however,  appear  in 
clined  to  repress  this  spirit  in  children;  but  nothing  can  be  more  in 
judicious.  This  disposition  may  need  direction,  but  should  never 
be  repressed;  it  ought  rather  to  be  encouraged.  Certain  things  can 
be  learned  only  by  experiment.  This,  therefore,  is  the  only  source 
of  knowledge  so  far  as  things  of  this  nature  are  concerned.  This  is 
true  of  gravity,  weight,  resistance  of  bodies,  the  effects  of  physical 
force,  action  of  fire  and  water,  and  the  results  when  different  sub 
stances  are  brought  into  contact.  A  knowledge  of  these  and  other 
laws,  by  which  the  universe  is  governed,  can  be  acquired  in  no 
other  way  than  by  actual  experiments.  The  philosopher  is  allowed 
to  make  his  experiments,  so  should  the  child;  for  he  is  emphatically 
the  greater  philosopher — he  is  the  most  ardent  lover  of  learning. 
More  experiments  should  be  introduced  into  our  schools.  Much  might 
be  done  in  this  way  with  little  or  no  additional  expense.  Many  facts 
in  geography,  in  natural  history,  in  chemistry,  in  natural  philosophy, 
in  astronomy,  and  in  other  branches,  may  be  readily  illustrated  and 
by  the  simplest  apparatus.  With  such  an  apparatus,  every  primary 
school  may  and  should  be  furnished.  The  happiest  effects  would  re 
sult  from  its  use  This  is  no  mere  conjecture,  but  sober  reality. — 
fj.  D.  PIERCE,  Sup't,  1840. 

In  excluding  sectarianism  from  all  schools  supported  by  the  pub 
lic  purse,  the  cardinal  virtues  must  not  be  banished.  Without  virtue, 
no  system  of  instruction  can  perfect  its  work.  If  the  teacher  is  fit 
to  be  placed  over  a  school,  he  will,  by  precept  and  his  own  exempla 
ry  conduct,  teach  all  that  the  most  rigid  morality  can  ask.  More 


440 

than  this  would  be  trenching  on  forbidden  ground;  less,  would  be 
conclusive  evidence  of  unfitness  for  his  place.  Let  justice,  for  in 
stance,  be  taught  upon  every  occasion  that  presents  itself  in  the 
school.  Make  the  child  understand  that  stealing,  false  dealing,  lying, 
fraud,  oppression,  bribery,  and  all  other  forms  of  injustice,  are  wrong, 
and  if  indulged  in,  surely  productive  of  unhappiness.  Let  him  talk 
against  avarice,  and  while  recommending  the  pursuits  of  industry 
and  honest  gain,  keep  constantly  in  mind  the  maxim  that  "  money  is 
the  root  of  all  evil."  Let  him  condemn  slander,  hypocrisy  in  social 
and  religious  intercourse,  anger,  blasphemy,  evil  communications, 
and  other  pernicious  practices,  and  by  conversation,  interwoven  with 
instruction,  depict  their  consequences.  Let  him  inculcate  brotherly 
love,  duties  to  parents  and  society,  and  the  peace  giving  pleasures  of 
benevolence,  kindness,  amiable  manners  and  forgiveness  of  injuries. 
Let  him  talk  about  temperance  and  the  terrible  evils  of  intemper 
ance.  A  teacher  who  feels  right  on  these  subjects,  and  whose  daily 
example  is  made  to  prove  it,  will  make  himself  familiar  with  such 
maxims  as  these:  "  Do  as  you  would  be  done  by;"  "  Abhor  evil  and 
cling  to  that  which  is  good;"  "Evil  communications  corrupt  good 
manners;"  "Honor  thy  father  and  mother;"  "Love  your  enemies;" 
tl  Forgive  injuries;"  and  a  multitude  of  similar  maxims  that  can  be 
gleaned  from  the  Scriptures,  and  other  good  writings.  Above  all, 
let  distinct  ideas  of  the  greatness  and  all  pervading  goodness  of  God 
be  given,  and  but  little  of  moral  instruction  will  be  left  untaught. — 
[F.  SAWYER,  Jr.,  Sup't,  1843. 

Popular  education  should  be  practical.  Book-keeping,  though 
generally  neglected  in  our  primary  schools,  should  constitute  a  branch 
of  their  studies.  Acquiring  a  knowledge  of  this  science,  would  im 
prove  the  penmanship  of  the  pupil — show  him  a  practical  application 
of  the  utility  and  precision  of  arithmetic;  and  impart  to  him  some 
notions,  at  least,  of  the  affairs  of  business.  The  idea  that  this  sci 
ence  is  only,  or  chiefly,  useful  to  merchants,  is  erroneous.  Thousands 
of  other  persons  have  occasion  to  employ  it.  Transactions  of  a  busi 
ness  character  are  diversified  and  increasing.  Under  our  republican 
institutions,  very  many  become  the  incumbents  of  public  offices.  The 
correct  management  of  these  private  and  public  affairs,  requires  a 
systematic  and  accurate  use  of  figures;  and  shows  the  strong  and 
growing  claims  of  this  science  to  the  attention  of  educators  and 
scholars.  Account  books,  and  papers  suitably  kept,  would  enable 
an  individual,  engaged  in  the  most  ample  and  multifarious  business, 
to  know,  every  hour,  were  he  so  inclined,  the  exact  state  of  his  mat 
ters.  This  would  teach  him  what  branches  in  trade  to  curtail,  or 
abandon — what  to  continue  or  extend.  In  short,  every  necessary 
variation  to  the  success  of  his  operations.  An  acquaintance  with 
the  science  in  question,  might  often  prevent  embarrassments,  strife 
and  litigation — aye,  bankruptcy  and  carnage  of  character.  A  man 
possessed  of  a  thorough  and  accurate  knowledge  of  the  science  of 
book-keeping,  by  double-entry,  and  of  industrious  and  moral  habits, 
will  find  it  highly  available  to  him  in  any  part  of  the  civilised  world. 


441 

# 

It  has  been  lamented,  that  so  many  of  our  people,  in  all  the  voca 
tions  of  life,  are  deficient  in  the  useful  and  elegant  art  of  composition. 
This  fact  does  not  evince  their  destitution  of  native  talents,  or  their 
ignorance  of  general  knowledge.  It  does  evince,  however,  the  im 
perfection  of  the  system  of  instruction,  under  which  they  were  edu 
cated.  Composition,  with  which  every  person  should  be  somewhat 
acquainted,  though  cultivated  in  our  higher  seminaries,  has  been  al 
most  entirely  neglected  in  our  primary  schools.  This  has  probably 
resulted  from  various  causes.  Many  may  have  conceived  this  acqui 
sition  not  generally  necessary,  or  even  attainable.  Some  teachers 
may  have  bnen  incompetent  to  instruct  in  this  branch,  even  had  they 
been  desired  to  do  so,  by  the  parents  and  guardians  of  their  scholars. 
But  surely  an  accomplishment  which  every  one  ought,  in  some  de 
gree,  to  possess,  should  not  be  disregarded  in  those  schools  in  which 
three-fourths  of  the  community  are  to  receive  all  that  education  which 
they  will  ever  acquire,  under  the  immediate  tuition  of  instructors. 
Grammar  may  have  been  studied.  At  least,  many  of  its  elementary 
rules  may  have  been  committed  to  memory.  The  pupil  may  have 
been  accustomed  to  parsing;  and  in  the  view  of  sciolists  in  the  sci 
ence,  acquitted  himself  on  his  public  examination,  regarding  it  with 
high  reputation.  But  should  he  stop  here,  very  little  beyond  in 
creasing  the  capacity  of  his  memory,  and  cultivating  to  some  extent 
a  habit  of  attention,  will  have  been  achieved.  Let  such  an  individu 
al,  untaught  and  unpractised  in  composition,  attempt  to  read  a  few 
sentences,  without  capitals  or  punctuation,  and  he  will  scarcely  read 
it  intelligibly  to  others,  and  of  course,  understanding^  to  himself. 
Whereas,  one  habituated  to  composition,  will  experience  no  embar 
rassment  in  such  a  trial.  Composition  teaches  the  best  ehoice  of 
words,  and  the  most  just  collocation  of  them  to  express  an  idea.  It 
teaches  perspicuity,  force  and  ornament.  Redundancy  and  ellipsis, 
will  alike  be  avoided.  Accurate  composition  leads  to  accurate  think 
ing.  This  evolves,  invigorates  and  disciplines  the  original  faculties 
of  the  mind.  A  strong  and  clear  perception  of  a  subject,  enables  one 
to  write  with  propriety  and  efficiency.  Composition  shows  the  prac 
tical  application  of  grammar.  It  fixes  its  rules  and  principles  in 
the  mind.  It  is  not  only  highly  beneficial,  but  a  source  of  rational 
enjoyment  to  those  who  practice  it.  It  prepares  one  to  record  much 
interesting  matter  for  the  benefit  and  gratification  of  others.  Nearly 
all  our  youth  are  capable  of  becoming  respectable  writers.  Some 
among  them  may  be  destined  to  eminent  usefulness  and  distinction, 
as  authors — they  may  write  themselves  up  to  immortality.  These 
latent  powers  of  intellect  will  forever  remain  dormant — be  lost  in 
obscurity — without  suitable  cultivation.  All  valuable  science  may  be 
employed  a's  a  defence  against  injuries.  A  strong  fortress  is  not  apt 
to  be  attacked.  So  a  man,  notorious  for  the  vigor  and  adroitness  of 
his  pen,  is  on  this  account,  the  less  liable  to  be  assailed  by  the  poison 
ed  arrows  of  detraction. 

Composition  should  be  early  taught.     At  this  period  of  life,  men 
tal  impressions   are  easily  made,  more  tenaciously  held,  and  readily 
recalled,  than  those  received  in  adult  years.     Scholars  are  sometimes 
56 


442 

* 

permitted  to  write  on  themes  too  vast  and  sublime  for  their  capacities. 
This  is  unwise;  not  succeeding,  they  thus  become  discouraged;  they 
may  resort  to  plaigarism,  attempt  to  shine  in  borrowed  lustre.  This 
is  worse  than  useless — it  is  rather  inglorious.  A  man  of  reading  and 
discernment  can  readily  perceive,  on  a  view  of  the  compositions,  and 
on  hearing  the  oral  replies  of  the  pupils  to  questions,  whether  they  are 
mere  copyists,  repeating  only  from  memory  the  perfect  language  of 
the  text  books — the  real  import  of  which  they  have  not  maturely 
considered,  and  do  not  understand — or  whether  they  are  displaying 
the  attributes  and  attainments  of  their  own  minds.  We  like  to  hear 
recitations  and  answers  to  questions  in  the  pupil's  own  language,  no 
matter  how  simple,  that  are  manifestly  the  result  of  his  own  thoughts, 
research  and  digested  knowledge  of  his  subject.  This  course  reflects 
credit  and  honor  upon  the  scholar  and  teacher.  The  subjects  of  com 
position  should  be  adapted  to  the  age,  capicity  and  genius  of  the 
learner.  Here,  as  in  almost  every  thing  pertaining  to  the  manage 
ment  of  a  school,  there  is  ample  scope  for  the  exercise  of  common 
sense,  and  sound  discretion.  The  practice  of  composition  not  only 
improves  one's  mind  in  the  knowledge  of  grammar  and  logic,  but 
also  in  an  indefinite  variety  of  subjects.  A  writer  must  of  necessity 
read,  observe  and  think,  to  multiply  his  topics  of  narration,  descrip 
tion  and  discussion.  The  habit  of  attention  and  study  thus  formed, 
is  of  itself  a  most  valuable  acquisition.  Select  schools  derive  a  part 
of  their  celebrity  from  their  teaching  composition,  holding  public  ex 
aminations,  and  receiving  the  personal  attentions  of  boards  of  visitors. 
We  see  no  good  reason  why  these  things  may  not  be  extended  to  our 
primary  schools. 

Elocution,  which  stands  in  intimate  union  with  composition,  has 
been  justly  held  in  high  estimation  by  all  nations  blest  with  learning 
and  refinement.  It  must  be  confessed,  however,  that  it  has  been 
generally  overlooked,  in  the  tuition  imparted  in  our  primary  schools. 
The  causes  referred  to,  that  were  supposed  to  have  prevented  the 
cultivation  of  composition  in  them,  may  have  operated  in  producing 
the  fact  just  stated.  In  our  country,  where  every  citizen  may  be 
called  upon  in  the  career  of  his  life,  to  address  the  primary  assem 
blies  of  the  people,  or  perhaps  parliamentary  bodies,  it  is  highly  de 
sirable  that  the  art  of  speaking  should  compose  a  part  of  our  popular 
education.  It  should  be  borne  in  mind,  in  this  connexion,  that  many 
•whose  professions  will  lead  them  to  speak  much  in  public,  will  re 
ceive  all  their  original  education  in  these  elementary  institutes.  As 
so  many  of  the  sciences  are  affiliated,  oratory  cannot  be  studied  and 
practised  without  materially  benefitting  the  mind  in  the  cognate 
branches  of  learning;  besides,  the  organs  of  speech,  the  voice  and 
gestures  are  all  improved  by  a  proper  course  of  training  in  elocution. 
Debility  of  the  vocal  organs,  feebleness  of  voice,  and  even  aphony 
have  been  removed,  and  health  and  energy — aye,  great  power  of  ac 
complishment,  restored  to  these  organs,  by  the  scientific,  skillful  and 
persevering  efforts  of  the  elocutionists.  In  our  legislatures,  few  only 
of  the  members  participate  in  the  debates;  indeed,  in  our  courts, 
many  learned  counsellors  and  astute  pleaders,  deliver  no  oral  argu- 


443 

mentB.  A  young  man  in  ay  have  successfully  gone,  through  all  the 
branches  of  learning,  as  they  are  sometimes  taught,  from  the  com 
mon  school  to  graduation  at  the  college;  he  may  also  have  read  law — 
been  admitted  in  the  higher  courts,  and,  after  all,  be  unable  to  utter 
five  sentences  extempore,  to  a  court,  a  jury,  or  any  other  audience, 
without  fearful  diffidence,  confusion  and  trembling.  This  inaptitude, 
for  public  speaking,  in  these  cases,  is  rarely  the  result  of  necessity; 
but  merely  of  omission  in  an  education  which,  in  other  regards,  may 
have  embraced  various  and  lofty  attainments.  Should  the  young 
man  in  question  i-dd  to  all  the  studies  we  have  described,  the  lucu 
brations  of  twenty  years,  utterly  neglecting  extemporaneous  speak 
ing,  it  would  not  remove  the  difficulty  mentioned.  The  only  way  to 
escape  this  miserable  situation,  is,  with  suitable  preparation,  to  prac 
tice  habitually,  extemporaneous  speaking.  This  course  should  be 
commenced  in  boyhood  and  youth,  in  the  common  schools.  It  may 
be  extended  afterwards,  as  opportunities  and  occasion  offer.  The 
longer  a  young  man  delays  the  course  recommended,  the  more  Her 
culean  will  appear  the  task  it  involves.  Many  of  our  extemporaneous 
speakers  have  had  no  instruction  in  practical  eloquence.  No  intel 
ligent  and  faithful  friend  has  hinted  to  them  their  defects,  and  sug 
gested  improvements.  Hence  early  faults,  chiefly  the  consequence 
of  embarrassment,  have  sometimes  ripened  into  inveterate  habits,  ad 
hering  to  the  speaker  with  the  tenacity  of  a  natural  deformity. 
Speeches  on  subjects,  profoundly  studied,  delivered  from  a  brief,  or 
without  one,  as  may  be  conceived  most  advisable,  and  debates  upon 
these  subjects  by  the  scholars,  under  the  eye  and  instruction  of  the 
teacher,  would  prevent  these  evils,  and  prove  extremely  beneficial. 
The  time  and  more  particular  character  of  these  exercises,  with  the 
age  and  other  circumstances  of  those  who  may  participate  in  them, 
are  left  to  the  teacher  and  his  appropriate  counsellors. 

Music  is  ranked  among  the  liberal  sciences.  Vocal  music  should 
be  introduced  into  our  common  schools.  Some  may  doubt,  however, 
whether  this  would  be  practicable  or  advantageous.  A  capacity  to 
learn  it  is  almost  universal.  There  is  no  doubt,  the  same  diversity 
in  the  abilities  of  individuals  to  acquire  a  knowledge  of  music,  that 
there  is  to  acquire  a  knowledge  of  any  other  branch  of  learning.  All 
have  not  equal  talents  and  aptitude  to  improve  in  any  department  of 
education.  The  universality  of  the  capacity  of  mankind  to  acquire  a 
knowledge  of  the  science,  or,  at  all  events,  of  the  practice  of  music, 
is  attested  by  the  reports  of  numerous  schools  in  Germany  and  other 
places  touching  this  point.  All  the  teachers  with  whom  Prof.  Stow 
conversed,  in  Germany,  regarding  this  thing,  replied,  that  "they  had 
never  seen  a  child  who  was  capable  of  learning  to  read  and  write 
•who  could  not  be  taught  to  sing  well  and  draw  neatly,  and,  that,  too, 
without  taking  any  time  which  would  at  all  interfere  with,  indeed, 
which  would  not  actually  promote,  his  progress  in  other  studies." 
The  introduction  proposed  is  no  wild  innovation.  In  reference  to  it, 
we  are  far  behind  m^ny  parts  of  Europe  and  the  age. 

Vocal  music   has  been  taught  in  the  schools  of  Germany,  ever 
since  the  time  of  Luther.     Said  this  great  reformer,  "Music  is  a  fair 


414 

gift  from  God,  and  near  allied  to  divinity;  next  to  Theology,  it  is  to 
music  that  I  give  the  highest  place,  and  the  greatest  honor."  ''Whoso 
hath  skill  in  this  art,  the  same  is  of  a  good  kind,  fitted  for  all  things." 
Further,  he  added,  "we  must  by  all  means  maintain  music  in 
schools.  A  schoolmaster  ought  to  have  skill  in  music,  otherwise  I 
would  not  regard  him."  Music,  is  now  being  taught,  in  primary 
schools,  in  many  portions  of  our  own  country;  and  with  the  high 
commendation  of  those  whose  experience,  observation  and  reading, 
have  prepared  them  to  judge  understandingly  on  this  subject.  Col. 
Young,  whose  opinions  on  every  thing  connected  with  popular  edu 
cation  deserve  the  most  profound  consideration,  in  one  of  his  elo 
quent  reports  to  the  legislature  of  New  York,  says:  "The  introduc 
tion  ,of  music,  as  a  branch  of  elementary  instruction  in  our  common 
schools,  is  one  of  tlae  most  valuable  improvements  which  have  re 
sulted  from  the  increased  attention  which  is  now  bestowed  upon  the 
science  of  education." 

Music  should  be  taught  to  the  young.  In  the  earlier  periods  of 
life,  the  vocal  organs  are  flexible,  readily  developed,  and  disciplined. 
Thus,  their  power  to  perform,  and  to  sustain  exercise,  is  increased. 
Singing  improves  the  voice,  augments  its  force,  and  extends  its  com 
pass.  It  renders  the  voice  capable  of  those  inflections  and  modulations 
which  are  among  the  graces  of  that  elequence  which  commands  the 
attention,  and  charms  the  soul  of  an  audience.  Music  excites  senti 
ments  of  love,  courage,  or  devotion,  according  to  the  qualities  it  pos 
sesses,  and  the  peculiar  susceptibilities  of  those  who  may  come  within 
the  sphere  of  its  influence.  It  inspires  the  imagination,  refines  the 
taste,  and  rouses  the  intellect  to  vigorous  action.  In  many  of  those 
compositions  which  are  set  to  music,  one  becomes  acquainted  with 
the  finest  displays  of  literature  and  genius,  of  exalted  sentiment  and 
poetic  fancy.  It  is  an  agreeable  relaxation  from  the  severer  studies. 
It  conduces  to  cheerfulness  and  animation.  The  humanizing  and 
kindly  influence  which  it  exerts  on  both  teacher  and  scholars,  in 
spires  mutual  respect  and  affection,  thus  rendering  easy  and  success 
ful  the  government  and  instruction  of  the  school. 

A  person  must  have  a  bad  heart,  who  is  not  benignly  affected  by 
tasteful  music.  A  bard,  distinguished  for  his  analysis  of  the  human 
heart  and  character,  and  for  his  exhibitions  of  the  richness  and  power 
of  the  English  language,  has  said: 

"The  man  that  bath  no  music  in  himself, 

Nor  is  not  moved  with  concord  of  sweet  sound?, 

Is  fit  for  treason,  stratagems  and  spoils; 

The  motions  of  his  spirit  are  dull  as  night, 

And  his  affections  daik  as  Erebus: 

Let  no  such  man  be  trusted.'' 

When  Professor  Stowe  was' in  Berlin,  he  visited  an  establishment 
for  the  reformation  of  youthful  offenders.  Dr.  Kopf,  who  had  the 
care  of  it,  took  him  to  a  room,  in  which  were  some  twenty  boys  ma 
king  clothes  for  the  establishment,  and  singing  at  their  work.  On 
retiring,  the  doctor  remarked:  "I  always  keep  these  little  rogues 
singing  at  their  work;  for  while  the  children  sing,  the  devil  cannot 
come  among  them  at  all;  he  can  only  sit  out  doors  there,  and  growl; 
but  if  they  stop  singing,  in  the  devil  comes." 


445 

Dr.  Potter  writes:  "  The  Germans  have  a  proverb,  which  has  come 
down  from  Luther,  that  where  music  is  not,  the  devil  enters.  As 
David  took  his  harp,  when  he  would  cause  the  evil  spirit  to  depart 
from  Saul,  so  the  Germans  employ  it  to  expelobduracy  from  the 
hearts  of  the  depraved.''  Music,  daily  practised  in  a  family,  would 
impart  pleasure  and  usefulness  to  the  domestic  circle.  It  might  at 
tach  to  a  lovely  home  and  its  enjoyments,  a  promising  and  endeared 
son,  who,  without  the  attractions  of  music  and  its  attendant  delights, 
would,  perhaps,  have  been  dishonored  and  lost  in  the  paths  of  folly, 
sin  and  death.  That  music  constitutes  a  part  of  the  public  worship 
of  God,  a  part  of  it  too,  in  which  all  may  engage,  should  operate 
strongly  in  favor  of  its  composing  a  branch  of  elementary  instruc 
tion. 

A  variety  of  studies,  and  the  modern  modes  of  teaching  in  schools, 
prevent  monotony  and  listlessness.  Practical  elocution  and  music, 
are  well  adapted  to  relieve,  and  obviate  these  things. 

Various  reasons  manifest  the  propriety  of  introducing  agriculture, 
as  connected  with  science,  into  our  common  schools,  as  a  branch  of 
popular  education.  Horticulture  and  agriculture,  the  philosophy  of 
which  is  identical,  were  the  earliest  and  chief  earthly  employment 
of  mankind.  They  were  to  subdue  the  earth,  to  dress  and  to  keep  the 
garden,  and  to  till  the  ground.  It  is  moreover  written,  that  the  profit 
of  the  earth  Is  for  all. 

When  our  race  were  perfect,  a  garden  fraught  with  beauty,  fra 
grance  and  food,  in  rich  variety,  was  prepared  by  their  benificent 
Creator,  for  their  abode.  This  was  the  theatre  of  their  delightful 
toil — their  pure  and  sublime  enjoyment.  In  the  imaginative  minds 
of  poets,  rural  scenes  and  exercises  are  essential  to  the  highest, 
purest  earthly  bliss.  Although  God  has  said  toman,  "In  the  sweat 
of  thy  face  shalt  thou  eat  bread,"  and  has  thus  declared  that  his 
maintenance  shall  be  the  fruit  of  his  industry,  yet  he  is  not  by  conse 
quence,  doomed  to  perpetual  ignorance  and  degradation.  This  de 
plorable  state  is  not  the  necessary  result  of  any  condemnation  or  law 
under  which  man  is  placed  by  his  Heavenly  Father. 

In  whatever  aspect  we  view  agriculture,  we  see  it  invested  witli 
immense  importance.  From  it  we  derive  most  of  the  necessaries, 
comforts  and  delicacies  of  life.  They  can  be  obtained  from  no  other 
source.  Without  it,  our  condition  in  many  regards,  would  be  assim 
ilated  to  that  of  barbarians.  It  is  radical  to  the  existence  and  pros 
perity  of  the  arts — of  manufactures,  and  of  commerce;  and  of  almost 
everything  that  constitutes  the  highest  character  of  nations.  We 
have  a  vast  national  domain.  It  possesses  great  fertility  and  variety 
of  soil,  with  genial  climes.  It  is  capable,  under  a  culture  faithful  to 
the  laws  of  nature  as  applicable  to  this  subject,  of  producing  the  most 
rich  and  abundant  harvests.  Without  a  proper  respect  to  these  laws, 
however,  a  succession  of  crops  will  soon  exhaust  nearly  all  the  native 
fertility  of  the  earth.  Most  of  our  learned  professions  are  crowded. 
Many  of  our  young  men  seem  to  have  fancied  that  wealth,  ease  and 
honorable  distinction,  are  almost  exclusively  allied  to  the  professions 
of  medicine,  law  or  politics;  and  hence,  have  embraced  one  of  these 


446 

as  the  paramount  object  of  pursuit.  Too  many,  perhaps,  have  also 
embarked  in  merchandize,  for  the  benefit  of  themselves  and  the  coun 
try.  There  are  likewise,  it  is  presumed,  more  mechanics  of  some 
kinds  than  can  prosper  in  their  calling.  Add  to  these,  numbers  of 
other  individuals  who  have  no  profession — are  out  of  employment; 
know  not  what  to  do — are  discontented — but  who  are  capable  of  be 
ing  useful,  happy  and  respectable,  if  suitably  engaged  in  business. 
Multitudes  among  these  may  have  all  along  imagined  that  the  busi 
ness  of  farming  is  necessarily  associated  with  ignorance,  rusticity  and 
servile  labor.  They  do  not  appear  to  recollect  that  the  class  of  for 
mers  have  furinshed  hosts  of  champions  of  the  rights  of  man — many 
authors  of  useful  discoveries  and  inventions — aye,  men  who  have  ex 
tended  in  various  directions  the  boundaries  of  science.  The  prac 
tice  of  fanning  is  a  most  noble  and  useful  art.  It  is  highly  condu 
cive  to  the  health  and  vigor  of  both  body  and  mind.  Like  all  other 
arts,  it  is  founded  upon  science — the  science  of  agriculture.  Let  the 
laws  of  this  science  be  discovered,  studied  and  understood-— let  an 
enlightened  application  of  them  be  made  in  the  prosecution  of  agri 
culture,  and  its  theory  and  practice  will  be  highly  interesting — it  will 
be  elevated  and  popular.  A  vocation  thus  rendered  pleasing,  lucra 
tive  and  honorable,  cannot  fail  to  command  the  attention  of  vast  mul 
titudes  of  our  fellow  citizens.  Among  these  will  be  many  from  the 
various  ranks  to  which  allusion  has  been  made.  The  idea  that  man 
ual  labor  is  incompatible  with  intellectual  and  moral  improvement,  and 
refinement  of  manners,  is  utterly  inadmissible.  It  is  nullified  by  the 
physiology  and  history  of  man.  Labor  is  favorable  to  observation, 
study  and  reflection.  The  most  laborious  person  may  frequently  find 
minutes,  hours  and  days  of  leisure,  in  which  he  may  indulge  a  fond- 
nees  for  reading,  study  and  mental  cultivation.  Whatever  shall  dif 
fuse  abroad  a  literary  and  scientific  taste,  is  a  desideratum.  Solid 
learning  promotes  individual  and  social  prosperity  and  happiness.  It 
is  material  to  the  improvement  and  perpetuity  of  our  political  insti 
tutions. 

Agricultural  education  in  our  common  schools,  from  well  adapted 
text  books  and  otherwise,  and  by  competent  teachers,  and  introdu 
cing  into  our  school,  arid  other  public  libraries,  books  of  a  popular 
character,  on  agriculture  connected  with  science,  will,  among  other 
advantages,  cultivate  and  diffuse  that  taste  and  learning  which  are 
so  desirable.  Agriculture  is  an  ample  subject.  It  has  many  auxil 
iary  branches.  The  appropriate  text  books  will  no  doubt  be  obtain 
ed  or  prepared.  Adaptation  in  these,  as  in  many  other  things,  is 
all  important.  From  the  agricultural  education  acquired  in  our  pri 
mary  schools — extended  by  reading  books  on  the  subject,  drawn 
from  our  public  libraries,  and  from  other  sources,  very  many  of  our 
youth  will  elect  farming  as  a  livelihood.  This,  it  must  be  confessed, 
would  be  a  wise  election — for  surely  it  is  a  calling  for  which  Heav 
en  has  many  smiles.  It  is  obvious  that  the  text,  and  other  books 
suitabe  for  our  township  libraries,  should  be  plain — divested  so  far 
as  practicable,  of  all  technicalities — free  from  that  obscurity  usually 
consequent  upon  prolix  and  involved  sentences.  They  should,  at  the 


447 

same  time,  be  written  in  a  manner  sufficiently  pleasing,  animated 
and  ornate,  to  be  interesting  and  attractive  to  the  great  mass  of  read 
ers. 

It  is  a  matter  of  surprise  and  regret,  that  a  great  agricultural  peo 
ple,  as  are  those  of  the  United  States,  should  have  so  long  postponed 
that  attention  to  this  subject  which  its  intrinsic  and  relative  impor 
tance  demands.  But  the  prospect  grows  more  animating.  Farmers, 
philosophers  and  statesmen,  are  now,  in  great  numbers,  directing  their 
earnest  attention  to  this  important  interest.  They  have  poured  much 
light  upon  this  department  of  useful  knowledge,  and  won  for  it  the 
public  favor.  It  is  respectfully  submitted,  whether  it  would  not  be 
wise  and  prudent,  to  provide  by  law,  for  the  delivery  of  lectures,  an 
nually,  in  every  school  district,  upon  agriculture  and  its  kindred  sci 
ences.  The  salutary  influence  these  lectures  would  produce  on  the 
public  mind,  in  reference  to  agriculture  and  rural  economy,  those 
cardinal  interests  of  our  country,  would  evidently  increase  the  wealth, 
respectability  and  power  of  the  State. 

In  the  view  of  the  preceding  considerations,  and  many  others  that 
might  be  suggested,  the  undersigned  is  decidedly  in  favor  of  the  in 
troduction  into  our  common  schools,  of  agricultural  education,  and 
into  our  township  libraries,  books,  of  a  popular  character,  on  agricul 
ture  connected  with  science. — [0.  C.  COMSTOCK,  Sup't,  1845. 

SCHOOL    LIBRARIES. 

It  is  deemed  unnecessary  to  advert  to  the  immense  value  and  im 
portance  of  common  school  libraries.  The  question  of  their  utility 
has  been  settled  by  the  decision  of  experience  in  other  States,  where 
liberal  appropriations  for  the  purpose  have  been  granted.  To  ac 
complish  the  greatest  degree  of  good,  in  our  State,  district  libraries 
must  be  established;  not  only  that  the  useful  information  contained 
in  well  selected  books,  may  be  generally  conveyed,  but  that  teachers 
may  have  the  benefit  of  acquiring  the  most  extended  and  important 
theoretical  information.  Means  for  educating  young  men  to  become 
teachers  in  our  primary  schools,  have  been  devised;  but  by  the  ac 
quirement  of  all  that  these  means  afford,  they  have  only  reached  the 
threshold  of  the  temple  of  knowledge,  and  are  not  fitted  to  work  out 
the  highest  degree  of  good  without  the  study  of  books,  and  the  con 
sequent  information  and  instruction  they  afford.  Too  much  value 
indeed  can  hardly  be  attached  to  the  establishment  of  school  libra 
ries;  and  it  is  believed  when  once  rightly  established,  they  will  be  the 
means  of  effecting  an  equal  amount  of  good,  with  the  schools  them- 
selres. — [J.  D.  PIERCE,  Sup't,  1839. 

TEXT   BOOKS. 

Suitable  books  and  teachers  constitute  another  important  means  of 
promoting  a  good  education.  Such  books  are  highly  valuable,  but 
competent  teachers  are  essential  to  the  success  of  schools.  A  thor 
oughly  trained  and  skillful  teacher,  with  the  most  ordinary  books,  will 
do  vastly  more  for  his  school  than  an  incompetent  teacher  can,  with 
the  best  books  ever  written.  A  good  spelling  book  is  important;  so 


448 

is  a  good  reading  book.  Both  should  be  adapted  to  the  capacities  of 
those  for  whom  thev  are  designed.  The  object  of  a  spelling  book  is 
not  the  definition  of  words;  but  as  the  designation  imports,  it  is  in 
tended  chiefly  to  teach  correct  orthography;  and  it  should  be  spe 
cially  adapted  to  this  purpose.  A  reading  book  is  for  improvement  in 
the  art  of  reading,  and  hence  should  contain  some  variety  of  compo 
sition.  Every  piece  should  contain  something  entertaining  and  useful, 
and  be  written  in  plain,  simple  and  elegant  language — in  such  lan~ 
'guage  as  children  use — in  language  easy  to  be  understood. 

But  it  is  to  be  remembered,  that  because  a  book  comes  with  nu 
merous  commendations,  it  is  not  certain  that  it  is  adapted  to  the 
school  room.  Those  concerned  in  the  book  trade  find  no  difficulty 
in  procuring  them  for  any  work,  which  they  may  wish  to  publish 
and  have  introduced.  It  is  a  money  making  business  to  exclude  a 
book  already  in  general  use,  and  introduce  into  its  place  a  new  work. 
But  to  the  public,  it  is  a  money  expending  operation;  and  is  often 
done  without  any  adequate  compensation.  A  real  improvement,  one 
of  essential  value,  should  be  introduced,  cost  what  it  may.  But  to 
exclude  an  old  work,  for  a  new  book -of  little  or  no  additional  worth, 
is  ministering  to  individual  profit  at  the  public  expense.  To  lay  aside 
the  spelling  book  now  in  general  use,  for  a  new  one,  would  cost  our 
State  in  the  outset  an  expenditure  of  from  five  to  ten  thousand  dol 
lars.  It  highly  concerns  the  public  to  determine  whether  enough  is 
to  be  gained  to  pay  the  price  of  the  exchange.  It  is  confidently  be 
lieved  that  it  would  be  far  more  profitable  to  the  people  to  expend 
that  amount  in  giving  additional  qualifications  to  teachers. 

We  have  a  multitude  of  writers  of  school  books;  but  few  indeed 
are  the  persons  qualified  to  write  for  children;  and  it  is  because  on 
ly  here  and  there  one  can  throw  himself  back  to  the  days  of  child 
hood,  and  call  to  mind  how  children  think,  feel  and  reason.  Hence 
the  general  want  of  adaptedness  in  school  books  to  the  capacities  of 
children.  In  the  midst  of  that  multitude  is  to  be  found  a  Webster, 
a  Gallaudet,  a  Pierpont,  a  Peter  Parley,  and  the  accomplished  Mrs. 
Sigourney.  Perhaps  to  this  list  should  be  added  a  few  others.  The 
works  of  these  authors  will  live,  because  to  high  literary  attainments 
and  talents,  they  have  superadded  that  particular  adaptedness,  with 
out  which  a  school  book  is  of  little  value. 

The  spelling  book  in  general  use  is  constructed  on  a  principle  of 
the  utmost  importance,  so  far  as  uniformity  of  pronunciation  through 
out  the  country  is  concerned.  In  the  work  which  is  now  sought  to 
be  substituted  in  place  of  it,  and  all  others  indeed,  this  principle  is 
entirely  abandoned.  "  But  the  change  of  the  usual  mode  of  instruc 
tion  will  be  followed  by  a  consequence  not  generally  foreseen.  Most 
of  the  present  generation  have  been  instructed  in  elementary  books, 
in  which  the  words  are  classified  according  to  the  sounds  of  the  let 
ters,  the  number  of  syllables,  the  accented  syllables,  and  the  termi 
nations.  The  effect  has  b^en  that  children  learn  with  great  facility, 
as  uniformity  and  sameness  assist  the  memory;  and  by  the  frequent 
repetition  of  words  with  the  same  accent,  our  common  people  have 
acquired  a  habit  of  correct  pronunciation  which  is  so  remarkable  as 


449 

to  be  a  subject  of  observation  with  foreigners — and  by  the  general 
use  of  one  book,  this  pronunciation  is  almost  uniform  from  one  ex 
tremity  of  our  nation  to  the  other.  This  excellent  classification, 
which  it  is  believed  was  first  made  by  Mr.  Webster,  and  which  has 
been  introduced  into  all  elementary  books — is  now  to  be  abandoned." 
The  book,  which  is  sought  most  earnestly  to  be  introduced — "has  no 
classification;  all  sorts  of  words  are  jumbled  together,  with  no  key 
to  the  pronunciation,  either  of  vowels  or  consonants.  For  such  a 
defect,  there  is  no  equivalent;  the  child  loses  what  he  cannot  after 
wards  gain;  and  if  he  learns  a  few  definitions,  he  learns  what  may 
be  more  correctly  learned  at  a  later  period."  Let  this  principle  of 
classification  be  retained,  and  the  same  desirable  uniformity  of  pro 
nunciation  will  continue  to  prevail  throughout  the  length  and  breadth 
of  our  widely  extended  country.  But  let  it  be  abandoned  and  the 
foundation  is  at  once  laid  for  as  many  brogues  and  dialects  as  exist 
on  the  island  of  Great  Britain,  where  the  inhabitants  of  one  county 
often  find  it  exceedingly  difficult  to  understand  those  of  its  nearest 
neighbor.  Besides  many  of  the  definitions  of  the  books  proposed 
to  be  introduced,  are  as  inaccurate  as  can  well  be  imagined,  and  some 
of  them  supremely  ridiculous.  Words  entirely  different  in  their  ori 
gin  and  signification,  are  put  down  as  "definers  of  each  other;"  there 
by  introducing  perfect  confusion  into  the  language. — f  J.  D.  PJEROB, 
Sup't,  1840. 

UNIFORMITY   OF  BOOKS. 

The  presentment  against  schools  by  the  inspectors,  for  non-uni 
formity  of  books,  is  unanimous.  All  execrate  the  evil  and  demand 
a  remedy.  The  district  returns  also  show  that  not  less  than  thirty- 
three  different  reading  books  are  used  in  the  schools,  while  nearly 
every  known  author  or  compiler  of  a  spelling  book,  grammar,  arith 
metic  and  geography  is  represented,  not  merely  in  the  State,  but  in 
every  school.  Who,  under  such  circumstances,  has  not  "  fresh 
tears"  to  shed  over  the  misfortunes  of  teachers?  It  is  not  enough 
to  reduce  his  monthly  wages  one-fifth,  but  two-fifths  of  the  time 
bought  must  be  consumed  in  unavailing  efforts  to  economize  both 
time  and  money,  by  classification!  If  qualified  for  his  place,  and 
ambitious  to  exhibit  a  school  that  shall  be  creditable  to  him,  how 
must  he  proceed?  Twenty  scholars  of  equal  proficiency  in  a  partic 
ular  branch  may  be  picked  out  and  called  the  first,  second  or  third 
class;  what  then?  Half  a  dozen  different  text  books  in  that  class, 
all  treating  perhaps  upon  a  similar  subject,  have  conducted  the  &er- 
eral  members  through  processes,  and  to  results  widely,  and  it  may 
be,  irreconcilably  variant.  *  *  *  * 

Districts  change  their  teachers  annually.  Owing  to  a  variety  of 
circumstances,  and  this  very  want  of  uniformity  is  one  of  them, 
teachers  are  driven  from  place  to  place  like  so  many  birds  of  passage; 
with  this  difference,  however,  that  while  the  bird  returns  to  its  wont 
ed  latitude,  the  schoolmaster  takes  good  care  never  to  be  caught  in 
the  same  district  a  second  tims.  And  every  succession  of  teachers 
brings  with  it  a  succession  of  new  books.  The  necessary  books  of 

57 


450 

last  year  are  upon  the  shelf  or  in  the  garret,  the  useless  lumber  of 
the  present  The  teacher,  from  the  paucity  of  his  wages,  cannot 
afford  to  accommodate  himself  to  the  circumstances  of  his  district, 
nor  as  a  general  thing,  are  the  parents  disposed  to  accommodate  the 
teacher.  So  the  wheel  turns  round,  bearing  with  it  expense,  defec 
tive  classification,  waste  of  time  and  means,  mutual  heart-burnings, 
district  quarrels,  eviction  of  the  teacher,  disgust  of  officers,  dissolu 
tion  of  the  district,  and  general  dissatisfaction  with  the  best  system 
in  the  world.  This  is  not  an  overdrawn  picture.  It  is  precisely  what 
results  in  many  cases,  from  a  neglect  to  secure  uniformity  of  books. 
What  is  the  remedy?  In  some  States  the  district  officers  control 
the  matter;  in  others,  the  township  committees;  the  law  enforcing 
their  recommendations.  It  is  evident  that  without  an  interposition  of 
law  in  some  form,  the  evil  can  never  cease.  One  difficulty  attending 
district  regulations  is  the  want  of  inducement  in  book-sellers  to  fur 
nish  the  limited  supply  on  the  most  economical  terms.  A  provision 
requiring  the  inspectors  to  recommend  the  best  books,  and  forbidding 
the  use  of  any  others,  will  measurably  remedy  the  evil.  Book-sell 
ers  will  then  find  it  an  object  to  keep  a  supply  on  hand,  and  com 
petition  will  regulate  the  price.  Or  better  still,  if  the  law  should 
exact  uniformity  throughout  the  State,  and  authorize  two,  three  or 
more  competent  persons  to  designate  the  books,  providing  for  changes 
at  proper  intervals  to  meet  the  spirit  of  improvement  ever  at  work, 
the  axe  would  be  laid  at  the  root  of  the  evil.  Nor  would  very  fre 
quent  changes  be  necessary.  It  is  not  every  new  edition  of  an  old 
work,  nor  every  book  heralding  what  are  called  the  *'  latest  improve 
ments,"  that  commends  itself  to  adoption.  Many  reading  books,  for 
instance,  in  use  twenty  years  ago,  are  none  the  less  useful  now.  Nor 
would  such  a  law  necessarily  require  the  State  to  turn  wholesale 
book-dealer,  and  monopolize  a  trade  for  purposes  of  economy  that 
properly  belongs  to  individuals.  From  all  such  speculations  the  State 
should  keep  aloof.  Individual  competition,  limited  only  by  the  kind 
of  books,  would  ensure  an  abundant  supply  and  the  desirable  econ 
omy.  At  all  events,  the  evil  universally  complained  of  cannot  be 
tolerated  much  longer.  One  or  the  other  remedies  suggested,  or  a 
third  yet  to  be  devised,  is  indispensable  to  the  success  of  our  system. 
— [F.  SAWYER,  Jr.,  Sup't,  1843. 

The  books  used  in  our  schools  should  be  approved  by  men  of  tal 
ents,  learning  and  moral  worth,  whose  habits  of  teaching  or  public 
situation  have  led  them  to  examine  such  works  with  critical  atten 
tion.  There  should  be  but  few  books  on  the  same  subjects  in  our 
schools,  and  they  should  be  uniform  throughout  the  State.  To  ac 
quire  solid  learning,  it  is  not  essential  to  read  a  multiplicity  of  books, 
but  to  study  profoundly  and  to  understand  thoroughly  a  few  standard 
authors  in  the  various  departments  of  erudition. 

Although  the  approvals  referred  to  are  not  imperative,  have  not 
the  sanction  of  law,  yet  the  districts  and  towns,  exercising  a  sound 
discretion,  will  usually  be  swayed  by  these  recommendations. 

To  suitable  books  should  be  added  black  boards,  maps  and  globes, 


451 

with  such  philosophical  apparatus,  as  advancing  knowledge  has  dis 
covered,  and  the  pecuniary  means  of  the  district  may  justify. — [0. 
0.  COMSTOCK,  fitop'/,  1844. 

EXAMINATION  OF  TEACHERS. 

It  is  the  legal  duty  of  the  inspectors  to  divide  the  town  into  dis 
tricts,  to  apportion  the  public  money,  make  out  and  transmit  to  the 
county  clerk  all  the  statistical  information  furnished  by  the  several 
districts,  and,  most  important  of  all,  examine  candidates  for  teaching 
"in  regard  to  moral  character,  learning  and  ability."  They  have, 
then,  high  and  responsible  duties  resting  upon  them.  In  the  eyes  of 
the  law,  they  are  the  guardians  of  our  common  schools  and  ought 
therefore  to  be  selected  with  great  discrimination.  Themselves  the 
judges  of  what  constitutes  qualification  for  teaching,  their  own"  moral 
character  should  be  stainless,  their  own  learning  adequate  to  the 
task  imposed,  their  own  ability  undoubted.  Otherwise,  they  cannot 
duly  estimate  such  sterling  qualities  in  those  they  examine.  They 
must  possess,  too,  great  firmness  of  purpose — a  moral  courage  that 
will  shrink  from  the  performance  of  no  duty,  whether  in  the  exact 
line  of  their  own  predilections  or  not,  which  is  demanded  by  the  ed 
ucational  interests  of  the  town.  If  a  candidate  for  teaching  come 
before  them,  they  have  no  right  to  recognize  him  in  any  other  capa 
city  for  the  time  than  as  a  candidate,  and  the  only  questions  they  are 
bound  to  answer  satisfactorily  to  themselves,  are  such  as  regard  his 
moral  character,  learning  arid  ability.  If  his  habits  are  bad,  he 
should  be  rejected  at  once;  for  the  pure  heart  of  youth  should  not 
be  exposed  to  the  contagion  of  evil  communication  or  vicious  exam 
ple.  Any  known  vice  should  be  deemed  a  disqualification.  If  the 
candidate  be  intemperate,  sooner  keep  children  in  ignorance  for  a 
while  than  subject  them  to  so  pestilential  an  influence.  An  attendant 
upon  grog  shops,  or  even  a  dram  drinker  at  home,  may  do  to  train 
brutes,  but  never,  never  can  he  educate  the  human  soul.  Here, 
then,  is  a  broad  field  for  the  discerning  and  severely  scrutinizing 
mind  of  the  inspector.  Immorality,  in  any  or  all  of  its  protean  shapes, 
however  specious  may  be  its  semblance  of  virtue,  merits  no  quarter. 
It  should  be  cut  off  at  once  from  all  hopes  of  success.  With  the 
religious  views  of  the  candidate,  the  inspector  has  no  legal  or  other 
right  to  meddle.  He  may  place  high  his  standard  of  morals;  prac 
tical  virtue  should  be  one  test  of  fitness;  but  the  teacher's  creed,  or 
the  embodiment  of  his  faith  upon  paper  or  within  the  deep  recesses 
of  his  soul,  is  something  with  which  only  Divine  wisdom  can  deal. 
The  question  is  not,  whether  he  is  a  Protestant  or  a  Catholic,  a 
Trinitarian  or  Unitarian,  a  Perfectionist,  Latter  Day  Saint,  Mormon 
or  Transcendentalist;  but  whether  he  has  such  an  unblemished  moral 
character  as  will  enable  him  to  impart  healthful  principles  to  his 
scholars  and  be  to  them  a  living  example  of  all  that  is  beautiful  and 
good. 

As  to  the  kind  and  degree  of  learning  required  by  law,  much  is 
left  to  the  examiner's  sound  discretion.  Generally,  the  circumstances 
of  the  school  over  which  the  teacher  is  to  be  placed  must  govern. 


452 

College  learning,  certainly,  is  not  contemplated;  for  that  is  hardly 
wanted  in  common  schools.  If  sought  by  any,  the  University  is  ex 
pected  to  give  it.  Nor  are  the  higher  branches  of  Academic  learning 
essential,  particularly  in  the  present  condition  of  our  schools.  An 
elementary  school,  where  the  rudiments  of  an  English  education  only 
are  taught,  such  as  reading,  spelling,  writing  and  the  outlines  barely 
of  geography,  arithmetic  and  grammar,  requires  a  female  of  practi 
cal  common  sense,  with  amiable  and  winning  manners,  a  patient 
spirit,  and  a  tolerable  knowledge  of  the  springs  of  human  action.  A 
female  thus  qualified,  carrying  with  her  into  the  school  room  the 
gentle  influences  of  her  sex,  will  do  more  to  inculcate  right  morals 
and  prepare  the  youthful  intellect  for  the  severer  discipline  of  its  af 
ter  years,  than  the  most  accomplished  and  learned  male  teacher.  In 
most  of  our  common  schools,  the  ages  of  our  scholars  require  female 
teachers;  and  the  reports  show  that  the  summer  and  some  of  the 
winter  schools  are  kept  by  them.  But  the  inspectors  cannot  scruti 
nize  their  qualifications  too  nicely.  An  unqualified  female  is  less  to 
be  tolerated  than  an  unqualified  male  teacher,  because  her  influence, 
if  wrongly  directed,  is  by  far  the  most  dangerous. 

But  we  have  schools  in  which  children  of  larger  growth  seek  to 
perfect  the  education  which  in  boyhood  was  only  begun.  And  as 
the  State  increases  in  population,  and  the  necessities  of  a  pioneer  ex 
istence  give  way  to  the  intellectual  wants  which  stated  periods  of 
leisure  are  sure  to  create,  we  shall  find  such  schools  rapidly  spring 
ing  up.  Then  comes  the  test  of  an  inspectors  fitness  for  duty.  Then 
comes  the  time  when  the  common  school  begins  to  assume  that  high 
and  noble  and  respected  station  which  is  due  to  it.  Then  comes  the 
necessity  of  employing  teachers  who  can  supply  the  mental  and 
moral  aliment  demanded  of  them,  and  thus  impel  the  school  onward 
to  the  attainment  of  its  purposes  among  the  people. 

The  ability  required,  undoubtedly  means  the  power  to  teach.  The 
inspectors  must  be  satisfied,  not  only  that  the  candidate  has  a  good 
moral  character  and  sufficient  learning,  but  that  he  is  versed  in  the 
art  of  teaching.  This  is  all  important,  and  it  is  dwelt  upon  for  a 
moment  because  some  districts,  in  their  reports,  have  suggested  such 
an  amendment  of  the  law  as  would  enumerate  more  specifically  the 
qualifications  of  teachers.  But  it  is  believed  that,  if  the  term  ability 
be  defined  as  above,  no  amendment  can  be  necessary.  The  annals 
of  school  keeping  every  where,  show  that  the  purest  minds  and  pro- 
foundest  scholars  do  not  always,  nor  indeed  often,  understand  the 
art  of  teaching.  If  Horace  had  given  the  world  as  rich  a  practical 
treatise  on  this  most  difficult  of  all  arts,  as  he  has  on  the  art  in  which 
he  himself  excelled,  many  a  rejected  pedagogue  of  modern  times 
would  have  blessed  him. 

In  some  foreign  countries — Holland,  Prussia  and  others — the  art 
of  teaching  is  taught  like  any  other  art;  and  such  has  been  the  con 
viction  of  its  necessity  in  Massachusetts,  that  no  less  than  three  Nor 
mal  schools,  or  schools  for  educating  teachers,  have  been  establish 
ed.  The  two  great  objects  of  those  schools,  say  the  board  of  edu 
cation  in  their  annual  report  of  1839,  are,  first,  to  impart  to  the  pupils 


453 

a  more  correct  and  thorough  knowledge  of  the  various  branches  re 
quired  to  be  taught  in  the  schools;  and  second,  to  teach  the  princi 
ples  of  communicating  instruction,  both  in  theory  and  in  practice,  at 
a  model  school  connected  with  the  main  institution. 

If,  then,  the  ability  to  teach  constitutes  a  qualification,  the  legal  duty 
of  an  inspector  is  not  exhausted  by  one  examination,  especially  if 
that  examination  be  made  before  the  teacher  has  opened  his  school. 
On  such  an  examination,  the  power  to  teach,  or  faculty  of  commu 
nicating  instruction,  cannot  be  tested.  It  is  only  by  following  the 
candidate  into  the  school;  and  there  watching  the  gradual  or  sudden 
developments  of  his  disposition,  his  modes  of  teaching,  and  the  man 
ner  in  which  he  disciplines  his  scholars  and  otherwise  governs  his 
school  that  the  demand  of  the  law  can  be  met.  We  all  know  how 
easy  it  is  to  be  deceived  in  these  matters.  A  candidate  may  pass  a 
good  examination,  and  theoretically  be  pronounced  qualified;  yet  in 
the  school  room  exhibit  anything  but  the  traits  of  a  school  master. 
His  plan  of  operations  may  be  as  eccentric  as  that  which,  to  insure 
punctuality,  compelled  every  tardy  urchin  to  walk  a  mile  with  a 
fool's  cap  drawn  over  his  head,  and  one  of  the  punctual  scholars  to 
follow  at  some  distance  to  see  that  the  delinquent  did  not  steal  an  oc 
casional  impunity  by  tearing  off  the  cap  and  putting  it  in  his  pocket; 
which,  to  discipline  the  intellect,  awarded  a  prize  to  that  boy  or  girl, 
who  at  the  end  of  the  quarter  and  on  examination  day,  should  re 
cite  with  the  greatest  rapidity,  giving  each  word  precisely  as  printed, 
all  the  rules  in  Adams'  arithmetic,  all  those  in  Murray's  grammar, 
and  the  Assembly's  catechism  from  beninning  to  end;  and  which,  by 
way  of  punishment  for  the  minor  faults  of  each  hour,  forced  the  luck 
less  sinner  to  stand  upon  one  foot,  with  the  huge  quarto  bible  at 
arm's  length  in  one  hand  and  a  pitcher  of  water  in  the  other,  while 
a  second  law-breaker  was  stationed  hard  by,  brandishing  a  rattan, 
that  neither  burthen  might  be  dropped  or  the  balance  lost  It  is  not 
positively  asserted  that  such  a  teacher  can  be  found  in  Michigan,  but 
simply  this,  that  precisely  that  way  of  "teaching  the  young  idea  how 
to  shoot,"  might  not  be  inconsistent  with  a  fautless  examination  out  of 
the  school.  No  inspector,  then,  should  deem  his  legal  duty  ended 
with  one  examination.  Having  placed  the  candidate  in  school,  he 
should  keep  his  eye  upon  him;  and  if  practically  that  candidate  be 
lies  the  certificate  he  has  received,  the  law  says  such  certificate  may 
be  annulled. — [F.  SAWYER,  JR.,  Sup*t,  1842. 

BLACKBOARD   INSTRUCTION. 

The  communications  received  evince  an  almost  universal  neglect 
in  our  district  school  teachers  to  use  the  blackboard,  as  a  means  of 
instruction;  and  even  hi  the  few  instances  where  it  has  been  tried, 
but  an  occasional  teacher  appeared  to  comprehend  its  object  or  un 
derstand  its  use.  Now,  it  is  safe  to  say  that  no  mechanical  inven 
tion  ever  effected  greater  improvements  in  machinery,  no  discovery 
of  new  agents  more  signal  revolutions  in  all  the  departments  of  sci 
ence,  than  the  blackboard  has  effected  in  schools;  and  certain  it  is, 
that  no  apparatus  at  all  comparable  with  it  for  simplicity  and  cheap- 


454 

ness,  has  to  such  a  degree  facilitated  the  means,  and  augmented  the 
pleasures  of  primary  instruction. — [F.  SAWYER,  Jr.,  Sup't,  1843. 

THE  NECESSITY  OF  GOOD  TEACHERS. 

Eligible  teachers  are  all-important.  This  fact  is  now  more  deeply 
and  generally  impressed  on  the  public  mind  than  formerly.  A  new 
science,  founded  on  the  nature  of  man,  has  been  ascertained  and 
taught.  It  is  pedagogics,  or  the  science  of  teaching.  This  is  a  dis 
tinct  and  most  valuable  science.  On  it  the  successful  investigation 
of  all  other  sciences  depends.  Its  application  is  the  art  of  teaching. 
It  was  once  imagined  that  almost  every  man  of  a  competent  educa 
tion  could  teach  a  school.  But  to  this  proposition  there  are  many 
exceptions.  It  does  not  follow  that  because  a  man  has  received  a 
liberal  education,  he  is  therefore  a  lawyer  or  physician.  With  all  his 
attainments,  he  can  be  neither  till  he  shall  have  faithfully  studied  one 
of  these  learned  professions.  And  by  a  parity  of  reasoning,  it  is 
plain  that  an  acquaintance  with  general  literature  and  science  does 
not,  of  necessity,  prepare  one  for  the  arduous,  but  delightful  busi 
ness  of  educating  the  undying  mind.  Such  a  preparation  is  chiefly 
derived  from  the  study  of  the  science  and  art  of  teaching.  Firmly 
persuaded  of  this  truth,  many  of  the  governments  of  the  old  world, 
and  some  of  our  sister  States  have  instituted  normal  schools,  in  which 
the  science  and  art  of  teaching  are  elucidated  and  enforced.  Model 
schools  are  formed  and  taught  in  these  institutions.  Here  candidates 
for  the  office  of  teacher  see  many  beneficial  demonstrations  in  refer 
ence  to  classification,  methods  of  teaching  and  government;  and  in 
short,  whatever  is  valuable  within  the  range  of  human  knowledge, 
regarding  this  paramount  interest.  A  teacher  should  be  a  man  of 
learning  and  virtue.  At  all  events,  he  should  perfectly  understand 
what  he  professes  to  teach.  Among  other  attainments,  he  should 
know  something  of  physical  education.  Sound  health,  a  develop 
ment  of  all  the  physical  faculties,  and  an  improvement  of  all  the 
senses,  are  things  too  important  to  be  overlooked  in  a  system  of  pop 
ular  education.  He  should  be  able  and  disposed  to  take  a  sort  of 
paternal  care  of  the  health,  morals  and  manners  of  his  priceless 
c'harge. 

To  govern  his  school  properly,  it  is  essential  that  he  govern  him 
self,  subjecting  all  his  passions,  desires  and  affections  to  the  control 
of  reason  and  conscience.  Industry,  kindness  and  patience  should 
be  prominent  traits  in  his  character.  His  moral  qualities,  bearing 
and  deportment,  should  be  approvable  and  worthy  of  imitation.  He 
should  have  a  fondness  for  books,  learning  and  study,  evincing  a  cor 
rect  taste,  and  that  he  deems  his  education  unfinished  so  long  as  his 
capacity  to  advance  it  remains.  He  will  thus  keep  pace  with  the  dis 
coveries  and  improvements  of  the  age,  extend  the  sphere  of  his  use 
fulness,  partake  of  the  most  sublime  enjoyment,  and  exhibit  a  lauda 
ble  example  to  those  upon  whose  reputation  he  will  make  a  lasting 
impression.  A  teacher  should  be  ardently  devoted  to  his  useful  and 
honorable  vocation.  He  should  love  children  and  youth.  Their  pro 
gressive  acquirements,  in  all  those  branches  of  education  which  en- 


455 

noble  and  adorn  humanity,  should  afford  his  benevolent  heart  the 
highest  delight.  Teaching  should  be  a  profession,  ranking  with  the 
professions  of  law  and  medicine.  One  should  embrace  it  as  a  busi 
ness  for  years,  or  for  life.  It  is  a  calling  of  the  most  solemn  respon 
sibility.  On  the  manner  of  its  execution  hang  the  most  eventful  con 
sequences.  The  influence  of  early  tuition  may  decide  the  charac 
ter  of  an  individual  for  time  and  eternity.  It  may  be  intimately  con 
nected  with  his  happiness  or  misery  during  all  the  periods  of  his 
interminable  existence. 

It  is  apparent  that  a  person  uniting  in  his  character  the  attributes, 
exercises  and  relations  of  an  eligible  teacher,  is  entitled  to  the  highest 
consideration.  He  should  be  courteously  greeted  in  the  best  circles 
of  society.  His  employment  should  be  permanent  and  lucrative. 
This  would  be  greatly  beneficial  to  all  concerned.  Teachers  would 
be  encouraged,  respected  and  happy.  Scholars  would  learn  as  much 
in  two,  as  they  now  do  in  many  schools,  in  six  years.  Besides,  they 
would  be  rightly  taught — taught  to  think — taught  the  power  of  ap 
plication.  All  the  original  faculties  of  the  mind  would  be  developed 
in  due  proportion.  A  proper  balance  would  be  maintained.  While 
the  mind  is  acquiring  in  the  wisest  method,  useful  knowledge,  it  is 
disciplined  to  intense,  enduring,  triumphant  thought,  upon  any  subject 
submitted  to  its  examination. 

One  word  before  leaving  this  topic  regarding  female  teachers.  The 
qualifications  requisite  to  successful  teaching  and  government  are  not 
exclusively  confined  to  the  male  sex.  All  acquainted  with  the  mind 
and  manners  of  accomplished  females,  and  with  the  character  of 
ehildren  and  youth,  would  class  such  females  among  the  most  eligi 
ble  teachers.  That  such  is  the  fact,  appears  from  the  concurrent 
testimony  of  numerous  individuals,  in  several  States,  whose  appoint 
ments  had  led  them  to  make  on  the  behalf  of  legislative  bodies,  crit 
ical  examinations  into  the  learning  and  government  of  many  female 
schools.  To  these  schools,  composed  of  both  sexes,  were  accorded 
the  palm  of  excellence.  It  is  devoutly  to  be  wished  that  parents  and 
teachers — all  those  whose  official  duties  relate  to  schools,  with  all- 
the  friends  of  learning,  may  often  meet  on  the  subject  of  education. 
Let  it  be  the  theme  of  lectures,  essays  and  debates.  Let  inquiries, 
observations  and  facts  respecting  its  interests,  everywhere  meet  the 
public  eye  on  the  pages  of  newspapers  and  periodicals.  Truth  in 
vites  discussion.  It  profits  by  examination.  The  more  the  subject 
of  education,  we  repeat  the  idea,  is  agitated,  the  more  its  prosperity 
will  be  found  strongly  allied  to  the  most  valuable  blessings  of  our  be. 
loved  country,  and  of  all  mankind. — [0.  C.  COMSTOCK,  tiup't,  1844- 

SMALL   DISTRICTS. 

A  small  district  is  unprofitable,  and,  so  far  as  practicable,  should 
be  avoided.  It  will  rarely  possess  numbers,  wealth  and  efficiency 
enough  to  establish  and  sustain  a  good  and  prosperous  school.  In  a 
large  and  successful  school  there  is  something  inspiring  to  scholars  and 
teachers;  indeed,  to  all  concerned.  But  a  small  school  and  its  usual 
concomitants,  exerts  a  contrary  influence.  A  small  district  com- 


456 

monly  employs  a  teacher  who  can  be  obtained  for  low  wages;  it  has 
not  alwas  a  due  regard  to  his  qualifications  for  his  momentous  em 
ployment.  It  will  ordinarily  keep  a  school  in  operation  but  a  few 
months  in  a  year.  Such  a  district  and  its  teacher  are  prone  to 
change  their  relations  to  each  other;  and  they  often  gratify  this  pro 
pensity;  hence,  the  latter  is  engaged  and  dismissed  in  frequent  suc 
cession.  The  injurious  consequences  resulting  from  these  changes 
are  numerous  and  apparent.  A  teacher  who  instructs  a  school  but 
a  short  time  only,  cannot  feel  that  lively  interest  in  its  welfare  that 
he  would,  should  he  have  it  under  his  tuition  during  many  terms. 
Besides,  if  the  teacher  deserves  it,  the  scholars  will,  after  a  while, 
imbibe  a  respect  for  his  character,  which  will  progressively  increase 
with  the  revolution  of  months  and  years.  This  respect  is  material 
to  their  improvement,  and  the  teacher's  happiness.  When  a  teacher 
knows,  from  the  general  character  of  his  district,  that  his  labors  in 
it  will  probably  be  short,  he  does  not  feel  at  home;  he  rather  regards 
himself  as  a  passenger,  liable  every  hour  to  be  called  by  the  horn  to 
prosecute  his  journey.  He  has  not  all  those  motives  before  his  mind, 
to  exhibit  such  a  character,  in  all  respects  as  a  teacher,  as  should 
secure  to  him  permanency,  support  and  respectability  in  his  calling. 
When  a  teacher  is  employed  for  the  first  time  in  a  district,  he  often 
changes  a  part  of  the  school  books,  the  mode  of  teaching  and  the 
discipline.  This  is  a  source  of  embarrassment  to  the  school,  and  ex 
pense  to  its  patrons.  There  is  usually  a  considerable  interval  be 
tween  the  time  when  one  teacher  leaves  and  another  comes. 
This  interrupts  the  habit  of  reading  and  study,  and  impairs  that 
fondness  for  attending  school  which  had  been  formed  by  the  schol 
ars.  Their  minds  become  dissipated;  hence  much  time,  pains  and 
effort  are  requisite  to  bring  them  back  to  a  state  favorable  to  advanc- 
ment  in  learning,  to  the  enjoyment  of  the  school.  This  mutability 
and  the  causes  which  induce  it,  are  to  be  deprecated;  they  should 
be  removed. 

The  advantages  of  having  a  school  near  one's  house — advantages 
which  sway  the  minds  of  many  in  voting  to  divide  districts,  or  to  or- 

fanize  small  ones,  cannot  atone  for   the  evils  suggested.     We  had 
etter  oblige  our  children  to  enjoy  the  salutary  exercise  of  walking 
one  or  two  miles,  to  a   reputable  school,   than  to  send  them  to  one 
though  at  our  door,  which,  for  various  reasons,  is  exceptionable. — 
[0.  C.  COMSTOCK,  Sup't,  1845. 

CONSOLIDATION  OF  DISTRICTS. 

The  consolidation  of  districts,  in  our  cities  and  rising  villages,  is 
highly  desirable.  A  district  thus  augmented  would  be  rendered  ca 
pable  of  erecting  and  furnishing  a  building  containing  four  rooms  for 
graduated  schools.  The  rule  of  graduation  should  have  reference 
alone  to  degrees  of  scholarship.  The  lowest  department  should  re 
ceive  new  beginners,  and  the  highest  those  who  intend  to  acquire  the 
most  liberal  education  these  institutions  could  confer.  Other  depart 
ments  should  be  occupied  by  the  intermediate  classes  of  pupils. 
These  graduated  schools  would  obviate  the  necessity  of  select  semin- 


457 

aries.  Education  obtained  in  these,  is  always  much  more  expensive 
than  it  would  be,  if  imparted  in  the  graduated  schools;  since  these 
would  be  so  organized  and  managed  as  to  entitle  them  to  a  due  pro 
portion  of  the  school  fund.  The  necessity  of  select  schools  is  founded 
m  the  imperfect  character  of  the  primary  schools.  Elevate  these, 
and  select  schools  will  be  superceded. — [0.  C.  COMSTOCK,  Superin 
tendent,  1845. 

PHYSICAL    EXERCISE. 

In  childhood  the  excitability  is  highly  accumulated.  This  is  pecu 
liarly  the  case  when  a  child  is  deprived  of  sufficient  exercise.  In 
this  state  a  sense  of  uneasiness  pervades  the  entire  system;  the  head 
especially  feels  disordered;  the  mind  is  confused;  it  does  not  per 
ceive  clearly;  it  cannot  grasp  a  subject  triumphantly;  debility,  irri 
tation  and  peevishness  are  apt  to  ensue.  Under  these  circumstances 
a  child  is  temporarily  disqualified  for  all  agreeable  and  successful 
study.  To  demand  it  of  him  just  at  this  period,  is  cruel.  To  expect 
that  it  could  be  profitable,  is  folly.  Such  a  course  would  be  at  war 
with  the  laws  of  both  body  and  mind.  A  scholar  often  treated  in 
this  way  would  regard  the  school  house  as  a  dreary  prison,  and  his 
studies  as  a  painful  punishment.  The  necessary  recesses  and  exer 
cise  in  the  open  air,  will  obviate  this  melancholy  train  of  things. 
Suitable  play  grounds  attached  to  a  school  house  are  all  important. 

A  child  requires  much  exercise.  'This  is  indispensable  to  devel 
op,  strengthen  and  discipline  the  corporal  faculties — to  exhaust  a  part 
of  the  superabundant  excitability — to  restore  and  maintain  an  equa 
ble  diffusion  of  blood  and  sensorial  power — things  which  are  essen 
tial  to  physical  health,  mental  vigor,  and  delightful  study.  What  I 
have  said  in  reference  to  the  physical  system  of  children,  applies  in 
a  great  measure,  to  all  animals.  When  they  are  young  they  are  ex 
tremely  sportive — a  sort  of  perpetual  motion.  The  animal  universe 
demands  air  and  action.  Without  these,  all  sentient  beings  lose  their 
vitality.— [0.  C.  COMSTOCK,  Sup't,  1845. 

THE  TEACHER'S  CALLING. 

The  teacher's  calling  should  rank  among  the  learned  professions. 
The  lawyer  is  required  to  devote  a  series  of  years  to  a  regular  course 
of  classical  study  and  professional  reading  before  he  can  find  employ 
ment  in  a  case  in  which  a  few  dollars  only  are  pending.  With  this 
we  find  no  fault.  But  it  should  not  be  forgotten  that  the  teacher's 
calling  is  as  much  more  important  than  the  ordinary  exercise  of  the 
legal  profession,  as  the  unperishable  riches  of  mind  "are  more  valua 
ble  than  the  corruptible  treasures  of  earth. 

We  seek  out  from  among  us  men  of  sound  discretion  and  good 
report  to  enact  laws  for  the  government  of  our  State  and  nation. 
And  with  this,  too,  we  find  no  fault.  It  is  right  and  proper  that  we 
should  do  so.  But  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  it  is  the  teacher's 
high  prerogative  not  only  so  to  teach  the  rising  generation  that  they 
shall  rightly  understand  law,  but  to  infix  in  their  minds  the  principles 
of  justice  and  equity,  the  attainment  of  which  is  the  high  aim  of  le- 

58 


458 

gislation.  "While  our  legislators  enact  laws  for  the  government  of 
the  people,  the  well  qualified  and  faithful  schoolmaster  prepares 
those  under  his  charge  to  govern  themselves.  Without  the  teachers 
conservative  influence,  under  the  best  legislation,  the  great  mass  of 
the  people  will  be  lawless;  while  the  tendency  of  his  labors  is  to  qual 
ify  the  rising  generation  who  constitute  our  future  freemen  and  our 
country's  hope,  to  render  an  enlightened,  a  cheerful  and  a  ready 
obedience  to  the  high  claims  of  civil  law.  The  well  qualified,  faith 
ful  teacher,  becomes  the  right  arm  of  the  Legislature.  Once  more: 
The  physician  is  required  to  become  thoroughly  acquainted  with  the 
anatomy  and  physiology  of  the  human  body;  in  a  word,  to  become 
acquainted  with  "  the  house  I  live  in;"  to  understand  the  diseases  to 
which  we  are  subject,  and  their  proper  treatment,  before  he  is  allow 
ed  to  extract  a  tooth,  to  open  a  vein,  or  administer  the  simplest  me 
dicine.  Nor  with  this  do  we  find  fault,  for  we  justly  prize  the  body. 
It  is  the  habitation  of  the  immortal  mind.  When  in  health,  it  is  the 
mind's  servant,  and  ready  to  do  its  biddings;  but  darken  its  windows 
by  disease  and  it  becomes  the  mind's  prison  house.  But  while  the 
physician,  whom  we  honor  and  love,  is  required  to  make  these  at 
tainments  before  he  is  permitted  even  to  repair  the  house  I  live  in, 
should  not  he  who  teaches  the  master  of  the  house  be  entitled  to  a 
respectable  rank  in  society?  He  should,  in  the  unanimous  opinion 
of  every  enlightened  citizen  who  duly  appreciates  the  importance  of 
the  teacher's  profession. — [!RA  MAYHEW,  Sup't,  1846. 

UNION    SCHOOLS. 

Section  ninety-two  of  the  revised  school  law  provides,  as  we  have 
seen,  for  the  organization  of  such  schools  in  this  State.  A  consider- 
ble  number  of  districts  have  already  availed  themselves  of  this  pro 
vision,  and  several  large  and  commodious  Union  school  houses  have 
been  built,  in  which  schools  are  in  successful  operation.  Other  sim 
ilar  houses  are  ROW  in  process  of  erection,  and  taxes  have  been  voted 
in  other  cases,  with  reference  to  building  another  season. 

In  that  school  are  combined  all  the  advantages  of  the  well  con 
ducted  common  school,  the  academy  for  young  gentlemen,  and  the 
seminary  for  young  ladies.  Children  may  there  commence  with  the 
alphabet,  and  pass  from  one  grade  to  another,  until,  on  leaving  the 
school,  they  are  prepared  to  enter  any  college  or  university  in  the 
United  States. 

Union  schools  should  be  established  at  the  earliest  practicable  pe 
riod,  in  every  county  of  this  State,  and  in  all  the  principal  villages, 
in  which  students  may  qualify  themselves  to  enter  the  University. 
Union  schools  constitute  the  only  reliable  connecting  link  between 
our  primary  schools  and  the  State  University. 

The  following  are  among  the  advantages  which  well  conducted 
Union  schools  possess: 

1 .  They  are  open  to  all.  In  this  respect,  they  are  like  our  com 
mon  'schools.  The  course  of  instruction  is  also  considerably  ex 
tended,  and  ample  provision  is  thus  made  for  the  thorough  education 
of  every  child  residing  within  the  districts  in  which  they  are  estab 
lished. 


459 

2.  They  may  be  better  than  our  common  and  select  schools  now  gener 
ally  are.     In  them,   the  principle  of  a  division  of  labor  is  recogniz 
ed.     In  this  respect  they  resemble   our  colleges  and  universities,  in 
which  each  professor  has  his  distinct  department.     When  a  teach 
er  instructs  in  a  few  branches  only,  he  has  an  opportunity  of  attain 
ing  greater  skill  and  aptness,  than  when  he  has   occasion   to  direct 
his  attention  to  eight  or  ten  distinct  recitations,  in  the  short  space  of 
three  hours.     The  course  of  instruction  may  also  be  more  thorough 
than  in  our  common  or  select  schools;  each  pupil  being  required  to 
sustain  a  satisfactory  examination  in  every  branch  of  study  he  pur 
sues,  before  he   is  permitted  to  enter  a  higher  class.     This  is  very 
different  from  the  course  usually  pursued'in  select  and  private  schools. 
Children   generally  desire  to    advance  rapidly.     Parents,    also,  are 
commonly  anxious  to  have  them.     Teachers  understanding  this,  and 
hence,  desirous  of  pleasing  both  children  and  parents.that  they  may 
continue  their   patronage,    are  frequently     more    solicitous    to  ad 
vance  their  scholars  rapidly  than  thoroughly.     This  is  a  great  error, 
and  is  productive  of  more  mischief  than  most  persons  are  aware  of. 
We  are  the  creatures  of  habit,  and  become  accustomed  to  do  things 
thoroughly  or  carelessly — well  or  ill.     The  evil  consequences  of  bad 
habits  who  can  estimate?     The  good,  also,  that  results  from  the  early 
formation  of  correct  habits,  so  far  from  being  confined  to  early  child 
hood,  only  begins  to  discover  itself  at   this   period,  and  is  not  fully 
developed  until  late  in  life.     "What  is  worth   doing  at  all,  is  worth 
doing  well,"  has  become  a  proverb. 

3.  Union   schools  are  not  only  better,  but  they  are  cheaper  than  otJier 
schools.     Each  teacher  has  large  classes,  and  hence  employs  his  time 
more  profitably  than  he  otherwise  could.     A  good  teacher  can  just 
as  well   instruct  a    class  of  fifteen  or  twenty,  as  only  three  or  four. 
The  scholars,  also,  will  generally  be  more  stimulated,  and  will  hence 
apply  themselves  more  closely  to  their  studies,  and  with  better  re 
sults,  with  large  classes  than  with  small  ones. 

4.  Common  schools  and  Union  schools  are  democratic  institutions,. 
while  select  schools  are  aristocratic  in  their  character  and  tendency. 

5.  Union  schools  are  very  good  substitutes  for  Normal  schools  or 
teachers'  seminaries.     I  perhaps  ought  not  to  speak  of  them  as  substi 
tutes.     I  may,  however,  safely  say,  that  in  the  absence  of  Normal 
schools,  well  conducted  Union  schools  cannot  fail  to  accomplish  much 
in  the  improvement  of  common  school  teachers.     In  them  the  course 
of  instruction  is  extensive,  thorough  and  practical;  just  what  every 
teacher  needs  to  qualify  him  for  his  work.     In  addition  to  this,  the 
principal  might  organize  a  teacher's  class,  fall  and  spring,  and  give 
a  course  of  instruction  specially  adapted  to  the  wants  of  those  who 
contemplate  teaching.     These  instructions  might  be  exemplified  by 
frequent  visits  to  the  several  departments  of  the  union  school,  which 
should  be  so  conducted  as  to  constitute  it  a  model  school. 

6.  The  government,  is  usually  better  in  well  regulated  common  schools, 
and  especially  in  Union  schools,  than  in  select  or  private  schools.     Se 
lect  school    teachers  are  apt  to  indulge  their  pupils  to  their  serious 
injury,  and  they  not  unfrequently  resort  to  questionable  means  to  se- 


460 

cure  their  good  will;  for  they  know  that  if  the  child  is  displeased  his 
parents  usually  are,  and  then  the  child  may  be  withdrawn  and  sent 
to  another  school.  Sometimes  children  are  sent  to  half  a  dozen 
schools,  from  frivolous  causes,  in  as  many  months.  The  public  school 
teacher  is  less  under  the  influence  of  this  temptation,  and  is  not  so 
apt  to  be  moved  by  the  freaks  of  falsely  indulgent  parents,  being  gen 
erally  sustained  by  his  employers  in  the  administration  of  wholesome 
discipline. 

The  manner  in  which  children  are  governed,  exerts  a  great  influ 
ence  upon  their  future  weal  or  woe.  If,  when  at  home,  they  are  im 
prudently  indulged,  and  know  not  parental  restraint,  they  will  claim 
the  same  indulgence  when  sent  to  school.  If  they  do  not  receive  it, 
they  are  dissatisfied,  and  are  perhaps  sent  to  another  and  a  more  in 
dulgent  teacher.  This  makes  the  matter  worse.  They  have  been 
accustomed  to  disobey  father  and  mother  with  impunity,  and  they 
are  now  encouraged  to  disobey  their  teacher.  Soon  they  will  be 
found  throwing  off  all  the  restraints  of  society,  and  trampling  under 
foot  the  laws  of  the  land.  Should  they  occasionally  attend  church, 
and  listen  to  the  reading  of  the  Scriptures,  and  the  counsels  of  the 
man  of  God,  having  been  accustomed  to  disobey  father  and  mother, 
the  precepts  of  their  teachers,  and  the  laws  of  their  country — in  short, 
having  established  the  HABIT  of  disobedience — they  will  disregard  the 
authority  of  conscience,  and  heed  not  the  monitions  of  Heaven.  But 
if  children  are  taught  obedience  at  home  and  in  the  school,  they  will 
more  readily  yield  to  the  claims  of  society,  in  compliance  with  the 
laws  of  the  land.  Having  been  accustomed  to  obedince — having 
formed  the  HABIT  of  obeying  those  whose  right  it  is  to  govern  them — 
they  will  be  more  apt  to  heed  the  voice  of  conscience,  ponder  the 
counsels  of  their  spiritual  teachers,  and  yield  a  ready  and  cheerful 
obedience  to  the  sublime  precepts  of  the  Bible.  What  vast  and  far- 
reaching  consequences,  then,  depend  upon  the  early  training  of  chil 
dren?  and  what  wisdom  and  discretion  are  required  to  teach  and 
govern  them  aright? — [!RA  MAYHEW,  Sup't,  1848. 

LOCATION  AND  VENTILATION  OF  SCHOOL  HOUSES. 

In  this  State  six  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land  in  every  town 
ship  are  appropriated  to  the  support  of  common  schools.  Suppose 
there  are  ten  school  districts  in  a  township;  this  would  allow  sixty- 
four  acres  to  every  school  district.  It  would  seem  that  when  the 
general  government  has  appropriated  sixty-four  acres  to  create  a 
fund  for  the  support  of  schools,  that  each  district  might  set  apart 
one  acre  as  a  site  for  a  school  house.  Once  more:  one  school  district 
usually  contains  not  less  than  twenty-five  hundred  acres  of  land.  Is 
it  asking  too  much  to  set  apart  one  acre  as  a  site  for  a  school  house 
in  which  the  minds  of  the  children  of  the  district  shall  be  cultivated, 
when  twenty-four  hundred  and  ninety-nine  acres  are  appropriated  to 
clothing  and  feeding  their  bodies? 

I  would  respectfully  suggest,  and  even  urge  the  propriety  of  loca 
ting  the  school  heuse  on  a  piece  of  firm  ground  of  liberal  dimensions, 
^and  of  enclosing  the  same  with  a  suitable  fence.  The  enclosure 


461 

should  be  set  out  with  shade  trees,  unless  provided  with  those  of  na 
ture's  own  planting.  Scholars  would  then  enjoy  their  pastime  in  a 
pleasant  and  healthful  yard,  where  they  have  a  right  to  be  protected 
alike  from  the  scorching  sun  and  the  wintry  blast.  They  need  then 
no  longer  be  hunted  as  trespassers  upon  their  neighbors'  premises,  as 
they  now  too  frequently  are. 

Although  there  is  a  great  variety  in  the  dimensions  of  school 
houses,  yet  there  are  few  less  than  sixteen  by  eighteen  feet  on  the 
ground,  and  fewer  still  larger  than  twenty-four  by  thirty  feet.  Ex 
clusive  of  entry  and  closets,  when  they  are  furnished  with  these  ap 
pendages,  school  houses  are  not  usually  larger  than  twenty  by  twen 
ty-four  feet  on  the  ground,  and  seven  feet  in  heigh th.  They  are,  in 
deed,  more  frequently  smaller  than  larger.  School  houses  of  these 
dimensions  have  a  capacity  of  three  thousand  three  hundred  and 
sixty  cubic  feet,  and  are  usually  occupied  by  at  least  forty-five  schol 
ars  in  the  winter  season.  Not  unfrequently  sixty  or  seventy,  and  oc 
casionally  more  than  a  hundred  scholars  occupy  a  room  of  this 
size. 

A  simple  arithmetical  computation  will  abundantly  satisfy  any  per 
son  who  is  acquainted  with  the  composition  of  the  atmosphere,  the 
influence  of  respiration  upon  its  fitness  to  sustain  animal  life,  and  the 
quantity  of  air  that  enters  the  lungs  at  each  inspiration,  that  a  school 
room  of  the  preceding  dimensions  does  not  contain  a  sufficient  quan 
tity  of  air  to  sustain  the  healthy  respiration  of  evenforty-Jive  scholars, 
three  hours,  the  usual  length  of  each  session;  and  frequently  the 
school  house  is  imperfectly  ventilated  between  the  sessions  at  noon,  or 
indeed,  for  several  days  in  succession.  * 

The  prevailing  practice  with  reference  to  their  ventilation,  is  open 
ing  and  closing  the  door,  as  the  scholars  enter  and  pass  out  of  the 
school  house,  before  school,  during  the  recesses,  and  at  noon.  Ven 
tilation,  as  suck,  I  may  safely  say,  has  not  hitherto  been  practiced  in 
one  school  in  fifty.  It  is  true,  the  door  has  been  occasionally  set  open 
a  few  minutes,  and  the  windows  have  been  raised,  but  the  object 
has  been,  either  to  let  the  smoke  pass  out  of  the  room,  or  to  cool  it 
when  it  has  become  too  warm,  NOT  TO  VENTILATE  IT.  Ventilation 
by  opening  a  door  or  raising  the  windows,  is  imperfect  and  frequently 
injurious.  A  more  effectual  and  safer  method  of  ventilation  is  to 
lower  the  upper  sash  of  the  windows,  or  in  very  cold  or  stormy 
weather,  to  open  a  ventilator  in  the  ceiling,  and  allow  the  vitiated  air 
to  escape  into  the  attic.  In  this  case,  there  should  be  a  free  commu 
nication  between  the  attic  and  the  outer  air,  by  means  of  a  lattice 
window,  or  otherwise.  A  ventilator  may  be  constructed  in  connec 
tion  with  the  chimney,  by  carrying  up  a  partition  in  the  middle.  One 
half  the  chimney,  in  this  case,  may  be  used  for  a  smoke  flue,  and 
the  other  half  for  a  ventilator.  But  it  may  be  asked  why  it  is  not 
just  as  well  to  raise  the  lower  sash  of  the  windows  as  to  lower  the 
upper  ones.  There  are  two  good  reasons  why  lowering  the  upper 
sash  is  the  better  method: 

1.  Ventilation  ib  more  effectual.  In  a  room  which  is  warmed  and 
occupied  in  cold  weather,  the  warmer  and  more  vitiated  portion  of 


462 

the  air  rises  to  the  upper  part  of  the  room,  while  the  colder  and 
purer  air  occupies  the  lower  part.  The  reason  for  this  may  not  be 
readily  conceived,  especially  when  we  consider  that  carbonic  acid, 
the  vitiating*  product  of  respiration,  is  specifically  heavier  than  com 
mon  air.  Three  considerations  will  make  the  reason  apparent:  1. 
Gases  of  different  specific  gravity  mix  uniformly,  under  favorable 
circumstances.  2.  The  carbonic  acid  which  is  exhaled  from  the 
lungs  at  about  blood  heat,  is  hence  rarified,  and  specifically  lighter 
than  the  air  in  the  room,  which  inclines  it  to  ascend.  3.  The  ingress 
of  cold  and  heavier  air  from  without,  is  chiefly  through  apertures 
near  the  base  of  the  room.  Raising  the  lower  sash  of  the  windows 
allows  a  portion  of  the  purer  air  of  the  room  to  pass  off,  while  the 
more  vitiated  air  above  is  retained.  Lowering  the  upper  sash  allows 
the  impure  air  above  to  escape,  while  the  purer  air  below  remains 
unchanged. 

2.  Lowering  the  upper  sash  is  the  safer  method  of  ventilation.  It 
not  only  allows  the  impure  air  more  readily  to  escape,  but  provides 
also  for  the  more  uniform  diffusion  of  the  pure  air  from  without, 
which  takes  its  place  through  the  upper  part  of  the  room.  The  ren 
ovated  air  will  gradually  settle  upon  the  heads  of  the  scholars,  giv 
ing  them  a  purer  air  to  breathe,  while  the  comfort  of  the  body  and 
lower  extremities  will  remain  undisturbed.  This  is  as  it  should  be. 
Warm  feet  and  cool  heads  contribute  alike  to  physical  comfort  and 
clearness  of  mind.  Raising  the  lower  sash  of  the  windows  endan 
gers  the  health  of  scholars,  exposing  those  who  sit  near  them,  to 
colds,  catarrhs,  &c.  Indeed,  when  it  is  very  cold  or  stormy,  it  is 
unsafe  to  ventilate  by  lowering  the  upper  sash  of  the  windows.  At 
such  times,  provision  should  be  made  for  the  escape  of  impure  air  at 
the  upper  part  of  the  room,  and  for  the  introduction  of  pure  air  at 
the  lower  part. — [!RA  MAYHEW,  Sup't,  1848. 

CONSTRUCTION  OF  SCHOOL  HOUSES. 

There  are  few  school  houses  the  internal  construction  of  which  is 
in  all  respects  alike;  yet,  by  far  the  majority  of  them  will  rank  in 
one  of  the  three  following  classes: 

1.  The  first  class  embraces  those  which  are  constructed  with  one 
or  two  tiers  of  desks  along  each  side  of  the  house,  and  across  one 
end  of  it;  the  outer  seat  having  the  wall  of  the  house  for  its  back, 
and  the  front  of  each  tier  of  desks  constituting  the  back  to  the  next 
inner  seat.  There  is  usually  an  alley  on  each  side  of  the  house  and 
at  the  end  of  it,  leaving  the  seats  of  sufficient  length  to  accommodate 
from  five  to  eight  scholars.  Those  sitting  next  the  alleys  can 
pass  to  and  from  their  seats  without  discommoding  others.  All 
the  rest,  (usually  not  less  than  three-fourths  the  entire  number,) 
disturb  from  one  to  five  or  six  scholars  every  time  they  pass  to  or 
from  their  seats;  unless,  (which  is  about  as  commonly  practised,  es 
pecially  with  the  scholars  most  distant  from  the  alleys,)  they  climb 
over  the  desks  in  front  of  them. 

Occasionally  the  desks  are  shorter,  accommodating  three  or  four 
scholars;  and,  sometimes,  they  are  intended  to  accommodate  two 


463 

scholars  only,  so  that  each  of  them,  (excepting  the  outer  ones  at  the 
end  desks,)  sits  adjacent  to  an  alley,  and  can  pass  to  and  from  his 
seat  without  disturbing  others.  There  is  usually  a  desk,  or  table,  for 
the  teacher's  use,  (or  at  least  a  place  for  one,)  at  the  end  of  the  house 
not  occupied  by  the  cross  seats. 

2.  The  second  class  embraces  those  in  which  the  desks  extend 
across  the  house,  with  an  alley  through  the  middle  of  it  lengthwise, 
and  occasionally  one  around  the  outside  of  the  room.     All  the  desks 
of  the  second  class  front  the  teacher's  desk  or  table. 

3.  The  third  class  embraces  those  which  are  constructed  with  a 
row  of  desks  along  each  side  of  the  house,  and  across  one  end  of  it, 
the  desks  fronting  the  walls  of  the  house,  so  that  the  backs  of  the 
scholars,  while  sitting  at  them,  are  turned   towards  the  teacher.     In 
this  class  of  houses  there  are  usually  three  long  seats  without  backs, 
just  within  the  desks.     Sometimes  the  seals  are  joined  at  the  corners 
so  as  to  continue  unbroken,  twice  the  length  of   the  house  and  once 
its  width,  a  distance  of  forty-five  of  fifty  feet.     There    is  usually  a 
second  tier  of  seats,  and  sometimes   desks  within  them,  fronting  the 
central  part  of  the  room. 

There  is  one  impropriety  in  the  construction  of  a  majority  of  school 
houses.  The  desks  are  generally  constructed  with  close  fronts  ex 
tending  to  the  floor,  whereby  a  free  circulation  of  air,  and  consequent 
equilibrium  of  temperature,  are  interrupted,  which  would  take  place 
were  the  seats  and  desks  so  arranged  as  to  allow  suitable  channels 
of  communication.  The  scholars  behind  the  desks  are  necessarily 
troubled  with  cold  feet,  unless  the  room  is  kept  too  warm.  Were 
this  evil  removed,  the  first  class,  with  short  desks,  would  constitute 
a  very  comfortable  and  convenient  arrangement,  except  from  the  cir 
cumstance  that  the  children  are  placed  opposite  each  other,  which  is 
a  serious  evil,  especially  were  both  sexes  are  in  the  same  room,  as  is 
the  case  in  nearly  all  of  our  common  schools. 

Another  objection  to  long  desks,  is  the  inconvenience  to  which  the 
scholars  are  subjected  in  passing  to  and  from  their  seats.  This  ob 
jection  exists  to  a  considerable  extent  in  the  second  class  of  houses, 
especially  where  there  is  not  an  alley  around  the  outside  of  the 
room.  Were  it  not  for  this  inconvenience,  which  might  be  obviated 
by  introducing  a  greater  number  of  alleys  and  shortening  the  desks, 
so  as  to  accommodate  but  two  scholars,  each  of  whom  would  sit  ad 
jacent  to  an  alley,  and  could  pass  to  and  from  his  seat  without  dis 
turbing  others — the  second  would,  in  my  judgment,  constitute  the 
preferable  plan.  All  the  scholars  should  face  the  teacher,  but  none 
of  them  should  face  each  other.  This  is  particularly  important 
where  both  sexes  attend  the  same  school. 

And  what  shall  I  say  of  the  third  class?  I  can  readily  enumerate 
some  of  its  inconveniences,  but  its  real  advantages  are,  in  my  opin 
ion,  few.  The  following  are  some  of  the  inconveniences:  1.  There 
is  little  or  no  uniformity  usually,  in  the  position  of  the  scholars.  Some 
of  them  face  the  walls,  others  the  inner  part  of  the  room,  and  others 
sit  astride  the  seat.  2.  When  the  teacher  desires  the  attention  of  the 
school,  a  portion  of  the  scholars  must  either  turn  about,  or  sit  with 


464 

their  backs  towards  htm  while  he  addresses  them.  3.  In  changing 
their  positions  in  foul  weather  the  scholars  are  apt  to  muddy  the 
seats,  and  the  clothes  of  those  who  sit  adjacent  to  them.  4.  The 
change  of  position  is  frequently  embarrassing  to  the  girls.  5.  Front 
lights  are  less  pleasant,  and  more  injurious  to  the  eyes  than  the  side 
lights  or  back  ones,  are.  6.  Sitting  on  a  plain  seat  without  a  back 
is  uncomfortable,  and  often  engenders  diseases  of  the  spine,  especially 
in  childhood  and  youth. 

The  principal  supposed  advantage  of  this  construction  is,  I  believe, 
that  it  affords  the  teacher  a  better  opportunity  for  detecting  the 
scholars  when  engaged  in  mischief.  I  do  not  see  how  any  material 
advantage  of  this  kind  can  exist,  till  the  bodies  of  children  become 
transparent. 

But  were  the  supposed  advantage  real,  it  seems  to  me  to  be  tempt 
ing  children  to  do  wrong,  to  give  the  teacher  an  opportunity  of  dis 
playing  his  skill  in  detecting  them.  When  children  cannot  see  their 
teacher,  they  frequently  think  he  cannot  see  them,  and  conduct  ac 
cordingly! 

There  are  several  inconveniences  not  yet  specified,  existing  to  a 
less  or  greater  extent,  in  each  of  the  three  classes  of  houses  1  have 
described. 

1 .  The  height  of  the  seats,  although  sometimes  adjusted  with  great 
care,  is  frequently  determined  without  any  apparent  regard  to  the 
size  and  comfort  of  the  scholars  who  are  to  occupy  them.     I  have 
visited  many  schools  in   which   the  majority  of  the  scholars  reverse 
the  ordinary  practice  of  standing  up  and  sitting  down.     They  literally 
sit  up  and  stand  down,  their  heads  being  higher  while  sitting  than  when 
standing. 

2.  The  desks  with  their  close  fronts,  are  frequently  several  inches 
too  high.     I  have  visited  many  schools   in  which  all  that  could  be 
seen  of  a  majority  of  the  scholars  occupying  the  back  seats,  was  a 
part  of  their  heads,  and  that  too,  when  they  sat  erect  upon  their  seats. 
The  desks,  moreover,  are  frequently  inclined  twenty-five  or  thirty  de 
grees,  so  that  a  book  laid  upon  them  immediately  slides  off.     An  in 
clination  of  one  inch  to  the  foot  will  be  found  more  convenient  than 
greater  obliquity.     A  space  of  three  inches  on  the  most  distant  por 
tion  of  the  desk  should  be  left  horizontal,  for  inkstands,  pencils,  pens, 
<fcc. 

3.  The  floor  is  sometimes  considerably  inclined,  for  the  purpose,  I 
suppose,  of  giving  the  teacher  a   better  opportunity  of  seeing  the 
more  distant  scholars.     The  whole  school  is  not  only  subjected  to  the 
inconvenience  of  walking  up   and  down  an  inclined  plane,  but  what 
is  much  worse,  when  scholars  sit  upon  their  seats  and  rest  their  feet 
upon  the  floor,  when  within  reach,  they  are  constantly  sliding  from 
under  them. 

School  houses  are  not  generally  furnished  with  suitable  convenien 
ces  for  disposing  of  the  loose  wearing  apparel  of  the  scholars,  their 
dinners,  &c.  There  are  sometimes  a  few  nails  or  shelves  in  a  com 
mon  entry,  through  which  all  the  scholars  pass,  upon  which  a  portion 
of  their  clothes  may  be  hung  or  laid,  and  where  dinners  may  be  de- 


465 

posited.  But  in  such  cases,  the  outside  door  is  usually  left  open, 
the  rain  and  snow  beat  in,  and  the  scholars  in  haste  to  get  their  own 
clothes,  frequently  pull  down  as  many  more,  which  are  trampled  un 
der  foot.  Moreover,  the  dinners  are  frozen,  and  not  unfrequently 
they  are  devoured  by  dogs,  and  even  by  the  hogs  that  run  in  the 
street.  But  the  majority  of  school  houses  are  not  furnished  with  an 
entry;  and  where  there  is  one,  frequently  not  even  a  nail  can  be 
found  in  it,  upon  which  a  single  article  of  clothing  may  be  hung. 
Neither  are  there  nails  or  shelves  for  this  purpose  within  the  school 
room.  Scholars  generally  are  obliged  to  throw  their  clothes  across 
the  desks,  upon  the  seats,  or  into  the  windows. 

School  houses  should  be  so  constructed  as  to  contribute  to  the 
health,  comfort  and  convenience  of  both  teacher  and  scholars.  They 
should,  then,  be  made  of  larger  dimensions  than  they  usually  are. 
And  especially  should  provision  be  made  for  their  ventilation,  which 
should  be  frequent  and  thorough.  Every  child,  even  the  youngest 
in  school,  should  be  furnished  with  a  seat  and  desk  at  which  he  may- 
sit  with  ease  and  comfort.  The  school  room  should  be  so  seated  as 
to  allow  every  child  to  pass  to  ami  from  his  seat  without  disturbing 
any  other.  This  end  can  be  accomplished  with  short  desks  to  ac 
commodate  two  scholars,  as  is  represented  in  one  of  the  plans  for 
school  houses  in  this  report.  It  can,  however,  be  better  accomplished 
with  long  desks  and  pivot  chairs,  by  allowing  sufficient  space  in  rear 
of  the  seats,  for  scholars  to  pass  to  and  from  them,  without  discom 
moding  others. — [!RA  MAYIIKW,  Sup't,  1848. 

We  do  not  seek  splendor  for  our  school  houses.  Justice  will  be 
satisfied,  and  children  will  not  complain,  if  we  make  them  simple 
and  cheap;  for  cheapness  and  simplicity  are  not  incompatible  with 
the  most  perfect  convenience  and  comfort.  Log  houses  we  have  and 
must  have  for  years;  but.  because  it  is  a  log  house,  it  must  not  be, 
of  necessity,  a  prison  or  a  barn.  Nor  is  the  veriest  economy  any 
bar  to  correctness  or  neatness  of  construction.  Many  a  school-house, 
log,  frame  and  brick,  has  cost  double  what  was  necessary  to  render 
it  far  more  convenient  and  comfortable  than  it  is.  Whether  it  costs 
one,  three  or  six  hundred  dollars,  situated  in  city,  village  or  corner 
of  a  town,  every  school  house  claims,  as  a  matter  of  right,  certain 
indispensable  things  to  make  it  answer  its  purpose,  and  these  com 
port  with  economy. 

In  the  first  place,  its  location  should  be  healthy.  This  is  a  matter 
of  judgment,  not  one  of  the  pocket.  And  while,  at  the  time,  a 
healthy  location  costs  no  more  than  an  unhealthy  one,  economy  of 
health,  in  the  long  run,  renders  the  first  vastly  the  cheapest.  That 
is  a  point  on  which  there  can  be  no  dispute.  One  who  has  studied 
the  subject  long  and  thoughtfully,  Mr.  Mann,  would  build  the  school 
house  "where  some  sheltering  hill  or  wood  mitigates  the  inclemency 
of  winter;  where  a  neighboring  grove  tempers  the  summer  heat; 
remove  it  a  little  from  the  public  highway,  and  from  buildings  where 
noisy  and  clattering  trades  are  carried  on;  and  above  all,  rescue  it 
from  sound  or  sight  of  all  resorts  for  license  and  dissipation."  In  tra- 


466 

versing  the  State  during  the  last  two  summers,  many  such  locations 
were  observed.     Michigan  abounds  with  them. 

The  next  things  to  be  considered  are  the  materials  and  construc 
tion  of  the  school  house.  These  depend"  somewhat  upon  the  re 
sources  of  the  district;  but  in  all  districts,  the  money  voted  should 
be  made  to  buy  the  greatest  possible  amount  of  convenience  and 
comfort.  If  one  hundred  dollars,  it  should  not  be  all  expended  in 
materials,  leaving  nothing  for  construction.  The  first  question 
should  be — What  material  is  the  best  and  cheapest,  logs,  hewn  tim 
ber  and  boards,  or  brick?  If,  in  the  particular  locality,  logs  are 
the  best,  decide  upon  logs;  but  do  not  select,  cut  and  lay  them  with 
out  reference  to  quality,  neatness,  comfort  and  health.  Logs,  as 
nearly  equal  in  diameter  as  possible  should  be  selected.  In  placing 
them  one  upon  the  other,  care,  above  all  thiugs,  should  be  taken  to 
expose  the  smallest  possible  number  of  crevices,  so  that  the  labor 
and  expense  of  chinking  be  measurably  saved.  With  proper  atten 
tion,  it  is  easier  and  much  cheaper  to  make  an  air-tight  log  house 
than  a  frame  one. 

If  hewn  timber  and  boards  be  decided  upon,  let  the  best  be  se 
lected.  So  of  brick.  Who,  in  selecting  bricks  for  his  dwelling 
house  would  prefer,  as  a  matter  of  economy,  miserable,  soft,  lime- 
stony  ones  to  such  as  consist  of  good  clay,  and  are  well  burned? 
The  same  hints  will  answer  for  school  houses  that  cost  more  than 
the  sum  named.  In  all  cases,  let  it  be  a  maxim  to  make  the  most  of 
the  money  raised. 

As  for  construction,  whatever  the  size  contemplated,  let  propor 
tion  exist  throughout — always  bearing  in  mind  that  health  requires 
at  least  a  certain  height  between  the  floor  and  the  ceiling,  and  a  cer 
tain  quantity  of  space  for  each  scholar.  With  good  health,  a  child 
may  accomplish  any  amount  of  study  and  make  it  useful  to  him; 
without  health,  every  mental  acquisition  is  a  curse.  All  writers 
agree  as  to  the  necessity  and  humanity  of  allowing  every  scholar  a 
certain  quantity  of  pure  air;  but  they  differ  slightly  in  the  precise 
amount.  The  general  opinion,  however,  seems  to  be  that  the  mini 
mum  cubic  space  for  each  child  should  be  one  hundred  and  fifty 
feet.  Thus,  if  the  area  in  which  he  sits  be  three  feet  square,  the 
height  of  the  room  should  be  sixteen  or  seventeen  feet.  This  is  the 
smallest  allowance  compatible  with  good  health. 

Another  important  item  is  light.  And  here  it  may  be  said  that, 
while  in  the  old  and  populous  villages  of  other  States  excess  of  light 
is  the  burden  of  complaint,  a  deficiency  of  that  material  is  the  pre 
vailing  evil  of  our  inteiior  towns,  especially  in  log  school  houses. 
This  fact  was  constantly  forced  upon  my  attention  during  the  official 
tour  of  the  past  summer.  Log  houses,  and  many  frame  ones,  stood 
out  upon  the  public  road  with  but  a  solitary  inlet  for  the  glorious 
light  of  day;  and  this,  in  very  numerous  instances,  consisting  of  six 
seven  by  nine  panes  (they  should  be  called  pains,)  of  glass  thrust 
into  a  single  sash  like  the  one  eye  of  Polyphemus.  It  is  often  said 
of  man,  that  he  is  the  creature  of  circumstances;  and  if  any  one  cir 
cumstance  exercises  over  his  mind  a  predominant  influence,  it  is  na- 


467 

ture  when  presented  to  him  in  her  brightest  and  most  beautiful  as 
pect.  And  what  can  spread  cheerfulness  over  a  school  like  sunlight 
streaming  through  two  or  three  windows?  Who  blames  a  child  for 
"playing  truant,"  when  the  penalty  for  attending  school  is  an  almost 
utter  deprivation  of  that  which  gives  life  to  inanimate,  and  diffuses 
gladness  through  all  animate  nature?  The  severest  punishment 
that  can  be  inflicted  upon  a  felon  is  incarceration  in  a  dark  cell.  Sol 
itary  confinement  is  nothing,  comparatively,  if  light  be  only  vouch 
safed.  There  is  no  reason  in  the  world  why  log  school  houses  should 
be  stinted  of  their  light  What  are  four  or  five  dollars  in  compari 
son  with  cheerfulness,  contentment,  happiness? 

Too  much  light,  on  the  other  hand,  is  as  bad  as  too  little;  for  it 
may  injure  the  eyes  beyond  cure.  And  in  school  house  where  the 
desks  are  attached  to  the  walls,  children  directly  opposite  every  win 
dow  are  fearfully  exposed  to  the  consequences  of  this  excess.  The 
sun's  rays  should  never  fall  directly  upon  the  eye.  If  children  must 
be  compelled  to  fa«e  the  window,  the  least  that  humanity  can  do 
for  their  safety  is  to  elevate  the  window  still  somewhat  above  their 
heads.  Curtains  of  a  proper  texture  essentially  modify  the  light  and 
relieve  the  eyes. — [F.  SAWYER,  Jr.,  Sup't,  1843. 

APPURTENANCES. 

There  are,  perhaps,  in  the  majority  of  school  houses,  a  pail  for 
water,  cup,  and  broom,  and  a  chair  for  the  teacher.  Some  one  or 
more  of  these  are  frequently  wanting.  I  need  hardly  say  every 
school  house  should  be  supplied  with  them  all.  In  addition  to  these, 
every  school  house  should  be  furnished  with  the  following  articles: 
1.  An  evaporating  dish  for  the  stove,  which  should  be  supplied  with 
clean  pure  water.  2.  A  thermometer,  by  which  the  temperature  of 
the  room  may  be  regulated.  3.  A  clock,  by  which  the  time  of  be 
ginning  and  closing  school,  and  conducting  all  its  exercises,  may  be 
governed.  4.  A  shovel  and  tongs.  5.  An  ash  pail  and  ash  house. 
For  want  of  these,  much  filth  is  frequently  suffered  to  accumulate 
in  and  about  the  school  house,  and  not  unfrequently  the  house  itself 
takes  fire  and  burns  down.  6.  A  woodhouse,  and  well  supplied 
with  seasoned  wood.  7.  A  well,  with  provisions  not  only  for  drink 
ing,  but  for  the  cleanliness  of  pupils.  8.  And  last,  though  not 
least,  in  this  connection,  two  privies,  in  the  rear  of  the  school  house, 
separated  by  a  high  close  fence,  one  for  the  boys  and  the  other  for 
the  girls.  For  want  of  these  indispensable  appendages  of  civiliza 
tion,  the  delicacy  of  children  is  frequently  offended,  and  their  morals 
corrupted. — [IRA  MAYIIEW,  Sup't,  1848. 

EDUCATION  OF  TEACHERS. 

"As  is  the  teacher,  so  will  be  the  school,"  has  become  a  proverb. 
In  our  efforts,  then,  to  advance  the  interests  of  education,  we  should 
look  carefully  to  the  character  of  the  teachers  employed  in  our  pri 
mary  schools;  for  the  schools  will  never  advance  beyond  the  attain 
ment  of  their  teachers.  Teachers,  then,  should  be  models  of  ex 
cellence.  They  may  possess  a  sufficient  amouwt  of  learning  to  pass  a 


468 

creditable  examination  in  the  branches  usually  taught  in  common 
schools,  and  still  be  poorly  qualified  to  take  the  charge  of  schools. 
Instructors  of  youth  should  be  thorough  scholars,  it  is  true.  IB 
addition  to  this,  they  should  be  apt  to  teach.  Moreover,  their  per 
sonal,  intellectual,  social  and  moral  habits  should,  in  all  respects,  be 
what  their  scholars  may  safely  copy.  To  qualify  teachers  for  the 
proper  discharge  of  the  duties  of  their  profession,  they  need  a  spe 
cific  training.  An  academical  institution,  or  a  college,  whose  grad 
uates  are  not  good  school  teachers,  should  no  more  be  condemned  a* 
a  literary  institution,  than  one  whose  graduates  are  not  good  lawyers, 
physicians,  or  divines.  The  graduates  of  literary  institutions  should 
be  good  scholars.  They  are  then  qualified  to  enter  advantageously 
upon  a  course  of  professional  study.  A  mere  graduate,  or  scholar, 
can  hardly  be  supposed  to  be  better  qualified  to  teach  school,  than 
to  practice  medicine.  I  should  place  as  high  an  estimate  upon  the 
judgment  of  a  man  who  would  employ  such  a  person  as  a  family 
physician,  as  upon  the  judgment  of  one  who  would  employ  him  as 
the  teacher  of  his  children. 

To  qualify  a  person  for  the  most  efficient  and  successful  dis 
charge  of  the  duties  of  an  instructor  of  youth,  he  should  himself 
receive  his  training,  from  the  very  first,  in  the  best  schools.  Well 
conducted  Union  schools,  hence  become  the  very  best  preliminary 
training  places  for  teachers.  But  these  alone  are  not  sufficient.  A 
regular  course  of  Normal  instruction  should  subsequently  be  given. 
This  is  as  important — I  may  say,  as  essential — to  enable  the  mere 
scholar  to  become  a  good  teacher,  as  are  the  exercises  and  develop 
ments  of  the  dissecting  room  to  constitute  him  a  good  physician.  IB 
addition  to  these,  the  latter  needs  hospital  practice  with  an  expe 
rienced  physician.  The  former,  likewise,  needs  practice  in  the 
model  school,  under  the  supervision  of  a  Normal  professor.  But, 
neither  all  teachers,  nor  all  physicians,  can  avail  themselves  of  such 
advantages,  desirable  as  they  are.  They  should,  however,  seek  the 
best  opportunities  that  are  afforded  them,  to  become  proficients. — IRA 
MAYHEW,  Sup't,  1849. 


The  following  regulations,  extracted  from  the  editions  of  laws 
prepared  by  the  Superintendents  of  schools  of  the  States  of  Mass 
achusetts,  New  York  and  Rhode  Island,  are  commended  to  the 
school  officers  of  Michigan  as  embodying  the  true  principles  upo» 
which  candidates  for  teaching  should  be  examined. 

MORAL  QUALIFICATIONS. 

The  committee  must  be  satisfied  of  the  good  moral  character  of  a 
teacher.  *  *  *  No  talents,  however  profound, 

no  genius,  however  splendid,    no  attainments,   however  ample,   ca» 
atone  for  anv  deficiency  in  moral   character.     In  the  beautiful  Ian 


469 

guage  of  the  law,  it  is  the  "  duty  of  the  president,  professors  and 
liutors  of  the  University  at  Cambridge,  and  of  the  several  colleges, 
and  of  all  preceptors  and  teachers  of  academies,  and  all  other  in 
structors  of  youth,  to  exert  their  best  endeavors  to  impress  on  the 
minds  of  children  and  youth,  committed  to  their  care  and  instruc 
tion,  the  principles  of  piety,  justice,  and  a  sacred  regard  to  truth, 
love  to  their  country,  humanity,  and  universal  benevolence,  sobriety, 
industry,  and  frugality,  chastity,  moderation  and  temperance,  and 
those  other  virtues,  which  are  the  ornament  of  human  society,  and 
the  basis  upon  which  a  republican  constitution  is  founded;  and  it 
shall  be  the  duty  of  such  instructors  to  endeavor  to  lead  their  pupils 
as  their  ages  and  capacities  will  admit,  into  a  clear  understanding  of 
the  tendency  of  the  above-mentioned  virtues  to  preserve  and  perfect 
a  republican  constitution,  and  secure  the  blessings  of  liberty,  as  well 
as  to  promote  their  future  happiness,  and  also  to  point  out  to  them 
the  evil  tendency  of  the  opposite  vices." 

The  school  committee  may  be  satisfied  respecting  the  moral  char 
acter  of  the  candidate,  by  actual  knowledge,  derived  from  long  per 
sonal  acquaintance;  or,  in  the  case  of  a  stranger,  they  may  have 
well  authenticated  testimonials  of  the  fact.  The  committee  should 
note,  in  their  record-book,  all  letters  or  certificates  of  recommenda 
tion  exhibited  by  any  candidate,  whom  they  shall  approve,  with  the 
names  of  their  authors;  and,  when  practicable,  the  letters  and  cer 
tificates  themselves  should  be  put  on  the  committee's  files,  so  that 
their  authors  may  be  held  to  a  rigid  accountability  for  the  truth  of 
the  credentials  they  have  given.  If,  before  the  civil  tribunals,  a  man 
is  held  to  a  strict  pecuniary  liability  for  accrediting  an  insolvent  as  a 
man  in  good  mercantile  standing,  or  for  recommending  a  swindler  as 
a  man  of  integrity,  how  much  more  stringent  ought  the  rule  of  a 
moral  tribunal  to  be,  when  the  dearest  and  most  sacred  interests  of 
children  are  periled  by  means  of  false  testimonials  of  good  charac 
ter,  whether  knowingly  or  heedlessly  given! 

LITERARY    QUALIFICATIONS. 

The  committee  must  satisfy  themselves,  "  by  personal  examina 
tion,"  of  the  "literary  qualifications"  of  the  candidates;  that  is,  they 
must  personally  examine  the  candidates  in  all  the  branches  they  will 
be  called  upon  to  teach.  *  *  Even  for  the  lowest  grade  of 
schools  known  to  the  law,  the  teacher  must  be  competent  to  give  in 
struction  in  orthography,  reading,  writing,  English  grammar,  geog 
raphy  and  arithmetic.  This  is  the  minimum  of  literary  qualifica 
tion.  It  is  lawful  for  districts  to  employ  teachers  who  are  compe 
tent  to  teach  higher  branches;  or  who  are  able  to  teach  the  required 
branches  better,  because  they  are  masters  of  higher  ones;  who,  for 
instance,  can  teach  reading  better,  because  familiar  with  the  principles 
of  elocution  and  rhetoric,  and  with  the  etymology  of  words,  from 
whatsoever  language  they  may  be  derived;  who  can  teach  writing 
better,  because  adepts  in  writing;  who  can  teach  English  grammar 
better,  because  familiar,  from  the  study  of  other  languages,  with  the 
principles  of  universal  grammar;  who  can  teach  geography  better, 


470 

because  acquainted  with  astronomy,  geology,  statistics,  and  civil  and 
natural  history;  and  who  can  teach  arithmetic  better,  because  mas 
ters  of  the  higher  mathematics.  So,  too,  a  knowledge  of  Human 
Physiology  may  be  required  in  a  teacher,  in  order  to  secure  the 
health  of  the  children;  because,  on  health  depends  their  ability  to 
go  to  school  at  all,  and  much  also  of  their  ability  to  study  when  in 
school. 

CAPACITY  TO  GOVERN. 

The  committee  must  also  make  special  inquiry  as  to  the  capacity 
of  each  candidate  for  the  government  of  a  school.  *  * 

*  No  ambiguous  indications,  on  this  point,  will  be  given 

by  the  general  air  and  manner  of  a  candidate,  the  expression  of  the 
countenance,  the  tone  of  the  voice,  the  firmness  or  fickleness  legible 
in  the  eye,  the  self-esteem,  or  the  servility  proclaimed  by  the  natural 
language. 

When  a  candidate  has  taught  school  before,  and  has  succeeded  in 
maintaining  good  order,  without  the  use  of  improper  means,  or  with 
out  the  use  of  proper  means  to  an  improper  extent,  this  fact  is  strong 
evidence  in  favor  of  a  capacity  for  government.  Especially  is  it  so, 
if  the  general  circumstances  and  condition  of  the  schools  are  sub 
stantially  alike. 

Visiting  a  school  in  which  a  candidate  may  be  engaged,  and  ac 
tually  witnessing  the  manner  in  which  he  conducts  it,  is  also  a  valu 
able  means  of  ascertaining  the  same  fact 

But  it  is  supposed  that  neither  nor  all  of  the  above  methods  can 
supercede  an  actual  questioning  of  the  candidate  as  to  his  views  of 
the  principles  on  which  a  school  should  be  conducted.  It  is  of  pri 
mary  importance  to  know  whether  the  fundamental  idea  of  govern 
ment,  in  his  opinion,  is  the  will  of  the  teacher,  or  the  applause  of 
the  neighborhood — which  may  be  for  one  quality  in  one  place  and 
for  another  quality  in  another — or  the  good  of  the  governed — wheth 
er  on  the  one  hand  he  would  succumb  to  resistance  and  be  driven 
away  before  rebellion,  rather  than  to  strike  a  blow;  or,  on  the  other, 
whether  he  would  flout  the  docile,  and  be  capricious  towards  the 
obedient,  to  prove  whether  there  exists  in  them  an  unreasoning  and 
unconditional  submission  to  his  claim  of  sovereignty. 

If  a  candidate  has  no  views  respecting  the  great  principles  on 
which  the  government  of  a  school  should  proceed,  the  committee 
cannot  affirm  that  he  has  a  capacity  to  govern.  If  such  a  person 
has  any  capacity,  it  must  be  in  a  latent  state;  but  the  committee 
must  be  satisfied,  not  of  a  possible  or  potential,  but  of  an  actual  ca 
pacity;  it  must  be  in  a  developed  state. 

Probably  few  provisions,  if  any,  in  the  statute  book,  have  been 
more  efficacious  and  serviceable  in  improving  our  schools,  than  the 
one  which  requires  committees  to  examine  teachers — as  a  few  con 
siderations  will  abundantly  show. 

There  are  annually  employed  in  the  Public  Schools  of  Massachu 
setts,  between  five  and  six  thousand  different  persons  as  teachers. 
I  suppose  it  to  be  indisputable  that  no  section  of  the  Union,  of  equal 


471 

population,  supplies  so  large  a  proportion  of  young  men  for  the  pro 
fessions,  and  for  the  various  departments  of  educated  labor,  as  New 
England;  and  among  the  New  England  States,  Massachusetts,  in 
this  respect,  is  doubtless  pre-eminent.  The  Public  Schools  of  many 
towns,  and  the  large  number  of  highly  respectable  academies  and 
private  schools,  carry  forward  a  numerous  body  of  young  men  and 
women  to  such  a  degree  of  literary  attainment  as  enrolls  them  in 
the  list  of  candidates  for  school  keeping.  Students  in  our  colleges; 
ambitious  young  men,  who  are  looking  forward  to  some  other  em 
ployment,  actually  more  lucrative,  and,  in  public  estimation,  more 
honorable,  and  who  must  obtain  a  little  money  as  a  means  of  secu 
ring  their  ultimate  object;  many  mechanics  and  farmers,  possessed 
of  more  than  ordinary  intelligence  and  attainment,  and  who  were 
renowned,  when  they  went  to  school,  for  doing  all  the  ''hard  sums" 
in  the  arithmetical  text  books;  all  these  have  been  condidates  for 
public  school  keeping.  Added  to  this,  the  average  rate  of  compen 
sation  given  to  teachers  in  Massachusetts  has  far  exceeded  that 
which  has  been  given  in  any  of  the  neighboring  States.  Hence,  in 
the  autumn  of  the  year,  hosts  of  adventurers  flock  hither  from 
Maine,  from  New  Hampshire,  from  Vermont,  and  from  Connecticut, 
in  quest  of  employment  as  teachers  in  our  schools.  Some  of  these 
are  full,  not  only  of  enterprise,  but  of  talent;  but,  under  such  circum 
stances,  it  would  be  strange  indeed,  if  among  the  fine  gold  there 
should  not  be  found  something  of  dross.  All  these  are  competitors 
for  our  public  schools.  They  often  exhibit  recommendations  of  a 
highly  imaginative  character — recommendations  which  prove  the 
good  will  of  their  signers,  far  more  than  their  good  sense  of  their 
trustworthiness;  for  it  is  well  known  that  the  facility  with  which  such 
recommendations  can  be  obtained  is  the  scandal  of  our  people. 
What  barrier,  then,  but  the  vigilance  and  intelligence  of  our  school 
committees,  shall  prevent  our  schools  from  being  invaded  by  practi 
cal  immorality,  by  literary  imposture,  and  by  an  inaptitude  for  all 
government  except  the  government  of  fear  and  force?  What  but 
the  fidelity  of  school  committees  shall  prevent  sound  knowledge  and 
high  talent  from  being  thrust  aside  by  ignorance  and  pretension? 
The  interests  of  all  good  teachers,  emphatically  the  interests  of  the 
rising  generation,  demand,  by  every  consideration  that  can  appeal  to 
patriotism,  to  philanthropy,  or  to  the  sense  of  religious  obligation, 
that  the  legal  duty  of  examining  teachers  should  be  performed  with 
out  fear  or  favor,  or  exception.  It  has  happened  a  thousand  times, 
that  prosperity  or  adversity  has  shone  or  frowned  upon  the  schools 
of  a  town — like  sunshine  or  frost  upon  the  early  flowers  of  spring, 
as  it  has  been  blest  or  cursed  with  a  faithful  or  a  neglectful  school 
committee. 

Yet  it  cannot  be  denied  that  for  every  public  consideration  de 
manding  a  thorough  examination  of  teachers,  there  is  a  selfish  one 
which  resists  it.  Individuils  in  a  district  or  a  town,  who,  in  their 
own  minds,  have  appropriated  to  themselves  the  ensuing  term  of  the 
schools,  may,  by  management  or  collusion,  secure  the  choice  of  a 


472 

committee,  who,  either  through  inability  or  favoritism,  will  make  the 
examination  only  a  polite  and  facile  ceremony  of  introduction  into 
the  school;  or,  what  has  not  unfrequently  happened,  the  expectants 
will  secure  the  choice  of  a  prudential  committee,  who  will  open  to 
them  the  door  of  the  school  house  without  any  examination  at  all. 
Sometimes  it  is  not  difficult  for  a  person,  through  his  relatives  and 
friends,  to  create  an  apparent  public  opinion  in  a  district,  which  shali 
seem  to  demand  that  the  individual  shall  be  selected  to  keep  the 
school  who  has  himself  been  the  fraudulent  author  of  the  factitious 
opinion  that  points  to  him.  All  persons,  too,  who  are  intending  to 
obtain  a  school,  but  who  are  fearful  of  the  results  of  an  examination, 
will,  of  course,  be  opposed  to  the  principle  of  the  law  which  requires 
an  examination,  and  will  therefore  be  ready  to  aid  those  who  strive  to 
evade  it. — Massachusetts  Regulations. 

NEW  YORK  AND  RHODE  ISLAND  REGULATIONS. 

EXAMINING  TEACHERS. 

The  examination  of  persons  wishing  to  teach  as  principals  or  as 
sistants,  the  granting  of  certificates  of  qualification,  and  the  annul- 
ing  of  such  certificates,  are  among  the  most  important  duties  de 
volving  on  the  school  committee,  and  on  their  faithful  performance 
the  efficiency  of  the  law  mainly  depends. 

The  inefficiency  of  the  former  school  system  in  many  of  the  towns 
was  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  duties  of  examining  teachers  and  vis 
iting  the  schools  were  too  generally  neglected  or  ill  performed. 

In  making  such  examinations,  whether  by  the  whole  board,  or  by 
the  sub-committee,  they  should  inquire  first,  as  to  moral  character. 
On  this  point,  the  committee  should  be  entirely  satisfied,  before 
proceeding  further.  Some  opinion  can  be  formed  from  the  general 
deportment  and  language  of  the  applicant,  but  the  safest  course  will 
be,  with  regard  to  those  who  are  strangers  to  the  committee,  to  insist 
on  the  written  testimony  of  persons  of  the  highest  respectability  in 
the  towns  and  neighborhoods  where  they  have  resided;  and  espe 
cially  to  require  the  certificate  of  the  school  committee  and  parents 
where  they  have  taught  before,  as  to  the  character  they  have  sus 
tained,  and  the  influence  they  have  exerted  in  the  school  and  in 
society. 

While  a  committee  should  not  endeavor  to  inquire  into  the  pecu 
liar  religious  or  sectarian  opinions  of  a  teacher  and  should  not  en 
tertain  any  preferences  or  prejudices  founded  on  any  such  grounds, 
they  ought,  without  hesitation,  to  reject  every  person  who  is  in  the 
habit  of  ridiculing,  deriding  or  scoffing  at  religion. 

And  while  the  examination  should  in  no  case  be  extended  to  the 
political  opinions  of  the  candidate,  yet  it  may  with  propriety  extend 
"to  their  manner  in  expressing  such  belief,  or  maintaining  it.  If 
that  manner  is  in  itself  boisterous  and  disorderly,  intemperate  and 
offensive,  it  may  well  be  supposed  to  indicate  ungoverned  passions, 
or  want  of  sound  principles  of  conduct,  which  would  render  its  pos 
sessor  obnoxious  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  district,  and  unfit  for  the 


173 

•aacred  duties  of  a  teacher  of  youth,  who  would  instruct  by  examples 
as  well  as  by  precept."— [N.  Y.  Regulations. 

Second,  as  to  literary  attainments. — The  lowest  grade  of  attainments 
iis  specified  in  the  school  law.  Every  teacher  must  have  been  found 
qualified  by  examination,  or  by  previous  experience,  which  must 
have  come  to  the  personal  knowledge  of  the  committee,  to  teach 
the  English  language,  arithmetic,  penmanship,  and  the  rudiments  of 
geography  and  history.  An  examination  as  to  the  attainments  of 
the  teacher  in  these  branches  might  be  so  conducted  as  to  test  his 
capacity,  in  those  particulars,  to  teach  any  grade  of  schools.  Some 
reference,  therefore,  must  be  had  to  the  condition  and  wants  of  the 
district  schools  as  they  now  are.  But  no  person  should  be  consid 
ered  qualified  to  teach  any  school,  who  cannot  speak  and  write  the 
English  language,  if  not  elegantly,  at  least  correctly.  He  should  be 
a  good  reader,  and  be  able  to  make  the  hearer  understand  and  feel 
all  that  the  author  intended.  He  should  be  able  to  give  the  analysis 
as  well  as  explain  the  meaning  of  the  words  of  the  sentence,  and 
explain  all  dates,  names  and  allusions.  He  should  be  Ji,  good  speller, 
and  to  test  this,  as  well  as  his  knowledge  of  punctuation,  the  use  of 
capitals,  <fec.,  he  should  be  required  to  write  out  his  answers  to  some 
of  the  questions  of  the  committee.  He  should  understand  practi 
cally  the  first  principles  of  English  grammar,  as  illustrated  in  his 
own  writing  and  conversation.  He  should  be  able  to  write  a  good 
hand,  to  make  a  pen,  and  teach  others  how  to  do  both.  He  should 
show  his  knowledge  of  geography  by  applying  his  definitions  of  the 
elementary  principles  to  the  geography  of  his  own  town,  State  and 
county,  and  by  questions  on  the  map  and  globe.  He  should  be  able 
to  answer  promptly  all  questions  relating  to  the  leading  events  of 
the  history  of  the  United  States  and  his  own  State.  In  arithmetic, 
he  should  be  well  versed  in  some  treatise  on  mental  arithmetic,  and 
be  able  to  work  out  before  the  committee,  on  the  black  board  or  slate, 
such  questions  as  will  test  his  ability  to  teach  the  text  books  on  arith 
metic  prescribed  for  the  class  of  schools  he  will  be  engaged  in. 

Third,  his  ability  to  instruct. — This  ability  includes  aptness  to 
teach,  a  power  of  simplifying  difficult  processes — a  skill  in  imparting 
knowledge — of  inducing  pupils  to  try,  and  try  in  such  a  way  that 
they  will  derive  encouragement  as  they  go  along,  which  must  be 
given  by  nature,  but  may  be  cultivated  by  observation  and  practice. 
An  examination  into  the  literary  qualifications  of  a  candidate  as  or 
dinarily  conducted,  and  even  when  conducted  by  an  experienced 
committee-man,  or  even  by  a  teacher,  will  not  always  determine 
whether  this  ability  is  possessed,  or  possessed  in  a  very  eminent  de 
gree.  Hence  it  is  desirable  for  the  committee  to  ascertain  what  suc 
cess  the  candidate  has  had  in  other  places,  if  he  has  taught  before; 
and  if  this  evidence  cannot  be  had,  whether  he  has  received  any  in 
struction  in  the  art  of  teaching;  or  has  been  educated  under  a  suc 
cessful  teacher;  or  has  visited  good  schools.  In  conducting  the  ex 
amination  to  ascertain  this  point,  the  candidate  should  be  asked  how 
be  would  teach  the  several  studies.  He  should  be  asked  how  'he 
would  proceed  in  teaching  the  alphabet  to  a  child  who  had  never 
60 


474 

been  instructed  at  all  in  it;  as  for  example,  whether  he  would  give 
him  words  or  single  letters;  or  letters  having  a  general  resemblance; 
or  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  ordinarily  printed;  or  by  copying 
them  on  a  slate  or  black-board,  and  then  repeating  their  names  after 
the  teacher;  or  by  picking  them  out  of  a  collection  of  alphabet  blocks, 
&c.,  &c.  So  in  spelling.  He  should  be  asked  how  he  would  classify 
his  scholars  in  this  branch,  and  the  methods  of  arranging  and  con 
ducting  a  class  exercise;  how  far  he  would  adopt  with  the  class  the 
simultaneous  method,  and  how  far  the  practice  of  calling  on  each 
member  in  regular  order;  how  far  he  would  put  out  the  word  to  the 
whole  class,  and  after  requiring  all  to  spell  it  mentally,  name  a  par 
ticular  scholar  to  spell  it  orally;  how  far  he  would  adopt  the  method 
of  writing  the  word,  and  especially  the  difficult  words,  on  a  slate  or 
blackboard;  how  far  he  would  connect  spelling  with  the  reading  les 
sons,  &c. 

It  will  be  more  satisfactory  sometimes,  perhaps,  to  have  a  class 
of  small  scholars  present  at  the  examination,  and  let  the  candidate 
go  through  j£  recitation  with  them,  so  that  the  committee  can  have 
a  practical  specimen  of  his  tact  in  teaching  each  branch  of  study;  in 
explaining  and  removing  difficulties,  &c. 

The  same  method  of  examination  should  be  carried  into  reading, 
and  every  other  branch.  It  is  more  important  to  know  that  the 
teacher  has  sound  views  as  to  methods,  than  that  he  is  qualified  as 
to  literary  attainments. 

Fourth,  ability  to  govern.  This  is  an  important  qualification,  in 
sisted  upon  by  the  law,  and  indispensable  to  the  success  of  the  schools. 
On  this  point  the  committee  should  call  for  the  evidence  of  former 
experience,  wherever  the  candidate  has  taught  before,  and  when  this 
cannot  be  had,  the  examination  should  elicit  the  plans  of  the  teacher 
as  to  making  children  comfortable,  keeping  them  all  usefully  em 
ployed,  and  interested  in  their  studies,  his  best  system  of  rewards 
and  punishments,  and  examples  of  the  kinds  of  punishment  he  would 
resort  to  in  particular  cases,  and  all  other  matters  pertaining  to  the 
good  order  and  government  of  a  school.  In  this  connection,  the 
age,  manners,  bearing,  knowledge  of  the  world,  love  and  knowledge 
of  children,  &c.,  of  the  applicant,  will  deserve  attention. 

In  addition  to  these  qualifications  which  the  law  requires,  the 
address  and  personal  manners  and  habits  of  the  applicant  should  be 
inquired  into,  for  these  will  determine  in  a  great  measure  the 
manners  and  habits  of  the  children  whom  he  will  be  called  upon  to 
teach. 

The  most  thorough  and  satisfactory  mode  of  conducting  the  ex 
amination  is  by  wiittcn  questions  and  answers;  it  will  be  desirable, 
if  the  examination  is  conducted  orally,  to  keep  minutes  of  the  ques 
tions  and  answers. 

The  school  committee  must  remember  thst  on  the  thoroughness 
and  fidelity  with  which  this  duty  is  performed,  depends  in  a  great 
measure  the  success  or  failure  of  the  school  system.  The  whole  ma 
chinery  moves  to  bring  good  teachers  into  the  sshools,  and  to  keep 
them  as  long,  and  under  as  favorable  circumstances  as  possible. 


475      * 

If  the  teacher  adds  to  his  other  qualifications,  a  knowledge  of  the 
art  of  singing,  it  will  be  an  additional  recommendation  to  him  with 
those  who  desire  to  have  a  good  school.  Singing  in  school  serves 
as  a  recreation  and  amusement,  especially  for  the  smaller  scholars. 
It  exercises  and  strengthens  their  voices  and  lungs,  and  by  its  influ 
ence  on  the  disposition  and  morals,  enables  a  teacher  to  govern  his 
school  with  comparative  ease. 

The  committee  should  exercise  a  sound  discretion  in  the  examina 
tion.  If  a  person  has  been  before  examined  by  them,  and  the  com*- 
mittee  have  often  visited  his  school,  and  know  him  to  be  a  good 
teacher,  the  law  allows  them  to  give  him  a  certificate  founded  on 
this  experience.  But  re-examinations  can  in  no  case  do  any  injury, 
and  by  gradually  increasing  their  rigor  and  adding  to  the  require 
ments,  much  may  be  done  towards  raising  the  general  standard  of 
education.  The  committee  should,  for  convenience  of  reference, 
keep  a  tabular  list  of  the  names  of  all  persons  examined  by  them, 
either  on  their  common  record  book,  or  in  a  book  kept  for  that  pur- 
pose,  with  columns  for  the  date,  age,  place  of  residence  of  the  ap 
plicant,  the  result  of  the  examination,  and  any  other  remarks  that 
may  appear  worthy  of  remembrance. — Rhode  Island  Reg. 


RATE  BILL  AND  WARRANT. 

The  following  decision  has  been  published  while  the  foregoing 
part  of  this  document  has  been  passing  through  the  press,  and  is  takea 
from  MANNING'S  MICHIGAN  REPORTS,  VOL.  1,  Page  269: 

WALL  vs.  EASTMAN:  Where  the  moderator  of  a  school  distric^. 
refused  to  sign  a  warrant  to  a  rate  bill  for  teacher's  wages,  and  a 
judgment  was  afterwards  recovered  by  the  teacher  against  the  district 
for  the  amount  due  him,  which  was  paid  by  a  tax  on  the  district,  a 
tax  payer  who  was  assessed,  and  paid  his  part  of  the  tax,  cannot 
sustain  an  action  against  the  moderator  to  recover  what  he  has  paid. 

CASE  re  served  from  Jackson  Circuit  Court.  Eastman  sued  WaJI 
in  a  Justice's  Court,  in  an  action  on  the  case,  to  recover  eight  dollars 
tax  which  he,  as  a  resident  of  a  school  district,  had  been  compelled  to 
pay,  by  reason  of  Wall's  refusal,  as  moderator  of  the  district,  to  sign 
a  warrant  to  the  rate  bill  for  teacher's  wages.  The  substance  of  the 
declaration  which  was  demurred  to,  is  stated  in  the  opinion  of  the 
Court.  The  Justice  rendered  judgment  for  Eastman.  Wall  appeal 
ed  to  the  county  court,  which  also  gave  judgment  against  him,  wheir 
he  carried  the  case  to  the  circuit  court  by  certiorari. 


476 

By  the  Court:  GREEN,  J. — The  question  reserved  in  this  case  is, 
whether  the  declaration  contains  a  cause  of  action,  in  favor  of  the 
plaintiff  below,  against  the  defendant  below.  The  declaration  sets 
forth  in  substance,  that  in  February,  1847,  Wall,  the  defendant  be 
low,  was  director  of  a  school  district  in  Sandstone,  Jackson  county;  that 
a  teacher  was  hired,  who  taught  the  school  in  that  district,  and  made 
out  a  rate  bill  for  wages  due  him,  and  requested  Wall  to  issue  his 
warrant  as  director,  for  the  collection  thereof,  which  Wall  refused  to 
do;  and  that  thereupon,  the  teacher  sued  the  district,  and  recovered 
a  judgment  for  the  wages  so  due  him — the  amount  of  which  judg 
ment  was  levied  upon  the  taxable  property  within  the  district,  and 
collected — that  the  plaintiff  below  was  a  resident  of  the  district,  and 
owned  taxable  property  therein,  and  that  by  reason  of  the  premises 
he  was  compelled  to  pay  a  portion  of  said  judgment,  to  wit:  the  sum 
of  eight  dollars  thereof,  which  sum  he  claims  to  recover  of  the  de 
fendant  below.  To  this  declaration  the  defendant  below  demurred, 
and  assigned  several  special  cases  of  demurrer,  all  of  which,  howev 
er,  embrace  but  one  proposition  in  substance,  namely,  that  the  dec 
laration  does  not  contain  a  cause  of  action. 

The  counsel  for  the  plaintiff  below,  referred  to  5th  John.  R.  175, 
and  15  id.  250,  and  these  are  the  only  adjudged  cases  cited  on  either 
side.  The  question  involved  in  the  case  in  5  John.  R.  referred  to, 
was  whether  the  imposition  of  a  penalty  for  official  misconduct,  or 
neglect  of  duty,  took  away  the  right  of  action  for  damages.  The 
law  relating  to  primary  schools  and  the  duties  and  liabilities  of  school 
district  officers  in  force  when  the  cause  of  action  in  this  case,  if  any 
arose,  was  the  act  of  1843,  Session  Laws  1843,  page  88.  By  the 
71st  section  of  that  act  a  penalty  of  ten  dollars  was  imposed  upon 
every  person,  who,  having  .been  elected  to  the  office  of  moderator, 
director  or  assessor  of  a  school  district,  and  having  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  his  office,  should  neglect  or  refuse  to  perform  any  duty  re 
quired  of  him  by  virtue  of  his  office.  Section  77  provides  that  in 
all  cases  not  otherwise  provided  for  in  that  act,  in  which  a  duty  shall 
be  enjoined  upon  any  person,  officer,  or  board  of  officers,  such  per 
son,  officer,  or  board,  as  the  case  may  be,  shall  be  liable  to  any  party 
aggrieved,  in  the  full  amount  of  all  damages  sustained  by  the  wilful 
neglect,  or  unfaithful  performance  of  such  duty.  This  last  provision 


477 

introduces  no  new  principle,  but  is  in  affirmance  of  the  common  law, 
and  seems  to  have  been  incorporated  into  the  statute  by  the  Legis 
lature,  for  the  purpose  of  precluding  any  conclusion  to  the  contrary, 
which  might  otherwise  be  supposed  to  arise  from  other  provisions  of 

the  statute. 

*  *  *  *  *  * 

By  the  second  subdivision  of  section  21  of  the  act  before  referred 
to,  it  is  made  the  duty  of  the  director,  by  and  with  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  moderator  or  assessor,  to  contract  with  and  hire 
qualified  teachers  for  the  district;  which  contract  is  required  to  be  in 
writing,  and  to  specify  the  wages  per  week  or  month,  as  agreed  bj 
the  parties.  To  this  contract  the  district,  in  its  corporate  capacity, 
is  a  necessary  party,  and  in  that  capacity  it  is  bound  to  perform  it; 
and  in  case  of  a  failure  to  do  so,  is  liable  in  damages  to  the  teacher 
for  its  non-performance.  The  district  in  its  corporate  capacity  re 
ceives  the  moneys  apportioned  to  it  from  the  primary  school  fund,  or 
derived  from  other  sources  for  the  payment  of  teachers;  and  if  more 
is  required  for  that  purpose,  it  is  to  be  collected  from  those  sending 
children  to  the  school,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  scholars,  and 
the  time  they  attend.  For  this  purpose  the  teacher  is  to  note  the 
daily  attendance  of  each  scholar,  and  make  return  of  the  same  to 
the  director.  The  director  is  then  to  ascertain  the  amount  due  from 
each  person  sending  children  to  school,  and  to  make  out  a  rate  bill, 
and  annex  thereto  a  warrant  for  the  collection  thereof,  to  be  signed 
by  him  and  the  moderator.  This  warrant  is  to  be  directed  to  the 
district  assessor,  who  is  required  to  collect  all  rate  bills  of  the  district 
made  and  delivered  to  him,  in  accordance  with  the  seventh  subdivis 
ion  of  section  21,  of  the  act  aforeraid,  in  obedience  to  the  command 
of  the  warrants  annexed  to  such  rate  bills,  and  to  make  a  written 
return  of  the  same  to  the  director.  When  such  moneys  have  been 
collected  by  the  assessor,  they  are  school  moneys  belonging  to  the 
district,  and  the  assessor  and  his  sureties  are  liable  therefor,  if  not 
applied  by  him  according  to  law,  upon  the  bond  which  he  is  required 
to  give  to  the  district;  and  they  are  to  be  drawn  by  an  order  of  the 
moderator  upon  the  assessor,  as  moneys  to  be  disbursed  by  the -dis 
trict,  according  to  section  19  of  the  act  aforesaid.  If  the  moneys  so 
required  to  be  collected  had  been  lost  to  the  district  by  reason  of  the 


478 

defalcation  of  the  assessor,  after  they  came  into  his  hands,  there  can 
be  no  question  but  that  the  district,  in  its  corporate  capacity,  might 
have  recovered  the  amount  in  an  action  upon  the  assessor's  bond; 
and  it  is  equally  clear  that  the  members  of  the  corporation  could  not 
in  such  a  case,  have  sustained  actions  in  their  individual  names,  for 
their  respestive  portions  of  the  loss.  The  converse  of  the  last  prop 
osition  would  be  a  most  palpable  violation  of  that  wise  maxim,  which 
declares  that  the  la\r  abhors  a  multiplicity  of  actions,  and  which  for 
bids  an  individual  to  bring  separate  actions  upon  different  items  of 
the  same  account 

How  does  the  case  before  us  differ  in  principle  from  the  one  just 
supposed,  of  a  loss  sustained  by  the  defalcation  of  the  assessor?  In 
that  case,  the  loss  would  fall  upon  the  district  in  the  first  instance,  in 
its  corporate  capacity,  and  indirectly  upon  the  owners  of  taxable 
property  within  the  district.  And  so  in  this  case.  By  reason  of  the 
refusal  of  the  defendant  below  to  issue  his  warrant  for  the  collection 
of  the  rate  bill,  the  district  lost  the  amount  which  should  have  been 
collected  from  the  individuals  sending  pupils  to  the  district  school 
for  the  payment  of  the  teacher;  and  was  obliged  to  collect  by  a  tax 
upon  the  property  within  the  district,  the  amount  required — in  con 
sequence  of  which,  the  plaintiff  below,  being  an  inhabitant  of  the  dis 
trict,  owning  taxable  property  therein,  was  compelled  to  pay  a  tax 
of  eight  dollars,  for  the  recovery  of  which,  this  suit  was  brought.  If 
any  right  of  action  accrued,  it  was  in  favor  of  the  corporation  of 
which  the  plaintiff  below  was  a  member,  and  not  to  him  individually. 
If  the  plaintiff  below  could  sustain  this  action,  every  person  who 
paid  any  portion  of  the  judgment  in  favor  of  the  teacher  against  the 
district,  might  also  sustain  a  separate  action  for  the  amount  paid  by 
him;  and  upon  the  same  principle,  in  case  of  the  default  of  the 
county  treasurer,  every  individual  in  the  county  who  should  be  com 
pelled  to  pay  a  tax  to  make  good  the  fund  lost,  might  also  maintain 
a  separate  action  against  the  treasurer  for  the  amount  paid  by  him. 
No  such  principle,  it  is  believed,  has  ever  been  sanctioned  or  recog 
nized  by  any  judicial  tribunal  whose  decisions  have  been  reported  in 
the  books.  The  result  to  which  the  foregoing  conclusions  lead  does 
not  deprive  the  plaintiff  below  of  a  full  and  adequate  remedy  for  the 


479 

injury  he  complains  of.  If  the  defendant  below  has  made  himself 
liable  by  the  omission  of  official  duty,  charged  in  the  declaration  in 
this  case,  a  recovery  against  him  by  the  district  will  not  only  make 
the  plaintiff  below  good,  but  all  the  members  of  the  district  who 
suffered  a  like  injury  from  the  same  cause.  As  the  injury  to  the 
plaintiff  below  was  indirect,  and  sustained  by  him  in  common  with 
the  other  members  of  the  corporation,  as  such,  so  must  be  his  rem- 
edy. 


PART  III. 


LAWS  RELATING  TO  PUBLIC  INSTRUCTION 

AND 

INCORPORATED  INSTITUTIONS  OF  LEARNING 

OF  THE  STATE  OF  MICHIGAN. 


[  No.  99.  ] 

AN  ACT  prescribing  the  duties  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public 
Instruction,  and  to  repeal  Chapter  fifty-six  of  the  Revised  Statutes 
of  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  an  act  to  amend  said 
Chapter  fifty-six,  approved  March  twenty-ninth,  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  fifty. 

Section  1.  The  People  of  the  State  of  Michigan  enact,  That  the  Superintendent  of  Pubfte 
Instruction  shall  have  general  supervision  of  public  instruction,  and  it  shall  be  his  duty  among 
other  tilings  to  prepare  annually  and  transmit  a  report  to  the  Governor,  to  be  transmitted  "by 
him  to  the  Legislature  at  each  biennial  session  thereof,  containing: 

1.  A  statement  of  the  condition  of  the  University,  and  its  branches,  of  all  incorporow:  Etc- 
rary  institutions  and  of  the  primary  schools; 

2.  Estimates  and  amounts  of  expenditures  of  the  school  money; 

3.  Plans  for  the  improvement  and  management  of  all  educational  funds,  and  for  the  b^ttw 
organization  of  the  educational  system,  if  in  his  opinion  the  same  be  required; 

4.  The  condition  of  the  Normal  school; 

5.  All  such  other  matters  relating  to  his  office  and  the  subject  of  education  generally,  a*i  i»e 
shall  deem  expedient  to  communicate. 

SEC.  2.  He  shall  make  all  necessary  abstracts  of  the  reports  of  school  inspectors,  transmitted 
to  him  by  the  clerks,  and  embody  so  much  of  the  same  in  his  report  as  may  be  necessary. 

SEC.  3.  He  shall  prepare  and  cause  to  be  printed  with  the  laws  relating  to  primary  schoote, 
all  necessary  forms,  regulations  and  instruments  for  conducting  all  proceedings  under  said 
laws,  and  transmit  the  same,  with  such  instructions  relative  to  the  organization  and  government 
of  such  schools  and  the  course  of  studies  to  be  pursued  therein,  as  he  may  deem  advisable,  t* 
the  several  officers  entrusted  with  their  care  and  management. 

SEC.  4.  School  laws,  forms,  regulations  and  instructions  shall  be  printed  in  pamphlet  iorm, 
with  a  proper  index,  and  shall  have  also  annexed  thereto  a  list  of  such  books  as  the  Superin 
tendent  shall  think  best  adapted  to  the  use  of  the  primary  schools,  and  a  list  of  bocks  suitable 

01 


482 

for  township  libraries,  with  such  rules  as  he  may  think  proper  for  the  government  of  such 

libraries. 

,    SEC.  5.  He  shall  annually,  on  receiving  notice  from  the   Auditor   General  of  the  amounts 

thereof,  apportion  the  income  of  the  primary  school  fund  among  the  several  townships  and 

cities  of  the  State,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  scholars  in  each  between  the  ago  of  four 

and  eighteen  years,  as  the  same  shall  appear  by  the  reports  of  the  several  township  inspectors 

of  primary  schools,  made  to  him  for  the  year  last  closed. 

SEC.  6.  He  shall  prepare  annually  a  statement  of  the  amount  in  the  aggregate  payable  to  each 
county  in  the  State  from  tke  income  of  the  primary  school  fund,  and  shall  deliver  the  same 
to  the  Auditor  General,  who  shall  thereupon  draw  his  warrant  upon  the  State  Treasure  r 
in  favor  of  each  county  for  the  amount  payable  to  such  county. 

SEC.  7.  He  shall  also  send  written  notices  to  the  clerks  of  the  several  counties  of  the  amount 
ill  the  aggregate  to  be  disbursed  in  their  respective  counties,  and  the  amount  payable  to  the 
townships  therein  respectively;  which  notice  shall  be  disposed  of  as  directed  by  an  act  entitled 
an  act  to  amend  chapter  fifty-eight  of  the  revised  statutes  of  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
forty-six,  approved  March  twenty-eighth,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty. 

SEC.  8.  Whenever  the  returns  from  any  county,  township  or  city,  upon  which  a  statement 
of  the  amount  to  be  disbursed  or  paid  to  any  such  county,  township  or  city,  shall  be  so  far 
defective  as  to  render  it  impracticable  to  ascertain  the  share  of  public  moneys  which  ought  to 
be  disbursed  or  paid  to  such  county,  township  or  city,  he  shall  ascertain  by  the  best  evidence 
in  his  power  the  facts  upon  which  the  ratio  of  such  apportionment  shall  depend,  and  shall 
make  the  apportionment  accordingly. 

SEC.  9.  Whenever,  by  accident,  mistake,  or  any  other  cause,  the  returns  from  any  county, 
township  or  city,  upon  which  a  statement  of  the  amount  to  be  disbursed  to  any  such  county, 
township  or  city,  shall  not  contain  the  whole  number  of  scholars  in  such  county,  township  or 
city,  between  the  age  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  and  entitled  to  draw  money  from  said  fund, 
by'  which  any  such  county,  township  or  city  shall  fail  to  have  apportioned  to  it  the  amount  to 
which  it  shall  justly  be  entitled,  the  Superintendent,  on  receiving  satisfactory  proof  thereof, 
shall  apportion  such  deficiency  to  such  county,  township  or  city,  in  his  next  annual  apportion 
ment;  and  the  conditions  of  this  section  shall  extend  to  all  cases  which  accrue  in  the  year  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty. 

SEC.  10.  Upon  all  sums  paid  into  the  State  treasury  upon  account  of  the  principal  of  any  of 
the  educational  funds,  except  where  (other)  provision  is  or  shall  be  made  by  law,  the  Treasurer 
shall  compute  interest  from  the  time  of  such  payment,  or  from  the  time  of  the  last  computa 
tion  of  interest  thereon,  to  the  first  Monday  of  April  in  each  and  every  year,  and  shall  give 
credit  therefor  to  each  and  every  school  fund,  as  the  case  may  be;  and  such  interest  shall  bo 
paid  out  of  the  general  fund. 

SEC.  11.  The  Superintendent  shall,  at  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  office,  deliver  over  on  de 
mand  to  his  successor,  all  property,  books,  documents,  maps,  records,  reports,  and  all  other 
papers  belonging  to  his  office,  or  which  may  liave  been  received  by  him  for  the  use  of  his  of 
fice. 

SBC.  12.  Cliaptcr  fifty-six  of  the  revised  statutes  of  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty  - 
six,  and  an  act  to  amend  said  chapter  fifty-six,  approved  March  twenty-ninth,  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  fifty,  are  hereby  repealed. 
Approved  April  4,  1861. 


483 

[  No.   151.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  provide  for  the  Government  of  the  State  University, 
and  to  repeal  Chapter  fifty-seven  of  the  Revised  Statutes  of  eigh 
teen  hundred  and  forty-six. 

SECTION  1.  The  People  of  the  State  of  Michigan  enact,  That  the  institution  established  in 
this  State,  and  known  as  the  University  of  Michigan,  is  continued  under  the  name  and  style 
heretofore  used. 

SEC.  2.  The  University  shall  provide  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  with  the  means  of  acqui 
ring  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  various  branches  of  literature,  science  and  arts. 

SKC.  3.  The  government  of  the  University  is  vested  in  the  Board  of  Regents. 

SEC.  4.  The  Board  of  Regents  shall  constitute  the  body  corporate,  with  the  right  as  such 
of  sueing  :m-l  being  sv.ed,  of  making  and  using  a  common  seal,  and  altering  the  same. 

SEC.  5.  The  Regents  shall  have  power  to  enact  ordinances,  by-laws  and  regulations  for  the 
government  of  the  University;  to  elect  a  president,  to  fix,  increase  and  reduce  the  regular 
number  of  professors  and  tutors,  and  to  appoint  the  same,  and  to  determine  the  amount  of 
their  salaries 

SEC.  6.  They  shall  have  power  to  remove  the  president,  and  any  professor  or  tutor,  when  the 
interest  ot  the  University  shall  require  it. 

SEC  7.  They  shall  have  power  to  appoint  a  secretary,  librarian,  treasurer,  steward,  and  such 
other  officers  us  the  interests  of  the  institution  may  require,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  at 
tfae  pleasure  of  the  board,  and  receive  such  compensation  as  the  board  may  prescribe. 

SF/C.  8.  The  University  shall  consist  of  at  least  three  departments: 

1.  A  department  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts. 

2.  A  department  of  Jaw. 

3. 'A  department  of  medicine. 

4.  Such  other  departments  may  be  added  as  the  Regents  shall  deem  necessary  and  the  state 
of  the  University  fund  shall  allow. 

SEC.  9.  The  Regents  shall  provide  for  the  arrangement  and  selection  of  a  course  or  courses 
of  study  in  the  University,  for  such  students  as  may  not  desire  to  pursue  the  usual  collegiate 
course,  in  the  department  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts,  embracing  the  ancient  languages, 
and  to  provide  for  the  admission  of  such  students  without  previous  examination  as  to  their  at 
tainments  in  said  languages,  and  for  granting  such  certificates  at  the  expiration  of  such  course 
or  term  of  such  students,  as  may  be  appropriate  to  their  respective  attainments. 

SEC.  10.  The  Regents  shall  make  provision  for  keeping  a  set  of  meteorological  tables  at  the 
University,  after  the  forms  adopted  and  furnished  by  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  the  record 
of  which  shall  be  transmitted  with  their  report  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction, 
who  shall  embody  the  same  into  his  report. 

SEC.  11.  The  immediate  government  of  the  several  departments  shall  be  entrusted  to  the 
president  and  the  respective  faculties;  but  the  Regents  shall  have  power  to  regulate  the  course 
of  instruction  and  prescribe,  under  the  advice  of  the  professorships,  the  books  and  authorities 
to  be  used  in  the  several  departments;  and  also  to  confer  such  degrees  and  grant  such  diplomas 
as  are  usually  conferred  and  granted  by  other  similar  institutions. 

SEC.  12.  The  fee  of  admission  to  the  regular  University  course  in  the  department  of  litera 
ture,  science  and  the  arts,  shall  not  exceed  ten  dollars,  but  such  course  or  courses  of  instruction 
as  may  be  arranged  under  the  provisions  of  section  nine  of  this  act,  shall  be  open  without  fee 
to  the  citizens  of  this  State. 

SBC.  13.  The  University  shall  be  open  to  all  persons  resident  of  this  State,  without  charge  of 
tuition,  under  the  regulations  prescribed  by  the  Regente;  and  to  all  other  persons  under  such 
regulations  and  restrictions  as  the  board  may  prescribe. 


484 

SEC.  14.  The  moneys  recfhed  from  such  source  shall  be  paid  to  the  treasurer,  and  s-o  much 
thereof  as  shall  be  necessary  for  the  purpose,  shall  be  expended  by  the  Regents  in  keeping  the 
University  buildings  in  good  condition  .ind  repair,  and  the  balance  shall  l>e  appropriated  for 
the  increase  of  the  library. 

SEC.  15.  The  board  of  Regents  shall  make  an  exhibit  of  the  aftairs  of  the  University  in  each 
year,  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  setting  forth  the  condition  of  the  University 
and  its  branches;  the  amount  of  receipts  and  expenditures;  the  number  of  professors,  tutors 
and  other  officers,  and  the  compensation  of  each;  the  number  of  students  in  the  several  de 
partments  and  in  the  different  classes^  the  books  of  instruction  used;  an  estimate  of  the  ex 
penses  for  the  ensuing  year;  a  full  transcript  of  the  journal  of  their  proceedings  for  the  year; 
together  with  such  other  information  and  suggestions  as  they  may  deem  important,  or  the 
Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  may  require  to  embody  in  his  report. 

SEC.  16.  From  the  increase  arising  from  the  interest  of  the  University  fund,  the  board  of 
Regents  may  erect  from  time  to  time,  such  buildings  as  are  necessary  for  the  uses  of  the  Uni 
versity,  on  the  grounds  set  apart  for  the  same;  but  ne  such  buildings  shall  be  erected  until 
provision  shall  be  made  for  the  payment  of  the  existing  indebtedness  of  the  University,  nor 
until  one  branch  of  the  University  shall  be  established  in  each  judicial  circuit  of  the  State. 

SEC.  17.  The  board  of  Regents  shall  have  power  to  expend  so  much  of  the  interest  arising 
from  the  university  fund,  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  improving  and  ornamenting  the  Univer 
sity  grounds,  for  the  purchase  of  philosophical,  chemical,  meteorological,  and  other  apparatus, 
and  to  keep  the  same  in  good  condition. 

SEC.  18.  As  soon  as  the  income  of  the  University  interest  fund  will  admit,  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  the  board  of  Regents  to  organize  and  establish  branches  of  the  University,  one  at  least  in 
each  judicial  circuit  or  district  of  the  Stote,  and  to  establish  all  needful  rules  and  regulations 
for  the  government  of  the  same.  They  shall  not  give  to  any  such  branch  the  right  of  confer 
ring  degrees,  nor  appropriate  a  sum  exceeding  fifteen  hundred  dollars,  in  any  one  year,  for 
the  support  of  any  such  branch. 

SEC.  19.  The  Regents  may  establish  and  organize  a  branch  or  branches,  by  the  creation  of  a 
trusteeship  for  the  local  management  of  the  same,  or  they  may,  in  their  discretion  select  for  a 
branch,  under  the  restrictions  aforesaid,  any  chartered  literary  institution  in  the  State. 

SEC.  20.  The  meetings  of  the  board  may  be  called  in  such  manner  as  the  Regents  shall  pre 
scribe;  five  of  them  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business,  and  a  Jess  num 
ber  may  adjourn  from  time  to  time. 

SEC.  21.  A  board  of  visitors,  to  consist  of  three  persons,  shall  l>e  appointed  biennially  at  the 
commencement  of  the  collegiate  year,  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction.  It  shall 
be  their  duty  to  make  a  personal  examination  into  the  state  and  condition  of  the  University,  in 
all  its  departments  and  branches,  once  at  least  in  each  year,  and  report  the  result  to  the  Super 
intendent,  suggesting  such  improvements  as  they  may  deem  important;  which  report  shall  be 
embodied  into  the  report  of  the  Superintendent. 

Six;.  22.  The  Regents  and  Visitors  to  the  University  shall  each  receive  pay  for  the  actual  and 
necessary  expenses  incurred  by  them  in  the  performance  of  their  duties,  which  shall  be  paid 
out  of  the  University  interest  fund. 

SEC.  23.  All  orders  on  the  treasurer  shall  be  signed  by  the  secretary,  and  countersigned  by 
the  president. 

SKC.  24.  Chapter  fifty-seven  of  the  rerw*ed  statutes  is  hereby  repealed. 

Approved  April  8,  1851. 


485 

[  No.    153.   ] 
AN  ACT  relating  to  the  State  Library. 

SKCTIO.V  1.  The  People  of  the  State  of  Michigan  ew«ct,  Tliat  the  State  library  room  shall  be 
appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  for  his  office. 

SEC.  2.  The  State  Librarian,  in  addition  to  the  duties  prescribed  by  law,  shall  keep  a  set  of 
meteorological  tables,  after  the  forms  adopted  by  the  Smithsonian  Institute,  and  under  the  di 
rection  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction;  and  the  game  shall  be  embraced  with  the 
annual  report  of  the  Superintendent,  together  with  report  of  the  Librarian. 

SEC.  3.  The  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  sliall  cause  the  books,  papers,  maps,  appa 
ratus,  £c.,  pertaining  to  his  office,  to  be  deposited  in  the  State  library;  and  it  shall  be  his  duty 
to  collect  such  books,  maps,  apparatus,  &c.,  as  can  be  obtained  without  expense  to  the  State, 
and  deposit  the  same  in  the  library. 

SEC.  4.  The  librarian  shall  also  act  as  assistant  to  and  shall  perform  such  duties  ns  may  from 
time  to  time  be  required  by  the  Superintendent,  free  of  expense  to  the  State. 

Approved  April  8,  1831. 


[  No.    138.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  establish  a  State  Normal  School. 

SiiCTio.v  1.  Beit  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan^ 
That  a  State  Normal  School  be  established,  the  exclusive  purposes  of  which  shall  be  the  in 
struction  of  persons,  both  male  and  female,  in  the  art  of  teaching,  and  in  all  the  various 
branches  that  pertain  to  a  good  common  school  education;  also,  to  give  instructions  in  the 
mechanic  arts,  and  in  the  arts  of  husbandry  and  agricultural  chemistry,  in  the  fundamental 
laws  of  the  United  States,  and  in  what  regards  the  rights  and  duties  of  citizens. 

SEC.  2.  The  said  normal  school  shall  be  under  the  direction  of  a  board  of  education,  and 
shall  be  governed  and  supported  as  hereinafter  provided. 

SEC  3.  There  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Governor,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
Senate,  a  board  of  education  consisting  of  three  persons,  one  of  whom  shall  hold  his  office 
for  three  years,  another  for  two  years,  and  the  other  for  one  year.  The  Governor  shall  desig 
nate  which  person  is  to  hold  his  office  for  one  year,  which  for  two  years,  and  which  for  three 
years.  At  each  session  of  the  Legislature  the  vacancy  occurring  shall  be  filled  as  above  di 
rected.  The  Governor  shall  fill  any  vacancy  that  may  occur  when  the  Legislature  is  not 
in  session.  The  Lieutenant  Governor  and  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  shall,  by 
virtue  of  their  offices,  be  members  of  said  board,  and  the  latter  shall  be  their  Secretai-y,  and 
shall  keep  an  exact  and  detailed  account  of  their  doings.  He  shall  also  communicate  such  re 
ports  to  the  Legislature  as  are  required  by  this  act. 

SEC.  4.  The  board  of  education  shall  annually  elect  one  of  their  number  president,  who 
shall  be  empowered  to  visit  the  various  •villages  and  places  of  importance  in  the  State,  and  ob 
tain  donations  and  receive  propositions  for  the  establishment  of  said  normal  school. 

SEC.  5.  Said  board  of  education  shall  appoint  a  principal  and  an  assistant  to  take  charge  of 
said  school.  They  shall  also  appoint  such  other  teachers  as  may  be  required  in  said  school,  and 
fix  the  salary  of  each,  and  prescribe  their  several  duties.  They  shall  prescribe  the  various 
text  books  to  be  used  in  said  institution,  and  shall  make  all  the  regulations  and  by-laws  neces 
sary  for  the  good  government  and  management  of  said  school. 

SEC.  6.  Said  board  of  education  shall  procure  a  site,  and  erect  buildings  thereon  suitable  for 
said  institution,  in  or  near  some  village  in  this  State,  where  it  can  most  conveniently  be  done,  and 
where  in  their  judgment  it  will  most  subserve  the  best  interests  of  the  State. 


486 

SEC.  7.  They  shall  also  establish  a  model  school  in  connection  with  a  normal  school,  and  shall 
make  all  the  regulations  necessary  to  govern  and  support  the  same. 

SEC.  8.  As  soon  as  said  institution  is  prepared  to  receive  pupils,  the  Superintendent  of  Public 
Instruction  shall  give  notice  of  the  fact  to  each  county  clerk  in  the  State,  and  shall  publish  said 
notice  in  the  State  paper. 

SEC.  9.  The  normal  school  lK>ard  shall  ordain  such  rules  and  regulations  for  the  admission  of 
pupils  to  said  school  as  they  shall  deem  necessary  and  proper.  Every  applicant  for  admission 
shall  undergo  an  examination  under  the  direction  of  the  board,  and  if  if  shell  appear  that 
the  applicant  is  not  a  person  of  good  moral  character,  or  will  not  make  nr  apta'.d  good  teacher, 
such  applicant  shall  be  rejected. 

SEC.  10.  Any  person  may  be  admitted  a  pupil  of  said  school  who  shall  pa.0--  a  satisfactory 
examination:  Prodded,  Tliat  the  applicant  shall,  before  admission,  sign  a  declaration  of  inten 
tion  to  follow  the  business  of  teaching  primary  schools  in  this  State:  And  provided  further, 
That  pupils  may  be  admitted  without  signing  such  declaration  of  intention,  on  sura  terms  as 
the  normal  school  board  may  prescribe;  and  that  each  county  shall  be  entitled  to  send  pupils  in 
the  ratio  of  the  representatives  to  which  it  may  be  entitled,  not  to  exceed  three  times  the  num 
ber  of  representatives. 

SEC.  11.  When  the  said  school  shall  have  commenced  a  term,  it  shall  be  visited  by  one  of  the 
appointed  members  of  the  board  of  education.  Visits  to  said  school  shall  be  monthly;  each 
appointed  member  making  a  visit  once  in  three  months.  When  a  member  makes  a  visit  as 
aforesaid,  lie  shall  examine  thoroughly  into  the  affairs  of  the  school,  and  report  to  the  Gover 
nor  and  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  his  views  with  regard  to  its  success  and  useful 
ness,  and  any  other  matters  he  may  Judge  expedient. 

SEC.  12.  The  said  board  of  education  shall  annually  make  to  the  Legislature,  a  full  and  de 
tailed  report  of  their  doings,  and  of  all  their  expenditures,  both  in  cash  and  land  warrants,  and 
the  moneys  received  for  tuition,  and  their  opinion  with  regard  to  the  prospects,  progress  and 
usefulness  of  said  school. 

SEC.  13.  Those  pupils  who  are  admitted  to  the  said  school  as  provided  by  the  ninth  section 
of  this  act,  shall  not  be  charged  for  tuition  or  for  the  use  of  any  apparatus,  or  for  attendance 
on  any  lectures  for  one  year.  Lectures  on  chemistry,  comparative  anatomy,  astronomy,  the 
mechanic  arts,  agricultural  chemistry,  and  on  any  other  science,  or  any  branch  of  literature 
that  the  board  of  education  may  direct,  shall  be  delivered  to  those  attending  said  school  by  the 
professors  of  the  University,  provided  the  regents  shall  give  their  consent  thereto. 

SEC.  14.  As  soon  as  any  person  has  attended  said  institution  twenty -two  weeks,  said  person 
may  be  examined  in  the  studies  required  by  the  board,  and  if  it  shall  appear  that  said  person 
has  received  the  proper  training,  and  possesses  the  learning  and  other  qualifications  necessary 
to  teach  a  good  common  school,  said  person  shall  receive  the  proper  certificate  from  the  prin 
cipal  and  board  of  education,  certified  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction. 

SEC.  15.  For  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  expenses  of  the  erection  and  completion  of  the 
building  proposed  by  the  sixth  section  of  this  act,  and  for  the  purchase  of  the  necessary  ap 
paratus  and  books  for  the  said  institution,  and  for  various  other  incidental  expenses  of  said 
school,  there  is  hereby  appropriated  ten  sections  of  the  salt  spring  lands.  The  Auditor  Gen 
eral  shall,  on  the  presentation  of  the  certificate  of  the  president  of  the  board  of  education, 
countersigned  by  the  Governor,  draw  his  warrant  on  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land 
Office,  not  bearing  interest,  and  payable  only  in  salt  spring  lands,  to  the  holder  of  such  certifi 
cate,  for  the  amount  therein  specified,  said  lands  to  be  those  located  as  the  normal  school  build 
ing  lands. 

SEC.  16.  For  the  purpose  of  paying  tho  principal  of  said  normal  school  and  his  assistants, 
the  board  of  education,  immediately  after  their  appointment,  shall  locate  fifteen  sections  of  the 
salt  spring  lands,  and  the  same  shall  be  denonr  lated  "  the  normal  school  endowment  fund," 
and  shall  never  be  appropriated  for  any  other  purpose.  They  sliall  abo  locate  the  ten  sections 
required  by  section  fifteen,  and  the .  aino  shaU  be  denominated  the  normal  school  building  fund. 


487 

The  said  board  of  education  shall  give  due  notice  to  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land 
Office,  that  they  have  located  the  lauds  required  by  this  act,  and  shall  file  in  his  office  a  proper 
description  of  said  lands. 

SEC.  17.  The  normal  school  endowment  fund  shall  be  under  the  control  of  the  board  of  ed 
ucation,  and  sliall  be  disposed  of  according  to  the  provisions  of  this  act.  The  State  Treasurer 
shall  be  treasurer  of  said  board;  and  all  orders  or  drafts  for  moneys  or  other  funds  shall  be 
signed  by  the  president  of  said  board,  and  be  countersigned  by  the  Governor. 

SEC.  18.  The  principal  and  other  teachers  employed,  shall  be  paid  for  their  services  out  of 
the  normal  school  endowment  fund,  and  from  moneys  received  for  tuition.  The  board  of  ed 
ucation  shall  be  paid  for  their  services,  two  dollars  per  day,  with  warrants  drawn  on  the  salt 
spring  lands. 

SEC.  19.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  28,  1849. 


[  No.   139.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  consolidate  and  amend  the  Laws  relative  to  the  estab 
lishment  of  a  State  Normal  School. 

SKCTION  1.  Re  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  all  acts  done  and  contracts  made  by  and  with  the  board  of  education  under  and  by  •virtue 
of  "an  act  to  establish  a  State  Normal  school,"  approved  March  twenty-eighth,  eighteen  hundred 
and  forty-nine,  and  the  act  supplementary  thereto,  approved  March  thirty-first,  eighteen  hun 
dred  and  forty -nine,  be  and  they  are  hereby  ratified  and  confirmed. 

SKC.  2.  That  a  State  Normal  school  be  established  and  continued  at  Ypsilanti,  rn  the  county 
of  Washtenaw,  upon  the  site  selected  by  the  said  board  of  education,  the  exclusive  purposes  of 
which  shall  be  the  instruction  of  persons,  both  male  and  female,  in  the  art  of  teaching,  and  in 
all  the  various  branches  that  pertain  to  a  good  common  school  education.  Also  to  give  in 
struction  in  the  mechanic  arts,  and  in  the  arts  of  husbandry  and  agricultural  chemistry;  in  the 
fundamental  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  in  what  regards  the  rights  and  duties  of  citizens. 

SEC.  3.  The  said  Normal  school  shall  be  under  the  direction  of  a  board  of  education, 
and  shall  be  governed  and  supported  as  herein  provided.  Said  board  shall  provide  for  the  erec 
tion  of  suitable  buildings  on  the  site  selected  as  soon  as  the  title  thereto  is  vested  in  them  in 
fee,  and  the  means  in  their  hands  for  that  purpose  are  sufficient,  and  they  may  appoint  a  suit 
able  person  to  superintend  the  erection  of  said  buildings. 

SEC.  4.  Said  board  of  education  shall  hereafter  consist  of  six  members,  three  of  whom  shall 
be  appointed  by  the  Governor,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  both  branches  of  the  Le 
gislature.  The  members  of  said  board  heretofore  appointed  shall  hold  their  offices  for  the 
term  for  which  they  were  designated.  At  the  session  of  the  Legislature  for  the  year  eighteen 
hundred  and  fifty,  and  annually  thereafter,  the  vacancies  occurring  shall  be  filled  as  above  di 
rected  by  appointment,  the  term  of  which  shall  be  three  years.  The  Governor  shall,  by  ap 
pointment,  fill  any  vacancy  that  may  occur  when  the  Legislature  is  not  in  session;  such  appoint 
ment  to  expire  at  the  close  of  the  next  session  of  the  Legislature.  The  Lieutenant  Governor, 
the  State  Treasurer,  and  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  shall,  by  virtue  of  their  of 
fices,  be  members  of  said  board,  and  the  latter  shall  bo  their  secretary,  and  shall  keep  an  exact 
and  detailed  account  of  their  doings.  He  shall  also  communicate  such  reports  to  the  Legisla 
ture  as  are  required  by  this  act.  The  State  Treasurer  shall,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  be  treasurer 
of  said  board,  and  the  members  thereof  shall  annually  elect  one  of  their  number  president 
And  no  member  of  said  board  of  education  shall,  during  his  continuance  in  office  as  a  member 


488 

of  eaid  botu-d.  act  as  the  agent  of  any  publisher  or  publishers  of  school  books  or  school  library 
books,  or  be  or  become  interested  in  the  publication  or  sale  of  any  such  books  us  agent  or  oth 
erwise  And  the  Governor  of  this  State  is  hereby  authorized  and  required,  upon  satisfactory 
evidence  being  produced  to  him  that  any  member  of  said  board  is  employed  as  such  agent,  or 
is  interested  in  the  manner  aforesaid,  to  remove  such  member  of  said  board  from  office,  and  to 
appoint  another  member  in  his  place  to  fill  such  vacancy. 

SEC.  5.  Said  board  of  education  shall  have  power  to  appointment  a  principal  and  assistant  to 
take  charge  of  said  school,  and  such  other  teachers  and  officers  as  may  be  required  in  said 
school,  and  fix  the  salary  of  each,  and  prescribe  their  several  duties.  They  shall  also  have 
power  to  remove  either  the  principal,  assistant,  or  teachers,  and  to  appoint  others  in  their  stead. 
They  shall  prescribe  the  various  books  to  be  used  in  said  school,  and  shall  make  all  the  regula 
tions  and  by-laws  necessary  for  the  good  government  and  management  of  the  same. 

SEC.  6.  Said  board  shall  also  establish  an  experimental  school  in  connection  with  the  Normal 
School,  and  shall  make  all  the  regulations  necessary  to  govern  and  support  the  same,  and  may 
in  their  discretion  admit  pupils  free  of  charge  for  tuition. 

SEC.  7.  Said  board  shall  have  the  power,  and  it  shall  be  their  duty,  from  time  to  time,  as  the 
means  at  their  disposal  may  warrant,  to  provide  suitable  grounds  and  buildings,  implements 
of  hu&bandrv  and  mechanical  tools,  either  by  purchase  or  lease,  for  the  purpose  of  more  effec 
tually  and  experimentally  carrying  out  the  provisions  of  the  second  section  of  this  act,  "to 
give  instruction  in  the  mechanic  arts,  and  in  the  arts  of  husbandry  any  [and]  agricultural 
chemistry." 

SEC.  B,  A*  soou  a.s  said  Normal  School  is  prepared  to  receive  pupils,  the  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction  shall  give  notice  of  the  fact  to  each  county  clerk  in  the  State,  and  shall  pub 
lish  said  notice  in  a  newspaper  published  in  each  senatorial  district. 

SEC.  9.  The  board  of  education  shall  ordain  such  rules  and  regulations  for  the  admission  of 
pupils  to  said  school  as  they  bhall  deem  necessary  and  proper.  Every  applicant  for  admission 
shall  undergo  an  examination  hi  such  manner  as  may  be  prescribed  by  the  board;  and  if  it 
shall  appear  that  the  applicant  is  not  a  person  of  good  moral  character,  or  will  not  make  an 
apt  and  good  teacher,  such  applicant  shall  be.  rejected.  The  board  of  education  may,  in  their 
discretion,  require  any  applicant  for  admission  to  said  school — other  than  such  as  shall,  prior 
to  such  admission,  sign  and  file  with  said  board  a  declaration  of  intention  to  follow  the  business 
of  teaching  primary  schools  in  this  State — to  pay,  or  secure  to  be  paid,  such  fees  for  tuition  as 
to  said  board  shall  seem  reasonable. 

SEC.  10.  Any  person  may  be  admitted  a  pupil  of  said  school  who  shall  pass  a  satisfactory 
examination:  Provided,  That  the  applicant  shall,  before  admission,  sign  a  declaration  of  inten 
tion  to  follow  the  business  of  teaching  primary  schools  in  this  State:  And  provided  further, 
That  pupils  may  be  admitted  without  signing  such  declaration  of  intention,  on  such  terms  as 
the  Normal  School  board  may  prescribe;  and  that  each  county  shall  be  entitled  to  send  pupils 
in  the  ratio  of  the  representatives  in  the  State  Legislature  to  which  it  may  be  entitled,  not  to 
exceed  such  number  as  the  board  may  prescrilje. 

SEC-  11.  After  said  school  shall  have  commenced  its  first  term,  and  at  least  once  in  each  year 
thereafter,  it  shall  be  visited  by  three  suitable  persons,  not  members,  to  be  appointed  by  the 
board  of  education,  who  shall  examine  thoroughly  into  the  affairs  of  the  school,  and  report  to 
the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  their  views  with  regard  to  its  condition,  success  and 
usefulness,  and  any  other  mutters  they  may  judge  expedient.  Such  visitors  shall  be  appointed 
.annually. 

SEC.  12.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  once  at  least  in 
each  term,  to  visit  said  school;  and  he  shall  annually  make  to  the  Legislature  a  full  and  detailed 
report  of  the  doings  of  the  board  of  education,  and  of  all  their  expenditures,  and  the  moneys 
received  for  tuition,  and  the  prospects,  progress  and  usefulness  of  said  school,  including  so 
much  of  the  reports  of  said  visitors  as  he  may  deem  advisable. 


489 

&te.  lo.  Lectures  on  chomifttry,  comparative  anatomy,  astronomy,  the  mechanic  arf,s,  agri- 
cafttirai  chemistry,  and  on  any  other  science,  or  any  branch  of  literature  that  the  board  of 
education  may  direct,  may  be  delivered  to  those  attending  said  school,  in  such  manner,  and  an 
such  terms  and  conditions  as  the  board  of  education  may  prescribe. 

Sac.  1 1.  As  soon  as  any  person  has  attended  said  institution  twenty -two  weeks,  .said  person 
may  be  examined  in  the  studies  required  by  the  board,  in  such  manner  as  may  be  prescribed; 
and  if  it  sludl  appear  that  said  person  possesses  the  learning  and  other  qualifications  necessary 
to  teach  a  good  common  school,  said  person  shall  receive  a  certificate  to  that  effect  from  the 
principal,  to  be  approved  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction. 

SEC.  15.  The  board  of  education  shall  have  the  power  and  authority  to  demand  and  receive, 
the  sum  or  sums  donated  and  subscribed  by  the  citizens  of  Ypsilauti  and  its  vicinity,  in  such 
manner  as  said  board  may  prescribe,  and  apply  the  same  to  the  erection  and  completion  of  the 
necessary  buildings,  the  purchase  of  the  necessary  books,  apparatus,  furniture  and  fixtures, 
and  for  various  other  incidental  expenses  Vo  be  incurred  by  said  board  in  pursuance  of  the 
provisions  of  this  act;  and  if  any  surplus  .shall  remain,  to  apply  the  same  in  defraying  the 
expenses  of  conducting  said  school.  And  any  deficit  which  may  arise  in  the  erection  and 
completion  of  said  buildings  and  purchases  aforesaid,  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  principal  to  be 
received  on  the  sale  ot  lands  hereinafter  mentioned,  not  to  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand 
dollars.  Such  sum  shall  be  paid  from  time  to  time  on  the  warrant  of  the  Auditor  General, 
to  be  drawn  in  pursuance  of  the  certificate  of  the  superintendent  of  the  building  or  secretary 
of  the  board,  and  countersigned  by  the  president  of  the  board  of  education;  and  no  such 
certificate  shall  be  issued  until  work  shall  be  done,  or  services  rendered,  or  building*  erected, 
or  books,  apparatus,  fixtures  or  furniture  purchased  for  the  Normal  School,  under  the  direc 
tion  of  the  board  of  education,  entitling  the  applicant  to  such  certificate,  according  to  a 
contract  or  agreement  with  said  board  for  that  purpose,  or  for  services  and  expenses  of  the 
board  or  some  member  thereof,  in  connection  with  the  selection  of  the  site,  or  the  erection  of 
the  Normal  School  buildings,  or  the  improvement  of  the  grounds. 

SEC.  16.  The  ten  sections  of  salt  spring  lands,  located  by  the  board  of  education  under  the 
provisions  of  sections  fifteen  and  sixteen  of  "an  act  to  establish  a  State  Normal  School,"  ap 
proved  March  28,  1849,  together  with  the  fifteen  sections  of  said  salt  spring  lands  located  under 
the  provisions  of  section  sixteen  of  said  act,  and  all  such  lauds  as  may  be  granted  by  Congress, 
er  received  or  set  apart  (in  any  manner)  in  lieu  of  any  portion  of  said  land  to  which  the  title 
may  prove  insufficient,  and  all  donations,  in  land  or  otherwise,  to  the  State  in  trust  or  to  the 
board  of  education  for  the  support  of  a  Normal  School,  shall  constitute  a  fund,  to  be  called 
the  Normal  School  endowment  fund,  and  shall  be  reserved  from  sale  until  the  same  shall  be 
appraised.  The  minimum  price  of  said  lands  shall  be  four  dollars  per  acre;  and  it  shall  be  the 
duty  of  the  officer  authorized  to  sell  said  lands,  to  cause  the  same  to  be  appraised  as  soon  as 
practicable,  in  the  manner  provided  for  the  appraisal  of  other  lands;  none  of  said  lands  shall 
be  sold  tor  less  than  the  minimum  price  fixed  by  law.  It  shall  not  be  necessary  to  appraise 
any  of  said  lands  which  have  heretofore  been  appraised  under  existing  provisions  of  law;  and 
the  proceeds  of  sales  of  any  of  said  lands  heretofore  appraised  and  sold,  shall  constitute  a  part 
of  the  fund  herein  provided.  After  such  appraisal,  such  land  shall  be  and  remain  subject  to 
sale  at  the  State  land  office,  as  is  now  or  shall  be  hereafter  provided  by  law;  and  the  principal 
shall  be  and  remain  a  perpetual  fund  for  the  use  of  said  institution,  (except  as  herein  provided.) 
The  instalments  of  principal  paid  by  the  purchasers,  shall  be  paid  into  the  State  treasury;  and 
the  interest  thereon  from  the  time  of  its  receipt,  or  from  the  time  of  the  preceding  computa 
tion  of  interest,  as  the  same  may  be,  shall  be  computed  by  the  Auditor  General  and  State 
Treasurer,  at  the  close  of  each  fiscal  year,  at  the  rate  of  six  per  cent,  per  annum,  and  together 
with  all  interest  paid  by  purchasers  of  any  portion  of  said  lands,  shall  be  passed  to  the  credit 
of  the  Normal  School  interest  fund,  to  be  drawn  therefrom  upon  the  warrant  of  the  Auditor 
Central,  i-^ued  in  pursuance  of  a  certificate  of  the  board  of  education,  signed  by  their  secre- 


490 

tary  and  countersigned  by  their  president,  that  the  money  is  due  and  payable  to  the  principal 
of  the  Normal  School,  or  his  assistant*,  or  the  teachers  or  officers  employed,  or  to  the  mem 
bers  of  the  board,  or  the  board  of  visitors,  as  herein  authorized,  or  for  necessary  incidental 
expenses  in  the  support  or  maintenance  of  said  school  or  some  of  its  departments. 

SEC.  17.  Said  funds  shall  be  under  the  direction  and  control  of  the  board  of  education,  sub 
ject  to  the  provisions  herein  contained.  The  treasurer  of  said  board  shall  pay  out  of  the  pro 
per  fnnd  all  orders  or  drafts  for  moneys  to  be  expended  under  the  provisions  of  this  act.  Such 
orders  or  drafts  to  be  drawn  by  the  Auditor  General  on  certificates  of  the  secretary,  C' -unter- 
signed  by  the  president  of  the  board.  No  such  certificates  shall  be  given  except  upcn  a«"  ants 
audited  and  allowed  by  the  board  at  a  regular  meeting. 

SEC.  18.  The  services  and  all  necessary  traveling  and  other  expenses  already  or  hereafter  to 
be  incurred  by  any  member  of  the  board  of  education,  or  the  board  of  \isitors,  shall  be  paid 
on  the  proper  certificate  out  of  any  funds  belonging  to  said  institution  in  the  hands  of  the 
treasurer,  until  the  erection  and  completion  of  the  necessary  bxiildings.  The  principal,  assis 
tants,  teachers  and  other  officers  employed  in  said  school,  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  Normal 
school  interest  fund,  and  from  receipts  for  tuition;  and  the  services  and  expenses  of  the  board 
of  education,  after  the  erection  of  the  necessary  buildings,  and  other  expenses  incident  to  said 
institution,  sliall  be  paid  for  out  of  the  Normal  school  interest  fund,  in  the  same  manner,  as 
near  as  may  be,  as  is  required  in  regard  to  moneys  drawn  for  the  payment  of  the  principal  or 
other  teachers.  The  members  of  the  board  of  education  and  the  visitors  shall  be  entitled  to 
two  dollars  per  day  for  their  actual  services,  and  to  their  necessary  traveling  and  other  expen 
ses. 

SEC.  19.  For  the  purpose  of  rendering  more  efficient  their  organization  and  to  enable  them 
the  more  fully  to  carry  into  effect  the  provisions  herein  contained,  the  members  of  the  board 
of  education  now  holding  their  offices  under  the  provisions  of  "an  act  to  establish  a  State  Nor 
mal  school,"  approved  March  28th,  1849,  and  their  successors  in  office,  are  hereby  constituted 
a  body  politic  and  corporate,  by  the  name  of  "the  board  of  education,"  for  the  purposes  herein 
contemplated,  and  subject  to  such  modifications  as  may  be  made  thereto,  and  in  that  name 
shall  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  empowered  to  purchase,  have, 
hold,  possess  and  enjoy  to  themselves  and  their  successors,  lands,  tenements,  hereditaments, 
goods,  chattels  and  effects  of  every  kind,  and  the  same  to  grant,  alien,  sell,  invest  and  dispose 
of,  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead,  and  be  impleaded  in  all  courts  in  this  State,  to  have  and  to  use  a 
common  seal,  and  the  same  to  change,  alter  and  renew  at  pleasure,  and  to  make  such  by-laws 
and  regulations  as  they  may  deem  proper  for  the  well  ordering  and  government  of  said  cor 
poration  and  the  transaction  of  its  business:  Provided,  The  same  be  not  repugnant  to  the 
constitution  or  laws  of  this  State  or  of  the  United  States. 

SEC.  20.  Said  corporation  shall  be  subject  to  the  provisions  of  chapter  fifty-five  of  the  re 
vised  statutes  of  1846,  so  far  as  the  same  can  apply,  and  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  provis 
ions  of  this  act.  They  shall  have  power  to  transact  all  necessary  business  at  any  meeting,  a 
quorum  being  present;  and  meetings  may  be  called  in  such  manner  as  their  by-laws  may  pro 
vide;  and  a  quorum  shall  consist  of  a  majority  of  the  members.  The  first  meeting  under  this 
act  may  be  held  at  such  time  and  place  as  may  be  directed  by  the  secretary,  and  no  publication 
of  notice  thereof  shall  be  necessary;  and  the  attendance  of  a  quorum  shall  render  valid  the 
proceedings  of  such  meeting.  All  process  against  said  corporation  shall  be  served  on  the  pre 
sident  or  secretary  thereof. 

SEC.  21.  Sections  four,  fifteen  and  sixteen  of  "an  act  to  establish  a  State  Normal  school,  ap 
proved  March  28th,  1849,  and  all  of  the  provisions  said  a.t  <nd  the  act  supplementary  there 
to,  which  are  inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of  this  act,  i  t  hereby  repealed. 

SBC.  22.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  an  i  after  its  passage,  and  the  Legisla 
ture  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  the  syune  by  <i  vote  of  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present  in  e  vch  house. 

Approved  March  25,  1860. 


491 

[  No.  180.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  to  consolidate  and  amend  the  laws  relative 
to  the  establishment  of  a  State  Normal  School,  approved  Maroh. 
25th,  1850. 

SECH9N  f.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan,. 
That  an  act  to  consolidate  and  amend  the  laws  relative  to  the  establishment  of  a  State  Normal 
School,  approved  March  twenty-fifth,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty,  be  amended  by  striking  out 
in  section  four  of  said  act,  the  words  "  both  branches  of  the  Legislature,"  and  by  inserting  in 
lieu  thereof,  the  words  "the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  in  joint  convention." 

SKC.  2.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  29,  IBcO. 


LAWS  RELATING  TO  THE  FREE  SCHOOLS  OF  DETROIT, 

[  No.  70.  ] 
AN  ACT  relative  to  Free  Schools  in  the  City  of  Detroit. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Staff  of  Michigan^ 
That  the  City  of  Detroit  shall  be  considered  as  one  school  district,  and  hereafter  all  schools 
organized  therein,  in  pursuance  of  this  act,  sliall,  under  the  direction  and  regulations  of  the 
board  of  education,  be  public  and  free  to  all  children  residing  within  the  limits  thereof,  be 
tween  the  ages  of  five  and  seventeen  years,  inclusive. 

SEC.  2.  In  lieu  of  the  school  inspectors  now  required  to  be  elected  in  said  city,  there  shall 
be  twelve  school  inspectors,  to  be  elected  in  the  manner  following:  At  the  next  annual  charter 
election,  there  shall  be  elected  in  each  ward  of  said  city,  two  school  inspectors,  one  of  whom 
shall  hold  his  office  for  two  years,  and  the  other  for  one  year;  and  at  every  annual  election 
thereafter,  there  shall  be  elected  iu  each  ward,  one  school  inspector,  who  shall  hold  his  office 
for  tAvo  years.  No  school  inspector  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  any  compensation  for  his  ser 
vices. 

SEC.  3.  In  case  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  schoo!  inspector,  the  common  council  of  the 
city  of  Detroit  may  fill  the  same,  until  the  next  annual  election,  when,  if  such  vacancy  happen 
in  the  first  year  of  the  term  of  said  office,  the  electors  of  the  proper  ward  may  choose  a  suita 
ble  person  to  fill  the  remainder  of  such  term:  Provided,  The  city  clerk  shall  give  notice  of 
such  vacancy  prior  to  such  election,  as  may  be  required  in  other  ctxses. 

SKC.  4.  Every  person  elected  to  the  office  of  school  inspector,  who,  without  sufficient  cause, 
shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  serve,  sliall  forfeit  to  the  board  of  education,  for  the  use  of  the  libra 
ry,  the  sum  of  ten  dollars,  to  be  recovered  in  an  action  of  debt  in  some  competent  court: 
Provided,  No  person  shall  be  compelled  to  serve  two  terms  successively,  and  the  said  board 
shall  make  all  necessary  rules  and  regulations  relative  to  its  proceedings,  and  punish  by  fine, , 
not  exceeding  five  dollars  for  each  offence  of  any  member  of  the  board  who  may,  without 
sufficient  cause,  absent  himself  from  any  meeting  thereof,  to  be  collected  as  they  may  direct 

SEC.  5.  The  school  inspectors,  together  with  the  mayor  and  recorder  of  said  city,  (who  are 
declared  to  l>e  ex-officio  school  inspectors,)  shall  be  a  body  corporate,  by  the  name  and  style 
of  "  The  Beard  of  Education  ef  the  City  of  Detroit;"  and  in  that  name,  may  be  capable  of 
suing  and  being  sued,  and  of  holding  or  selling  and  conveying  real  and  personal  property,  as 
the  interest  of  said  common  schools  may  require;  and  shall  also  succeed  to,  and  be  entitled  to 
demand,  all  moneys  and  other  rights  belonging  to,  or  in  possession  of,  the  board  of  school . 


492 

inspectors,  or  auy  metnbVr  thereof,  or  of  any  school  district  board,  or  any  member  thereof  or 
any  real  and  personal  property  or  other  rights  of  auy  such  district  in  said  city,  and  the  clear 
proceeds  of  all  such  property  which  inay  come  into  the  possession  of  said  board,  as  last  afore 
said,  shall  be  accounted  for  and  distributed  among  the  several  persons  of  whom  the  same  may 
hare  been  collected,  in  such  manner  a-s  the  said  board  may  deem  just  and  proper. 
j  ;,SEC  6.  The  board  of  education,  (eight  members  whereof  may  form  a  quorum,;  may  meet 
from  time  to  time  at  such  place  in  said  city  as  they  may  designate:  the  mayor  shall  be  presi 
dent  of  the  board,  and  shall  preside  at  all  mcetixgs  thereof;  but  in  case  of  his  absence,  or  the 
absence  of  the  recorder,  a  majority  of  the  inspectors  present  at  any  meeting,  may  choose  one 
of  their  number  president  pro  tempore. 

SEC  7.  The  clerk  of  said  city  shall  be  ex-officio  clerk  of  said  board,  and  shall  perform  such 
duties  as  the  board  of  education  may  reasonably  require.  In  case  of  the  absence  of  said  clerk, 
•or  for  any  other  cause,  the  Iward  may  choose  some  suitable  person  to  perform  his  duties, 
either  as  principal  or  deputy  clerk. 

SEC.  8.  The  recorder  of  said  city  shall  be  entitled  to  a  seat  at  the  meeting  of  said  board,  for 
the  purpose  of  deliberation,  and  of  acting  on  committees,  but  shall  have  no  vote  therein, 
except  when  the  mayor  shall  be  absent,  in  which  case  he  shall  act  as  president. 

SEC.  9.  The  board  of  education  sliall  liave  full  power  and  authority,  and  it  shall  be  their 
duty,  to  purchase  such  school  houses,  and  apply  for  and  receive  from  the  county  treas 
urer  or  other  officer,  all  moneys  appropriated  for  the  primary  schools  and  district  library  of 
said  city,  and  designate  a  pla<  e  where  the  library  may  be  kept  therein.  The  said  board  shall 
also  have  full  power  and  authority  to  make  by-laws  and  ordinances  relative  to  taking  the  cen 
sus  of  all  children  iu  said  city  between  the  ages  of  five  and  seventeen  years;  relative  to  making 
all  necessary  reports  and  transmitting  the  same  to  the  proper  officers,  as  designated  by  law,  so 
that  said  city  may  be  entitled  to  its  proportion  of  the  primary  school  fund;  relative  to  visita 
tion  of  schools;  relative  to  the  length  of  time  schools  shall  be  kept,  which  shall  not  be  less 
than  three  months  in  each  year;  relative  to  the  employment  and  examination  of  teachers, 
their  powers  and  duties;  relative  to  regulation  of  schools  and  the  books  to  be  used  therein; 
relative  to  the  appointment  of  necessary  officers,  and  prescribe  their  powers  and  duties;  rela 
tive  to  any  thing  whatever  that  may  advance  the  interest  of  education,  the  good  government 
and  prosperity  of  common  schools  in  said  city,  and  the  welfare  of  the  public  concerning  the 
same. 

SEC.  10.  The  mayor's  court  shall  have  jurisdiction  of  all  suits  wherein  said  board  may  be  a 
party,  and  of  all  prosecutions  for  violation  of  said  by-laws  and  ordinances. 

SEC.  11.  The  said  board  shall  annually,  in  the  month  of  Febniary,  publish  in  some  newspa 
per  of  the  city,  a  statement  of  the  number  of  schools  in  said  city;  the  number  of  pupils  in 
structed  therein  the  year  preceding;  the  several  branches  of  education  pursued  by  them,  and 
the  expenditures  for  all  things  authorized  by  this  act,  during  the  preceding  year. 

SEC.  12.  The  board  of  education  shall  establish  a  district  library,  and  for  the  increase  of  the 
same,  the  common  council  are  authorized  annually  to  lay  a  tax  on  the  real  and  personal  prop 
erty  within  said  city,  of  a  sum  not  exceeding  two  hundred  dollars,  which  tax  shall  be  levied 
.and  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  the  moneys  raised  to  defray  the  general  expenses  of  said 
city. 

SEC.  13.  The  common  council  of  said  city  are  hereby  authorized,  once  in  each  year,  to  as 
sess  and  levy  a  tax  on  all  the  real  and  personal  property  within  said  city,  according  to  the  city 
assessment  roll  of  that  year,  which  sliall  not  exceed  one  dollar  for  every  child  in  said  city  be 
tween  the  ages  of  five  and  seventeen  years;  the  number  of  children  to  be  ascertained  by  the 
last  report  on  tlmt  subject,  on  file  in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  county  of  Wayne,  or  in  the 
office  ef  the  clerk  of  said  board  of  education,  and  certified  by  the  president  jthereof,  and  the 
said  tax  shall  be  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  the  moneys  raised  to  defray  the  general  ex 
penses  of  said  city;  all  such  moneys  shall  be  disbursed  and  expended  by  the  authority  of  said 
.board  for  the  support  and  maintainance  of  said  schools,  and  for  no  other  purpose  whatever. 


493 

SEC.  14.  The  treasurer  of  said  city  shall  be  the  treasurer  <?f  said  board,  unless  otherwise 
directed  by  said  board;  he  shall  keep  nil  moneys  belonging  to  said  schools  separate  from  the 
moneys  belonging  to  the  corporation  of  said  city;  and  he  shall  not  pay  out  or  expend  the 
school  moneys,  without  the  authority  of  the  said  board. 

SKC.  15.  The  collector  of  said  city,  when  he  shall  have  paid  any  school  moneys  to  said  treas 
urer  or  other  person,  shall  take  a  receipt  therefor,  and  file  the  same  with  the  clerk  of  said 
board;  and  it  shall  be  the  further  duty  of  the  collector,  when  he  shall  have  made  his  final 
return  concerning  the  collection  of  said  tax,  to  make  a  report  to  said  board,  stating  the  whole 
amount  of  school  tax,  the  amount  collected,  and  the  amount  returned  by  him  to  the  common 
council  as  unpaid  or  ixicollected. 

SBC.  16.  The  collector  and  treasurer  shall,  before  they  enter  on  their  duties  under  this  act, 
enter  into  such  bonds  to  said  board,  and  with  such  sureties  as  may  be  deemed  necessary,  con 
ditioned  for  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duties  respectively,  under  this  act. 

SKC.  17.  All  parts  of  acts,  so  far  as  they  relate  to  the  city  of  Detroit,  inconsistent  with  this 
act,  are  hereby  repealed;  and  it  shall  not  be  necessary  to  e]«>ct  any  school  district  officers  In 
said  city,  as  heretofore  required  by  law. 

SKC.  18.  This  act  shall  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  February  17,  1842. 


[  No.  20.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  "an  act  relative  to  free  schools 
in  the  city  of  Detroit." 

SKCTJON  1.  Be  il  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Stale  of  Michigan, 
That  all  taxes  which  have  been,  or  may  hereafter  be  assessed  and  levied  by  the  common  council 
of  the  city  of  Detroit,  under  and  by  virtue  of  the  authority  conferred  on  said  common  council 
by  the  thirteenth  section  of  an  act,  entitled  "an  act  relative  to  free  schools  in  the  city  of  De 
troit,"  shall  be  set  forth  in  the  assessment  roll  of  said  city,  in  a  separate  column,  apart,  and 
distinguished  from  all  other  city  taxes;  and  that  the  collector  of  said  city,  shall  collect,  and  is 
hereby  authorized  and  required  to  collect  said  taxes  in  money,  and  said  collector  shall  not  be 
required  or  permitted  to  receive  in  payment  of  said  taxes,  any  liabilities  or  evidences  of  debt 
against  said  city. 

SEC.  2.  That  all  the  fifth  section  of  said  act  after  the  words  ''as  the  last  aforesaid,"  in  the 
thirteenth  line  of  said  section,  be  stricken  out,  and  thefollowing  be  inserted  in  its  place:  "shall 
be  expended  and  disbursed  by  and  under  the  authority  of  said  board  of  education,  for  the 
support  of  the  said  schools,  after  paying  all  just  and  legal  demands  existing  against  the  several 
school  districts  heretofore  existing  in  said  city:  Provided,  That  said  board  shall  not  be  KabJe 
to  pay  an  aggregate  amount  of  indebtedness  against  any  one  district,  greater  than  the  amount 
received  from  the  same  by  said  board." 

Approved  Febriuiry  13,  1843. 


[  No.   87.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  "an  act  relative  to  Free  Schools 
in  the  city  of  Detroit,"  approved  February  seventeenth,  eighteen 
hundred  and  forty-two. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  oft&e  State  of  Michigan, 
That  the  collectors  of  the  city  of  Detroit,  elected  in  the  different  wards  of  said  eity,  shall  act 
as  collectors  of  the  school  tax  assessed  and  levied  in  said  city  in  their  respective  wards,  under 


494 

and  by  virtue  of  the  provisions  of  the  act  to  which  this  act  is  amendatory;  and  that  each  of 
said  collectors  previous  to  his  entering  upon  his  duties,  shall,  in  addition  to  the  bond  now  re 
quired  by  law,  make  and  execute  to  the  board  of  education  of  said  city  of  Detroit,  a  bond  with 
two  good  and  sufficient  sureties  to  be  by  them  approved,  in  the  penal  sum  directed  by  said 
board,  conditioned  for  the  faithful  performance  of  his  duties  as  such  collector;  and  that  incase 
of  neglect  or  refusal  of  any  one  of  said  collectors  to  execute  and  obtain  such  bond  according 
to  the  provisions  of  this  section,  he  be  subject  to  a  penalty  of  one  hundred  dollars,  to  be  col 
lected  in  an  action  of  debt,  which  may  be  brought  in  any  court  in  this  State  at  the  suit  and  in 
the  name  of  the  said  board  of  education  of  the  city  of  Detroit. 

SEC.  2.  The  board  of  education  of  the  city  of  Detroit  may  elect  one  of  their  own  number 
president  of  the  board,  who  shall  perform  all  the  duties  and  be  vested  with  all  the  powers  con 
ferred  by  the  act  to  which  this  act  is  nmpndatory.  upon  the  mayor  and  recorder  of  r.nid  city  of 
Detroit,  or  cither  of  them;  and  ^H  the  proviaions  of  the  act  to  which  this  act  is  amendatory, 
providing  that  the  mayor  or  recorder  of  said  city  shall  be  president  of  said  board,  are  hereby 
repealed.  The  term  of  office  and  time  and  mode  of  election  of  said  president  to  be  prescribed 
by  said  board. 

SEC.  3.  Si-x  members  of  the  board  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  busi 
ness. 

SEC.  4.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  April  28,  184(>. 


[  No.  40.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  "an  act  relative  to  free  schools 
in  the  city  of  Detroit,"  approved  February  seventeenth,  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-two. 

SECTION  1.  Re  it  enacted  bij  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  in  addition  to  the  taxes  mentioned  in  the  act  to  which  this  act  is  amendatory,  the  common 
council  of  the  city  of  Detroit  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  levy  and  collect  a  tax  not 
exceeding  fifteen  hundred  dollars  in  any  one  year,  to  be  expended  in  the  purchase  of  lots  in 
said  city  for  the  use  of  the  public  schools  thereof,  and  in  the  erection  and  building  a  school 
house  or  school  houses,  with  the  necessary  out  buildings  and  fixtures,  on  any  lot  or  lots 
which  may  be  so  purchased,  or  any  other  lots  now  owned  by  the  board  of  education  of  said 
city,  or  which  the  said  board  may  hereafter  acquire:  Provided,  Tliat  said  tax,  when  so  levied 
and  collected,  shall  be  paid  to  the  treasurer  of  said  board  of  education,  and  be  vested  in  said 
board,  to  and  for  the  purpose  hereinbefore  stated,  and  no  other,  and  also  that  the  title  to  such 
iote  purchased  shall  also  be  vested  in  said  board  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

SBC.  2.  Said  tax  shall  not  be  levied  or  collected,  unless,  at  a  meeting  of  the  freemen  of  said 
city,  called  for  such  purpose  as  hereinafter  provided,  a  majority  of  the  freemen  present  shall 
assent  to  the  same. 

SEC.  3.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  mayor,  or  recorder,  in  case  of  the  absence  of  the  mayor, 
or  a  vacancy  in  his  office,  to  call  such  a  meeting  of  the  freemen  of  said  city,  for  the  purpose  of 
giving  their  assent  or  dissent  to  such  tax,  when  it  shall  be  requested  by  petition  signed  by 
twenty-four  freemen  of  said  city;  which  call  shall  particularly  express  the  object  of  such 
meeting,  and  shall  be  published  in  two  of  the  daily  newspapers,  published  in  said  city  of  De 
troit,  one  week  previous  to  such  meeting:  Provided,  Tliat  the  mayor  may  call  such  meeting 
upon  the  notice  herein  mentioned,  without  such  petition  at  his  own  option. 

SEC.  4.  If  the  said  mayor  or  recorder  shall  refuse  to  call  such  meeting  upon  the  presentation 
to  either  of  them  of  such  petition,  or  shall  neglect  to  do  so  for  three  days  after  the  presenta- 


495 

tioii  of  such  petition,  any  two  members  of  the  common  council  of  said  city,  may,  on  like  peti. 
tion,,  call  such  meeting  upon  a  like  notice  and  publication  thereof,  in  the  manner  and  for  the 
time  hereinbefore  specified  in  the  case  of  a  call  by  the  mayor  or  recorder.  Such  meeting  may 
be  adjourned  from  time  [to  time]  by  vote  of  a  majority  of  those  present. 

SEC.  5.  The  said  tax  shall  be  levied  and  collected  in  the  same  manner  as  the  tax  provided  for 
in  the  thirteenth  section  of  the  act  to  which  this  act  is  amendatory,  and  shall  be  consolidated 
therewith  on  the  tax  rolls;  but  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said  board  of  education  in  each  and 
every  year  when  such  tax  is  levied  and  collected,  to  separate  the  amount  thereof  from  the 
gross  amount  of  money  received  by  said  board  for  such  year,  and  set  it  apart  as  a  fund  to  be 
reserved  for  the  purposes  specified  in  the  first  section  of  this  act. 

SEC.  6.  The  board  of  education  of  the  city  of  Detroit  is  hereby  authorized  from  time  to 
time,  on  such  term  or  terms  of  payment  as  they  may  deem  proper,  to  borrow  a  sum  of  money 
net  exceeding  in  ull  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars,  for  the  purposes  specified  in  the  first 
section  of  this  act,  at  a  rate  of  interest  not  exceeding  seven  per  cent,  per  annum,  payable  semi- 
annually,  and  to  issue  the  bonds  of  said  board  in  such  form,  and  executed  in  such  manner  as 
said  boru-d  may  direct:  Provided,  That  said  board  shall  issue  no  bond  for  a  less  sum  than  fifty 
dollars:  And  provided,  That  no  such  sum  of  money  shall  be  borrowed  until  authorized  by  a 
majority  of  all  the  voters  present  at  a  meeting  to  be  called  as  provided  in  section  three. 

SEC.  7-  The  bonds  issued  under  this  act  shall  be  a  charge  upon  all  the  property  of  said  board, 
which  shall  constitute  a  security  for  the  payment  thereof:  Provided,  That  no  legal  proceedings 
shaH  be  instituted  to  enforce  such  lien  or  to  sell  any  property  of  said  board  for  the  payment  of 
the  principal  money  of  any  of  said  bonds  until  one  year  after  such  principal  shall  become  due, 
according  to  the  tenor  and  effect  thereof. 

SKC.  8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  education,  whenever  they  shall  borrow  any  money 
under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  annually  to  appropriate  a  sufficient  sum  out  of  any  money 
which  may  come  into  their  hands,  to  pay  the  interest  upon  the  same;  and  also  in  addition 
thereto,  an  annual  sum  equal  to  five  per  cent,  upon  the  amount  so  borrowed  to  be  invested 
under  the  direction  'fcf  said  board  in  bonds  of  the  city  of  Detroit,  bearing  interest  at  such  pri 
ces  as  the  same  can  be  purchased,  to  accumulate  as  a  sinking  fund  for  the  payment  of  the 
principal  of  the  sum  so  borrowed;  both  of  which  appropriations  shall  take  precedence  of  all 
others. 

Approved  March  12,  1847. 


[  No.  58.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  an  act  relative  to  Free  Schools  in 
the  city  of  Detroit. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan,, 
That  the  thirteenth  section  of  the  act  entitled  an  act  relative  to  free  schools  in  the  city  of  De 
troit,  approved  February  seventeenth,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty -two, 
be  and  the  same  is  hereby  amended  by  striking  out  the  words  "five"  and  "seventeen,"  hi  said 
section,  and  inserting  in  place  thereof  the  words  "four"  and  "eighteen;"  so  the  first  clause  in 
said  section  sliall  read  as  follows:  "The  common  council  of  said  city  are  hereby  authorized 
oooe  in  each  year  to  assess  and  levy  a  tax  on  all  the  real  and  personal  property  within  said  city, 
according  to  the  assessment  roll  of  that  year,  which  shall  not  exceed  one  dollar  for  every  child 
in  said  city  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years." 

SEO.  2.  Section  sLx  of  an  act  entitled  on  act  to  amend  an  act  entitled  an  act  relative  to  Free 
Schools  hi  the  City  of  Detroit,  approved  February  seventeenth,  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  forty-two,  is  hereby  amended  by  striking  out  all  of  said  section  six  after  the  words  "  fifty 
dollars,"  in  the  ninth  line  of  said  section,  so  that  said  section  shall  read  as  follows: 


496 

•'  The  board  of  education  of  the  city  of  Detroit  is  lier«by  authorized,  from  time  to  time,  on 
.such  term  or  terms  of  payment  as  they  may  deem  proper,  to  borrow  a  sum  of  money  not  ex 
ceeding  in  all  The  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars,  for  the  purposes  specified  in  the  first  section  of 
this  act,  at  a  rate  of  interest  not  exceeding  seven  per  cent,  per  annum,  payable  semi-annually, 
and  to  issue  the  bonds  of  said  board  in  such  form,  and  executed  in  such  manner,  as  said  board 
may  direct:  Provided,  That  said  board  shall  issue  no  bond  for  a  less  sum  than  fifty  dollars." 

SKC.  3.  The  removal  of  any  member  of  the  board  of  education  of  the  city  of  Detroit.,  from 
the  ward  for  which  he  is  elected  school  inspector,  after  such  election,  shall  not  operate  to  va- 
cate  his  office;  but  notwithstanding  such  removal,  any  inspector  so  removing  shall  continue  to 
hold  his  said  office,  and  to  be  a  member  of  said  board,  and  all  provisions  of  any  act  or  acts 
which  make  such  removal  a  vacation  of  said  office,  are  hereby  repealed:  Provided,  The  rTQO- 
val  of  such  member  shall  not  be  from  the  city. 

SEC.  4.  This  act  shall  take  efect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  *»,  1850. 


CITY    OF    ANN    ARBOR. 

SKC.  33.  The  common  council  of  said  city  is  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  pericrm  ifce 
same  duties  in  and  for  said  city  as  are  by  law  imposed  upon  the  township  boards  of  the  several 
townships  of  this  State,  in  reference  to  schools,  school  taxes,  county  and  State  taxes,  the  sup 
port  of  the  poor,  and  Stato,  district  and  county  elections;  and  the  supervisor  and  assessor,  jus 
tices  of  the  peace,  recorder,  school  inspectors,  directors  of  the  poor,  and  all  other  officers  of 
said  city  who  are  required  to  perform  the  duties  of  township  officers  of  this  State,  shall  talae 
the  oath,  give  the  bond,  perform  like  duties,  and  receive  the  same  pay  and  in  the  same  'man 
ner,  and  be  subject  to  the  same  liabilities,  as  is  provided  for  the  corresponding  townsliip  offi 
cers,  excepting  as  is  otherwise  provided  in  this  act,  or  as  may  be  provided  by  the  ordinances 
of  the  common  council. 

SKC.  33.  The  common  council  shall  have  authority  to  assess,  levy,  and  collect  taxes  on  all  the 
real  and  personal  estate  taxable  in  said  city,  which  taxes  shall  be  and  remain  a  lien  upon  the 
property  so  assessed  until  the  same  shall  be  paid:  Provided,  That  they  shall  not  raise  by  gen 
eral  tax  more  than  five  hundred  dollars  in  any  one  year,  exclusive  of  school  taxes  and  taxes  for 
highway  purposes,  unless  authorized  thereto  by  a  vote  of  the  property  tax  payers  of  said  city 
who  are  electors,  when  convened  for  that  purpose  pursuant  to  previous  notice. 

SEC.  34.  Whenever  the  common  council  shall  deem  it  necessary  to  raise  a  greater  sum  in  any 
one  year  than  five  hundred  dollars,  exclusive  of  taxes  for  school  and  highway  purposes,  they 
shall  give  at  least  five  days  notice  in  writing,  to  be  posted  up  in  five  public  places  in  said  city, 
which  notice  shall  state  the  time  and  place  of  such  meeting,  and  shall  specify  the  objects  and 
purposes  for  which  the  money  proposed  to  be  raised  is  to  be  expended;  and  when  such  meet 
ing  shall  be  assembled  in  pursuance  of  such  notice,  such  electors,  by  a  viva  vooe  vote  shafl 
determine  the  amount  of  money  which  shall  be  raised  for  each  object  specified  in  the  notice: 
Provided,  That  such  tax  shall  not  in  any  one  year  exceed  one  per  cent,  upon  the  valuation  of 
the  real  and  personal  estate  taxable  within  the  limits  of  the  city:  And  provided  also,  That  not 
more  than  two  such  meetings  shall  be  holden  in  any  one  year  to  determine  the  amount  of  tax 
to  be  raised;  at  all  such  meetings,  the  mayor,  or  in  his  absence,  the  recorder  shall  preside. 

SEO.  35.  The  common  council  may  appoint  the  aldermen  to  assist  the  supervisor  in  taking 
the  assessment  of  property  in  the  respective  wards  where  the  alderman  resides;  and  all  State, 
county  and  school  taxes  in  said  city,  and  all  city  taxes  which  shall  be  raised  by  general  tax, 
shall  be  levied  and  collected,  as  near  as  may  be,  in  the  same  manner  as  is  provided  by  ]&vr  for 
the  assessment  and  collection  of  taxes  by  township  officers;  and  all  the  proceedings  for  there- 


497 

turn,  sale,  and  redemption  of  real  estate  for  non-payment  of  taxes  shall  be  in  conformity  witfa 
the  proceedings  for  the  return,  sale  and  redemption  of  real  estate  by  township  officers. 


CITY  OF  MONROE. 

SEC.  2.  The  inliabitants  of  said  city  shall  be  liable  to  the  operation  of  any  and  all  laws  rela 
ting  to  township  government,  except  so  far  as  relates  to  the  laying  out  and  construction  of 
streets  and  highways,  and  the  labor  to  be  performed  thereon  within  the  limits  thereof. 


CITY  OF  GRAND  RAPIDS. 

SEC.  49.  The  common  council  of  said  city  is  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  perform  the 
same  duties  respecting  said  city  as  are  by  law  imposed  upon  the  township  boards  of  the  sever 
al  townships  of  this  State  in  reference  to  schools,  school  taxes,  county  and  State  taxes,  [and] 
all  the  other  matters  hereinafter  mentioned. 


INCORPORATED  LITERARY  INSTITUTIONS. 

GENERAL  LAW   IN    RELATION    TO    INCORPORATED    ACADEMIES, 
[    NO.     19.    ] 

AN  ACT  requiring  certain  returns  to  be  made  from  Incorporated 
Academies  and  other  Literary  Institutions. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  every  organized  academy 
or  literary  or  collegiate  institution,  heretofore  incorporated,  or  hereafter  to  be  incorporated,  to 
cause  to  be  made  out  by  the  principal  instructor  or  other  proper  officer,  and  forwarded  by  mail 
or  otherwise,  to  the  office  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  between  the  first  and 
fifteenth  days  of  December  in  each  year,  a  report  setting  forth  the  amount  and  estimated  value 
of  real  estate  owned  by  the  corporation,  the  amount  of  other  funds  and  endowments,  and  the 
yearly  income  from  all  sources,  the  number  of  instructors,  the  number  of  students  in  the 
different  classes,  the  studies  pursued  and  the  books  used,  the  course  of  instruction,  the  terms 
of  tuition,  and  such  other  matters  as  may  be  specially  requested  by  said  Superintendent,  or  as 
may  be  deemed  proper  by  the  president  or  principal  of  such  academies  or  institutes,  to  enable 
the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  to  lay  before  the  Legislature  a  fair  and  full  exhibit  of 
the  affairs  and  condition  of  said  institutions. 

Approved  March  4, 1839. 


AN  ACT  to  incorporate  Marshall  Academy  at  White  Pigeon. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  there  shall  be  established  at  "White  Pigeon,  in  the  county  of  St.  Joseph,  an  academy  for 
the  purpose  of  educating  youth,  the  style,  name  and  title  whereof  shall  be  and  are  hereby 
declared  to  be  ns  hereinafter  mentioned  and  defined,  that  is  to  say,  the  said  academy  shall  be 

63 


498 

under  the  direction,  management  arid  government  of  seven  trustees,  andGeo.  Bowman,  Nath'I 
Bacon,  D.  Clark,  Neal  MeGaffey,  P.  W.  Warner,  M.  Judson,  and  Henry  Chapin,  Jr.,  shall  be 
and  are  hereby  appointed  the  first  trustees.  That  the  first  meeting  of  the  trustees  under  this 
act  shall  be  held  on  the  first  Monday  of  May  next,  and  shall  hold  their  office  until  their  suc 
cessors  are  chosen  in  the  manner  hereinafter  provided. 

SEC.  2.  That  the  stock  of  funds  of  the  corporation  shall  be  considered  as  dhided  into  four 
hundred  shares,  of  fifty  dollars  each,  such  as  are  not  taken  up  being  vested  in  the  proprietors 
and  at  the  disposal  of  the  trustees.  The  stockholders  shall  meet  on  the  first  Monday  of  May, 
eighteen  hundred  and  thirty-seven,  and  annually  thereafter  on  the  first  Monday  of  May,  and 
shall  elect  by  ballot  seven  trustees  who  shall  hold  their  office  one  year  and  until  their  success 
ors  are  chosen,  and  each  share  shall  entitle  its  holder  to  one  vote;  the  stockholders  may  in 
crease  the  number  of  trustees  to  fifteen. 

SEC.  3.  That  the  shares  shall  be  considered  as  personal  property,  and  shall  be  transferable; 
but  no  transfer  shall  be  valid  unless  signed  by  the  treasurer  and  secretary,  who,  before  con 
firming  the  transfer  of  any  share  shall  first  secure  to  the  corporation  whatever  may  be  due 
thereon. 

SEC.  4.  In  case  any  holder  of  stock  in  this  company  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  pay  to  the 
treasurer  any  legal  assessment,  or  any  just  demand  for  tuition,  or  any  other  object,  the  treas 
urer  shall  have  power  under  the  direction  of  the  trustees,  after  giving  ten  days  notice  in  wri 
ting  in  some  public  place  in  White  Pigeon,  to  sell  at  auction  the  share  or  shares  of  sxich  delin 
quent,  and  after  satisfying  the  claims  of  the  company  and  reasonable  charges,  shall,  on  appli 
cation  of  the  holder  or  his  attorney,  pay  over  any  surplus  which  may  remain  from  the  proceeds 
of  the  stock  sold  under  this  provision. 

SEC.  5.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  secretary  to  make  out  and  deliver  to  any  stockholder 
at  his  request,  a  certificate  of  the  share  or  shares  he  or  she  may  hold  in  the  stock  of  this  com 
pany,  and  this  may  be  transferred,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  this  act. 

SEC.  6.  The  said  trustees  and  their  successors,  shall  forever  hereafter  be  and  they  are  hereby 
established  and  declared  to  be  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  with  perpetual  succession  in  deed 
and  in  law,  to  all  intents  and  purposes  whatsoever,  by  the  name,  style  and  title  of  "  The  Trus 
tees  of  Marshall  Academy;"  by  this  name  and  title  they  and  their  successors  shall  be  capable 
at  law  and  in  equity  of  suing  and  being  sued,  holding  property  necessary  for  the  use  of  said 
academy,  not  exceeding  twenty  thousand  dollars,  real,  personal  and  mixed,  of  buying  and 
selling,  and  otherwise  lawfully  disposing  of  the  same,  and  shall  have  power  to  make  and  u»e  a 
common  seal,  and  to  alter  the  same  at  their  pleasure;  and  further,  any  five  of  the  said  trustees 
shall  be  a  quorum;  in  case  said  number  is  increased  as  aforesaid,  any  number  nearest  two- 
thirds  of  the  whole  number  shall  be  a  quorum  to  transact  business. 

SEC.  7.  That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  and  for  the  said  trustees  from  time  to  time 
to  apply  such  part  of  their  funds  and  estate  in  such  manner  as  they  may  think  most 
conducive  to  the  promotion  of  literature  and  the  advancement  of  useful  knowledge  within  the 
State:.  Provided,  That  when  grants  shall  be  made  to  them  for  certain  use  and  purposes  therein 
expressed  and  declared,  the  same  shall  not  be  applied  either  in  whole  or  in  part  to  any  other 
uses  without  the  consent  of  the  grantor. 

Sue.  8.  The  said  corporation  shall  appoint  by  ballot  a  treasurer  and  secretary,  to  continue  in 
office  during  the  pleasure  of  the  corporation,  the  treasurer  shall  keep  fair  and  true  account* 
of  all  moneys  by  him  received  and  paid  out,  and  the  secretary  shall  keep  a  fair  journal  of  the 
meetings  and  proceedings  of  the  corporation,  in  which  the  yeas  and  nays  on  all  questions 
shall  be  entered,  if  required  by  two-thirds  of  the  trustees  present,  and  to  all  books  and  papers 
of  the  corporation  every  trustee  shall  always  have  access,  and  be  permitted  to  take  copies  of 
them. 

SEC.  9.  The  said  trustees  may  establish  an  academy  at  such  time  and  in  such  place  in  the 
township  of  White  Pigeon,  in  said  county,  as  may  seem  to  them  most  expedient,  and  it  shall 


499 

be  the  duty  of  said  trustees  to  appoint  such  preceptors,  instructors  and  other  officers  for  said 
academy  as  they  shall  think  necessary,  to  fix  their  compensation  and  to  remove  them  from 
office  when  such  trustees  shall  think  proper;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  said  trustees  to  visit 
and  inspect  said  academy,  to  examine  into  the  state  and  system  of  education  and  discipline 
therein,  and  to  make  such  by-Jaws  and  ordinances  not  inconsistent  with  the  laws  of  the  United 
States  or  of  this  State,  as  they  may  judge  most  expedient  for  the  government  of  said  academy 
or  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  trust  hereby  reposed  in  such  trustees. 

SEC.  10.  No  religious  test  whatever  shall  be  required  from  any  stockholder,  trustee,  teacher 
or  pupil;  nor  shall  the  tenets  of  any  particular  religious  denomination  be  inculcated  in  said 
academy. 

SEC.  11.  This  law  or  any  part  thereof  may  be  repealed  or  modified  by  the  Legislature:  Pro 
vided,  That  such  -mver  of  repeal  never  extend  to  divert  to  any  other  purposes  than  those 
expressL-u  tuevein,  if  any  snail  be  expressed,  any  grant  of  property  to  such  corporation;  but 
such  property  in  the  event  of  the  dissolution  of  such  corporation  shall  revert  to  the  grantor 
or  his  heirs. 

Approved  March  28,  183(J. 


[  No.  32.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Michigan  Central   College   at  Spring 

Arbor. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Elijah  Cook,  Drusus  Hodges,  Jonathan  L.  Videto,  Justus  H.  Cole,  Joseph  C.  Bailey, 
Henry  S.  Limbocker,  Lemuel  W.  Douglass,  Lewis  J.  Thompson,  and  Enos  "W.  Packard, 
and  their  successors  in  office,  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  constitxited  and  declared  a  body 
corporate,  by  the  name  and  title  of  the  Michigan  Central  College  at  Spring  Arbor,  and  shall  be 
trustees  of  the  said  college,  to  have  perpetual  succession,  capable  by  its  name  in  law  to  sue  and 
be  sued,  to  plead  and  be  imyleaded,  in  any  court  within  this  State,  and  to  receive,  possess  and 
retain  and  enjoy  any  lands,  rents,  tenements  or  hereditaments  of  what  kind  soever,  and  to  alien 
the  same,  and  also  to  purchase  any  lands  or  estates,  real  and  personal,  to  receive  any  charity, 
donation  or  bequest,  which  may  be  made  to  them,  the  said  trustees,  for  the  use  of  the  said 
college,  and  be  capable  to  sell,  lease  or  otherwise  dispose  of  any  lands,  chattels,  real  or  personal^ 
of  any  kind  whatever,  that  may  come  to  them  by  purchase,  gift,  or  bequest,  or  in  any  other 
way  whatever,  or  to  hold  the  same  in  perpetuity,  or  for  a  term  of  years:  Provided,  That  the 
property,  real  or  personal,  of  said  corporation,  shall  not  at  any  time  exceed  thirty  thousand 
dollars  on  a  just  valuation. 

SEC.  2.  There  shall  at  all  times  be  nine  trustees  of  said  college.  The  term  of  office  of  three 
of  said  trustees  shall  expire  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  January,  1846,  the  term  of  office  of  three 
more  of  thorn  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  January,  1847,  and  three  on  the  first  Wednesday  of 
January,  1848,  as  shall  be  determined  by  lot  among  themselves,  within  thirty  days  from  and 
after  the  passage  of  this  act;  at  the  expiration  of  the  regular  term  of  office  of  any,  of  the  said 
trustees,  or  their  successors  in  office,  others  shall  be  elected  in  their  stead,  and  in  case  any  of 
said  trustees  or  their  successors  should  refuse  to  act,  resign,  die,  or  remove  out  of  the  State, 
the  remainder  of  the  trustees  or  a  majority  of  them  shall  have  power  to  elect  others  in  their 
stead;  and  that  the  said  trustees  or  n  majority  of  them  shall  have  power  and  authority  to  make, 
alter  or  amend  any  by-laws  for  their  own  government,  or  regulation,  that  they  may  deem 
proper  and  necessary,  which  are  not  repugnant  to  the  laws  of  this  State  or  the  United  States, 
and  have  full  power  and  authority  to  carry  the  same  into  effeet. 


500 

SKC.  3.  The  trustees  of  the  said  college  shall  have  a  common  sen!,  which  they  may  alter  or 
renew  at  pleasure,  have  power  to  appoint  or  remove  their  professors  or  teachers,  and  to  make 
such  rules  and  regulations  therefor  as  they  or  a  majority  of  them  may  think  proper  and  expe 
dient,  and  the  said  trustees  shall  have  power  to  make  such  rules  and  regulations  for  the  admis 
sion  or  dismission  of  students,  ;is  they  may  deem  necessary. 

SEC.  4.  No  person  shall  be  excluded  from  any  privelege,  immunity  or  situation  in  said  col 
lege  on  account  of  his  religious  opinions:  Provided,  That  he  demean  himself  in  a  sober, 
peaceable  and  orderly  manner,  and  conform  to  the  rules  and  regulations  thereof. 

SBC.  5.  The  said  trustees  shall  keep  an  accurate  account  of  all  their  proceedings  in  regard  to 
the  property  granted  as  aforesaid,  and  of  all  moneys  or  valuables  received  or  expended  for  the 
benefit  of  said  college,  which,  whenever  so  required,  they  shall  lay  before  the  Legislature  for 
their  information. 

SEC.  6.  The  trustees  of  said  college  shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  all  judgments  ob 
tained  against  the  corporation:  Provided,  That  no  execution  shall  issue  against  the  individual 
property  of  said  trustees  until  the  property  of  the  corporation  shall  first  have  been  exhausted. 

SEC.  7.  The  Legislature  shall  have  power  at  any  time  to  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  net. 

Approved  March  19,  1845. 


[  No.  34.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  "  an  act  to  incorporate  the  Mich 
igan  Central  College  at  Spring  Arbor/' 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  M  ichig&n , 
That  section  two  of  said  act  be  amended  by  inserting  after  the  word  ''stead,"  in  the  ninth 
fine,  the  words  "  by  the  stockholders  of  said  college." 

Also,  add  one  new  section,  as  follows: 

SEC.  8.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  to  attend  the  exam 
inations  of  said  college  once  in  each  year,  and  to  report  at  each  annual  session  of  the  Legisla 
ture  the  condition  and  prospects  of  said  college. 

Approved  March  25,  1846. 


[  No.    121.   ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  "an  act  to  incorporate  the  Michigan 
Central  College  at  Spring  Arbor." 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  "  an  act  to  incorporate  the  Michigan  Central  College  at  Spring  Arbor,"  approved  March 
19th,  1846,  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  amended  as  follows:  by  adding  to  section  three  of  said 
act  the  following  words:  "  and  to  confer  such  degrees  and  grant  such  diplomas  as  are  usually 
conferred  and  granted  by  other  colleges:  Provided,  That  the  course  of  study  pursued  in  said 
college  shall  be  in  all  respects  as  comprehensive  and  thorough  as  that  required  or  which  shall 
hereafter  be  required  in  the  University  of  Michigan." 

SEC.  2.  The  said  college  shall  always  be  subject  to  the  visitation  and  examination  of  a  board 
of  visitors,  three  in  number,  to  be  annually  appointed  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  In 
struction,  and  such  visitors  shalJ  report  to  the  said  Superintendent  as  soon  after  an  examination 
as  practicable. 


501 

SEC.  3.  There  sljull  tit  all  times  after  the  next  annual  election  be  fifteen  trustees  of  said  col 
lege,  the  terras  of  office  of  five  of  whom  shall  expire  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  January  in 
each  and  every  year. 

SKC.  4.  The  term  of  office  of  the  additional  number  of  trustees  created  by  this  act,  shall  ex 
pire,  two  of  them  one  year,  two  of  them  two  years,  and  two  of  them  three  years,  from  and 
after  the  next  annual  election,  as  shall  be  determined  by  lot,  within  thirty  days  from  and  after 
their  election. 

SEC.  5.  The  proviso  to  section  one  of  said  act  is  also  hereby  amended,  so  as  to  read  as  fol 
lows:  Provided,  That  the  property,  real  and  personal,  of  said  corporation,  shall  not  at  any 
time  exceed  one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  6.  Said  corporation  shall  not  hold  any  real  estate  more  than  fifteen  years  after  the  same 
shall  have  been  conveyed  to  them;  excepting,  always,  such  real  estate  as  shall  be  necessary  for 
the  objects  of  said  corporation. 

SEC.  7.  This  act  shall  take  effect  immediately. 

Approved  March  20,  1850. 


AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Trustees  of  Spring  Arbor  Seminary. 

Whereas,  an  annual  conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  have  resolved  to  patron 
ize  a  literary  institution  within  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  for  the  promotion  of  arts  and  sci 
ences,  and  the  general  instruction  of  youth; 

And  whereas,  proposals  for  the  location  of  said  institution  in  Spring  Arbor,  Jackson  county, 
have  been  made  and  accepted;  therefore, 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Legislative  Council  of  the  Territory  of  Michigan,  That  the 
said  institution  be  established  at  Spring  Arbor,  on  the  site  marked  on  Farmer's  Map  "  Indian 
Village,"  to  be  known  by  the  style,  name  and  title,  of  Spring  Arbor  Seminary. 

SEC.  2.  That  A.  B.  Gibson,  Moses  Benedict,  Randall  Hobart,  W.  Smith,  B.  H.  Packard,  Hi 
ram  Thompson,  Nathan  Comstock,  Isaac  Van  Fossen,  Milton  Barney,  Marcus  Swift,  Samuel 
W.  Dexter,  William  R.  Thompson,  John  Stockton,  Elijah  Woolsey,  B.  F.  Burnet,  Orin  White, 
Wm.  Cross,  James  P.  Greves,  Daniel  Coleman,  Justus  Norris,  and  Samson  Stoddard,  are  hereby 
appointed  the  first  trustees  of  said  seminary,  with  the  power  to  fill  all  vacancies  which  mav 
occur  in  their  own  body:  Provided,  That  there  be  always  retained  in  the  board,  (which  shall 
be  confined  to  the  number  of  twenty-one,)  two-thirds,  at  least,  who  are  members  of  the  Meth 
odist  Episcopal  Church. 

SEC.  3.  That  the  said  trustees,  and  their  successors  in  office,  shall  forever  hereafter  be,  and 
they  are  hereby  declared  to  be  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  with  perpetual  succession,  in 
deed  and  in  law,  to  all  intents  and  purposes  whatsoever,  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  Trustees 
of  Spring  Arbor  Seminary;  by  which  name  and  style  they  and  their  successors  shall  be  capa 
ble  at  law  and  in  equity,  of  suing  and  being  sued,  of  holding  and  conveying  property,  real, 
personal  and  mixed:  Provided,  The  said  property  shall  be  necessary  for  the  purposes  of  the 
said  institution,  and  shall  at  no  time  exceed  in  value  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand  dollars;  they 
shall  have  power  to  make  and  use  a  common  seal,  and  to  alter  the  same  at  pleasure;  and  a  ma 
jority  of  said  trustees  shall  be  a  quorum. 

SEC.  4.  That  said  trustees  shall  have  power  to  elect  or  appoint  their  own  officers,  to  elect  or 
appoint  the  faculty  of  said  seminary,  to  fix  the  amount  of  their  salaries,  to  regulate  the  price 
of  tuition,  to  make  such  arrangements  as  may  be  necessary  to  connect  with  the  institution  the 
Manual  Labor  System,  to  pass  by-laws,  and  direct  and  manage  the  affairs  of  the  said  corpora 
tion,  in  such  manner  as  they  may  deem  best  calculated  to  promote  the  objects  of  this  act. 

SEC.  5.  That  the  conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  which  shall  now,  or  at  any 
time  hereafter,  embrace  the  locution  of  the  said  seminary  within  its  limits,  shall  be  authorized 


502 

to  appoint  annually  a  board  of  visitors,  who  shall  examine  into  the  state  thereof,  and  report 
its  condition  and  their  proceeding  to  the  conference. 

SEC.  6.  The  first  meeting  of  the  trustees  shall  be  held  at  Spring  Arbor,  on  the  second  Tues 
day  in  May,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty -five;  and  in  case  a  sufficient  number  do 
not  appear  to  do  business,  it  shall  be  lawful  for  those  who  may  be  present,  to  adjourn  from 
time  to  time,  imtil  a  quorum  shall  appcart  at  which  meeting  their  officers  shall  be  chosen,  and 
such  further  business  done  as  may  be  considered  necessary  to  carry. into  eft'ect  the  purposes 
of  this  act. 

Approved  March  23.  1835. 


[  No.  48.  J 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  "An  act  to  incorporate  the  trus 
tees  of  the  Spring  Arbor  Seminary,"  approved  March  23,  1835. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  the  trustees  of  said  seminary  shall  be  divided  by  lot,  as  may  be  provided  by  the  by-laws 
of  said  trustees,  into  four  classes,  to  be  numbered  first,  second,  third  and  fourth  class;  those 
falling  into  the  first  class  shall  go  out  of  office  in  one  year  from  the  first  day  of  May  next;  the 
second  class  shall  go  out  of  office  in  two  years  from  the  first  day  of  May  next;  the  third  class 
shall  go  out  of  office  in  three  years  from  the  first  day  of  May  next;  and  tha  fourth  class 
shall  go  out  of  office  in  four  years  from  the  first  day  of  May  next;  and  the  vacancies  shall  be 
filled  by  the  remaining  trustees,  at  their  first  general  meeting,  after  said  vacancies  shall  occur. 

SEC.  2.  Said  trustees  are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  sell  and  give  a  deed  of  any 
lands  which  they  now  own  and  are  desirous  of  selling;  and  any  deed  by  them  made  for  the 
conveyance  of  any  land  by  them  sold,  shall  be  good  and  valid  in  law,  to  convey  the  title  of  said 
land  to  the  purchaser  or  purcliasers,  excepting  twenty  acres  of  land  on  which  said  seminary  is 
uow  located. 

Approved  March  17,  1837. 


;[  No.  53.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  "An  act  to  incorporate  the  trus 
tees  of  Spring  Arbor  Seminary,"  passed  March  23,  1835. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  the  above  recited  act  shall  be  so  amended  that  there  shall  hereafter  be  only  thirteen  trus 
tees  instead  of  twenty-one. 

SEC.  2.  The  location  shall  be  changed  from  Spring  Arbor  to  Albion,  in  the  county  of  Cal- 
houn. 

SEC.  3.  The  name  of  said  seminary  shall  hereafter  be  "the  Wesleyan   Seminary,  at  Albion." 

SEC.  4.  The  following  persons  shall  be  the  first  trustees  of  said  seminary,  viz:  Elijah  Crane, 
Elijah  H.  Pilcher,  Benjamin  II.  Packard,  Almon  Herrick,  Alvan  Billings,  Thomas  W.  Pray, 
Marvin  Hannahs,  Jesse  Crowcll,  Jesse  Gu.  iluer,  Wareham  Warner,  Peter  Williamson,  and  Ar- 
za  C.  Robinson. 

SEC.  5.  The  principal  of  said  seminary  .shall  hereafter  be  appointed  by  the  conference  of  the 
Methodist  Epispocal  church,  within  whose  bounds  the  seminary  is  or  may  be  located. 

SEC.  6.  All  lands  heretofore  conveyed  to  said  seminary  on  condition  of  its  being  located  at 
Spring  Arbor,  shall  be  reconveyed  to  the  donors  or  their  legal  representatives;  and  all  sub- 


503 

scriptioiis  made  on  like  condition,  shall  be  released  at  the  option  of  the  subscribers,  and  ail 
nmds  paid  on  such  subscriptions  shall,  if  required,  be  repaid  to  the  subscribers,  by  the  trus 
tees  of  the  seminary,  and  compensation  shall  be  made,  if  required,  for  all  the  materials  deliv 
ered,  or  services  rendered  on  account  of  the  Spring  Arbor  seminary. 

SEC.  7.  The  first  meeting  of  trustees  shall  be  held  at  Albion  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  of 
.April,  1839.  The  principal  shall  be  ex-officio  a  trustee  and  the  president  of  the  board;  and  un 
til  a  principal  is  employed,  the  trustees  may  appoint  one  of  their  number  president.  The  trus 
tees  may  hold  real  and  personal  property  in  trust  for  said  seminary,  not  exceeding  in  valxi« 
one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  8.  This  act  shall  take  effect  from  after  its  passage. 

Approved  April  12,  1S39. 


[  No.  11.  J 

AN  ACT  amendatory  to  the  several  acts  incorporating  the  trustees 
of  the  Wesleyan  Seminary  at  Albion. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representative?  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Loring  Grant,  Elijah  Crane,  Elijah  II.  Pilcher,  Benjamin  H.  Packard,  James  8.  Harrison, 
Almon  Herrick,  Thomas  W.  Pray,  Marvin  Hannahs,  Jesse  Crowel,  Jesse  Gardner,  Wareham 
Warner,  Peter  Williamson  and  Arza  C.  Robinson  shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  a 
body  corporate  by  the  name  of  the  "Wesleyan  Seminary  at  Albion,"  and  shall  be  the  trustees 
of  said  corporation,  for  the  purpose  of  further  establishing,  maintaining  and  conducting  the 
seminary  of  learning,  tor  the  education  of  youth  generally,  located  at  the  village  of  Albion,  in 
the  county  of  Calhoun. 

SEC.  2.  There  shall,  at  all  times,  be  thirteen  trustees  of  the  said  corporation,  a  majority  of 
whom  shall  be  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  and  shall  be  divided  into  three 
classes,  to  be  numbered  one,  two,  three;  the  places  of  the  first  class,  or  number  one,  shall  be 
come  vacant  in  one  year  from  the  first  regular  meeting  of  the  board,  after  the  passage  of  this 
act,  (at  which  time  the  division  shall  be  made  by  lot;)  the  places  of  the  second  class,  or  num 
ber  two,  shall  become  vacant  in  two  years,  and  the  third  class,  or  number  three,  shall  become 
vacant  in  three  years  from  said  meeting:  Provided,  however,  That  the  said  trustees  shall  contin 
ue  to  act  until  others  are  appointed  in  their  places. 

SEC.  3.  The  said  trustees  shall  have  power  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  their  own  board,  to  make 
by-laws  for  their  own  government,  to  elect  or  appoint  the  faculty  of  the  institution,  except  the 
principal,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Michigan  Annual  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episco 
pal  Church;  to  prescribe  the  course  of  stiidy,  attend  examinations  and  regulate  the  government 
and  instruction  of  the  students,  and  manage  the  affairs  of  said  corporation,  in  such  manner  as 
they  may  deem  best  calculated  to  promote  the  object  of  this  act. 

SEC.  4.  The  said  trustees  shall  be  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  of  receiving,  holdingand 
conveying  property,  real  and  personal:  Provided  always,  That  the  annual  income  shall  not 
exceed  ten  thousand  dollars;  they  shall  have  power  to  make  and  use  a  common  seal,  and  to  al 
ter  the  same  at  pleasure. 

SEC.  5.  No  proceedings  of  the  trustees  of  the  Spring  Arbor  seminary,  had  or  done  according 
to  the  provisions  %f  the  act  entitled  "An  act  to  incorporate  the  trustees  of  the  Spring  Arbor 
seminary,"  approved  March  25,  1835,  or  any  act  amendatory  thereof,  or  according  to  any  other 
law,  shall  be  rendered  invalid  by  the  passage  of  this  act;  nor  shall  any  subscription,  dona 
tion,  bond,  mortgage,  or  other  security,  executed  to  said  trustees,  be  in  any  way  invalidated 
by  the  passage  of  this  act. 


504 

SEC.  6.  Aii  aete'or  parte  of  acts  that  relate  to  the  Spring  Arbor  Seminary,  or  to  the  Wes 
leyan  Seminary  at  Albion,  which  arc  inconsistent  -with,  or  contravene  the  provisions  of  thi> 
act,  are  hereby  repealed;  but  the  repeal  shall  in  no  vnse  affect  any  thing  lawfully  done  under 
said  act. 

f  SBC.  7.  This  act  .shall  be,  and  is  hereby  declared  a  public  act;  no  nonuser  of  the  privileges 
hereby  granted^to  said  corporation,  shall  create  or  produce  any  forfeiture  of  the  same,  and  no 
misnomer  of  the  said  corporation,  in  any  deed,  will,  testament,  gift,  grant,  demise,  or  other  in 
strument,  contract,  or  conveyance,  shall  defeat  or  vitiate  the  same:  Provided,  The  corporation 
be  sufficiently  described  to  ascertain  the  intention:  Provided  further,  That  no  rights  or  privi 
leges  legally  vested  and  existing  at  the  time  of  the  passage  of  this  act,  shall  be  impaired  by  the 
provisions  of  the  same. 

SEC.  8.  This  act  shall  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

SEC.  9.  The  legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act,  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  each  house. 

Approved  March  6,  1841. 


[  No.  9.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  an  act  "amendatory  to  the  several 
acts  incorporating  the  Trustees  of  the  Wesleyan  Seminary  at 
Albion." 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  the  words  "  the  said  trustees  shall  have  power  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  their  own  board," 
in  the  first  and  second  lines  of  section  three  of  an  act  entitled,  an  act  amendatory  to  the  several 
acts  incorporating  the  trustees  of  the  Wesleyan  Seminary  at  Albion,  approved  March  6th, 
1841,  be  stricken  out,  and  that  said  section  be  amended  to  read  as  follows:  "That  the  power  to 
fill  all  vacancies  accruing  in  the  board  of  trustees  of  said  Wesleyan  Seminary  at  Albion,  by 
removal,  death,  expiration  of  term  of  office,  or  otherwise,  is  hereby  and  hereafter  vested  in  the 
Michigan  Annual  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  who  shall  elect  said  trustees 
by  ballot.  All  provisions  in  the  act  to  which  this  is  amendatory,  to  the  contrary  notwithstand 
ing:  Provided,  The  trustees  who  are  now  in  office  shall  continue  therein  until  the  next  meeting 
of  the  said  annual  conference,  and  that  there  shall  then  be  an  election  of  one  class  of  trustees. 
and  a  like  election  at  each  session  of  said  conference  thereafter.  Each  trustee  so  elected  shall 
receive  a  certificate  from  the  secretary  of  said  conference,  which  certificate  shall  be  recorded 
in  the  county  register's  office  of  the  county  of  Calhoun,  and  said  trustees  shall  have  power  to 
make  by-laws  for  their  own  government,  to  elect  or  appoint  the  faculty  of  the  institution,  ex  - 
cept  the  principal,  who  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Michigan  annual  Conference  of  the  Methodist. 
Episcopal  Church,  to  prescribe  the  course  of  study,  attend  the  examinations,  and  regulate  thr 
government  and  instructions  of  the  students,  and  manage  the  affairs  of  said  corporation  in 
such  manner  as  they  may  deem  best  calculated  to  promote  the  object  of  this  act." 

SEC.  2.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  February  17, 1845. 


505 

[  No.  28.   j 

AN  ACT  to  enlarge  the  powers  of  the  Trustees  of  the   Wesleyan 
Seminary  at  Albion. 

SiiCT'"'>  I.  He  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  the  trustees  of  the  Wesleyan  Seminary  at  Albion,  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and 
empowered  to  establish  at  Albion,  as  a  branch  of  said  Seminary,  a  Female  College,  with  powers 
and  privileges  usually  appertaining  to  such  institutions,  under  the  style  and  title  of  the  Albion 
Female  Collegiate  Institute. 

SEC.  2.  That  the  principal  of  said  seminary  shall  l>?  president  of  said  collegiate  institute,  and 
ex-officio  a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees.  The  trustees  shall  have  power  to  appoint  such 
professors  and  teachers  as  may  at  any  time  be  necessary  for  the  instruction  of  the  pupils  there 
in,  and  shall  have  full  power  to  make  such  rules  and  regulations,  not  inconsistent  with  the 
laws  of  this  State,  as  they  may  deem  expedient  for  the  goverment  and  conduct  of  said  collegiate 
institute,  to  prescribe  such  course  of  study  and  such  mode  of  instruction  therein  as  they  may 
judge  best;  and,  on  the  recommendation  of  the  faculty,  to  confer  on  those  pupils  whom  they 
shall  judge  worthy  thereof,  all  such  literary  honors  as  are  usually  conferred  by  the  best  female 
colleges  and  seminaries  of  the  highest  rank:  Provided  however,  That  nothing  contained  in  this 
act  sliall  be  so  construed  as  to  confer  the  power  upon  the  trustees,  officers  or  faculty  of  this 
collegiate  institute  to  confer  literary  degrees  upon  males  edxicated  at  this  institution,  and  that 
the  course  of  study  shall  be  at  least  equal  in  extent  to  the  graduating  course  published  in  the 
catalogue  of  the  Wesleyan  Seminary  at  Albion,  for  the  years  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-eight 
and  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-nine. 

SEC.  3.  That  the  annual  income  of  said  institution  may  equal  but  not  exceed  the  sum  of 
twenty  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  4.  That  no  certificate  of  free  tuition  in  suid  seminary  shall  entitle  the  holder  thereof  to 
free  tuition  in  the  said  collegiate  institute,  unless  it  be  so  expressed  on  the  face  of  the  instru 
ment. 

SEC.  5.  That  all  acts  or  parts  of  acts  relating  to  the  Wesleyan  Seminary  at  Albion,  contra 
vening  the  provisions  of  this  act,  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  repealed. 

SEC.  6.  A  board  of  visitors,  consisting  of  three  persons,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Superin 
tendent  of  Public  Instruction,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  once  in  each  year  to  make  a  personal 
examination  into  the  state  of  said  Seminary  and  Female  Collegiate  Institute  in  all  its  depart 
ments,  and  to  report  the  result  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  suggesting  such 
improvements  as  they  may  deem  important;  which  report  he  may  in  Ids  discretion  embody  in 
his  annual  report. 

SEC.  7.  This  corporation  shall  be  subject  to  the  provisions  of  chapter  fifty-five  of  the  revised 
statutes,  so  far  as  the  same  shall  be  consistent  with  the  provisions  of  this  act. 

SEC.  8.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  February  IS,  1850. 


[  No.  105.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  "  an  act  to  incorporate  the  Mich 
igan  and  Huron  Institute." 

Sucno??  1.  Be  it  enactedby  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  the  Michigan  and  Huron  Institute,  located  at 
Ka&mazoo ,  shall  be.  and  the  same  is  hereby  known  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  Kalamazoo 

Literary  Institute. 

64 


506 

SEC.  2.  The  truscees  shall  faithfully  apply  all  funds  by  them  collected,  or  hereafter  collected, 
according  to  their  best  judgment,  in  erecting  suitable  buildings;  in  supporting  suitable  in 
structors,  officers  and  agents;  in  procuring  books,  maps,  charts,  globes,  philosophical,  chemical 
and  other  instruments  and  apparatus,  necessary  to  aid  in  the  promotion  of  sound  learning  in 
said  institution. 

SEC.  3.  The  treasurer  of  said  institute  and  all  other  agents,  when  required  by  the  trustees, 
shall,  before  entering  upon  the  duties  of  their  office,  give  bonds  for  the  security  of  said  cor 
poration  in  such  penal  sum  as  the  board  of  trustees  shall  require. 

SKC.  4.  All  process  against  said  corporation  shall  be  by  summons;  the  service  of  the  samo 
shall  be  by  leaving  an  attested  copy  of  the  same  with  the  treasurer  of  t";.e  corporation,  at  least 
thirty  days  before  the  return  day  thereof. 

Sec.  5.  The  said  institute  and  departments  shall  be  open  to  all  Christian  denominations,  and 
the  profession  of  any  religious  faith  shall  not  be  required  of  those  who  become  students;  all 
persons  may,  however,  be  expelled  or  suspended  from  the  privileges  of  suid  institution,  whose 
habits  are  idle  or  vicious,  or  whose  moral  character  is  bad. 

SEC.  6.  The  trustees  may  receive  by  gift,  grant  or  donation,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of  said 
corporation,  any  land,  money  or  materials;  and  the  said  corporation  may  hold  estate,  real, 
personal  or  mixed,  not  exceeding  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  7.  It  shall  be  at  all  times  open  to  the  inspection  of  any  committee  or  other  assent  ap 
pointed  by  the  Legislature;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  officers  of  said  institute  at  all  times 
to  exhibit  to  any  committee  or  agent  appointed  by  the  Legislature,  a  full  and  complete  state 
ment  of  the  general  or  particular  concerns  of  the  institute. 

SEC.  8.  It  shall  be  at  all  times  competent  for  the  Legislature  to  alter  or  amend  this  act,  by  ft 
vote  of  two-thirds  of  each  house. 

SEC.  9.  So  much  of  the  act  to  which  this  is  an  amendment  as  contravenes  the  provisions  of 
this  act,  is  hereby  repealed. 

Approved  March  21,  1837. 


[  No.  1.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  enable  the  President  of  the  board  of  Trustees  of  the 
Kalamazoo  Literary  Institute,  to  sell  and  convey  real  estate. 


SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  J 
That  the  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Kalamazoo  literary  institute  be  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  sell  and  convey  by  proper  deeds  and  assurances,  such- 
parts  or  portions  of  the  lands  and  real  estate  belonging  to  said  institute,  and  for  such  considera 
tions,  and  on  such  terms  and  conditions  as  the  trustees  of  said  institute  or  a  majority  of  them,  at 
any  meeting  regularly  called,  may  direct  to  be  sold  and  conveyed:  Provided,  such  terms  and 
conditions  be  not  inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of  an  act  entitled  "An  act  to  incorporate  the 
Michigan  and  Huron  institute,"  and  the  act  to  amend  the  same,  approved  March  21st,  A.  D. 
1837. 

SEC.  2.  That  before  the  said  president  shall  sell  and  convey  any  such  lands  or  real  estate,  he 
shall  execute  to  the  said  trustees  and  their  suco^s=;ors  in  office,  a  bond  with  such  surety  or 
sureties  as  shall  be  deemed  sufficient  by  sai  1  trustees,  or  a  majority  of  them,  for  the  faithful 
application  of  the  moneys  or  proceeds  of  such  sale  or  sales,  according  to  the  provisions  of  an  act 
entitled  "an  act  to  amend  an  net  entitled  'an  act  to  incorporate  the  Michigan  and  Huron  insti 
tute,'  "  approved  on  the  21st  day  of  March,  A.  1).  1837,  and  according  to  the  by-laws  or  regu 
lations  of  said  institute. 


507 

SEC.  3.  That  nil  acts  and  parts  of  acts  inconsistent  with  the  provisions  of  this  net,  be  and 
the  same  are  hereby  repealed. 
Approved  January  29,  !«3P. 


[  No.  78.  1 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Tecumseh  Academy. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Sc?iatc  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  George  W.  Jermain,  Stillman  Blanc-hard,  Henry 
L.  Hewett,  George  Spafford,  Seneca  Hale,  Daniel  Pittman,  Daniel  G.  Finch,  Ezra  F.  Blood  and 
Michael  A.  Patterson,  of  the  county  of  Lenawee,  and  their  successors,  be  and  they  arc  hereby 
constituted,  ordained  and  declared  to  be  a  body  corporate  and  politic  in  fact  and  in  name,  to  be 
styled  "the  trustees  of  the  Tecumseh  Academy;"  that  by  that  name  they  and  their  successors 
shall  and  may  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  be  persons  in  law  capable  of  suing  and  be 
ing  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  answering  and  being  answered,  defending  and  being 
defended  in  all  courts  of  record  whatever,  and  in  all  manner  of  suits,  actions,  complaints, 
matters  and  causes  whatever;  and  that  they  and  their  successors  may  have  a  common  seal,  and 
change  and  alter  the  same  at  their  pleasure;  and  that  they  and  their  successors,  by  the  name 
of  the  trustees  of  the  Tecumseh  Academy,  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and  holding  by 
purchase,  gift,  grant,  devise,  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any 
estate,  real,  personal,  or  mixed,  for  the  use  of  said  corporation;  and  that  they  and  their  suc 
cessors  shall  have  full  powers  to  make  and  enter  into  contracts,  to  make  such  rules  and  by 
laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the  good  government  and  success  of  said  institution: 
Provided,  Such  by-laws  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United 
States,  or  of  this  State. 

Sec.  2.  Said  trustees  of  Tecumseh  Academy,  shall  have  power  to  establish,  at  such  time  and 
at  such  place  in  the  village  of  Tecumseh  and  county  of  Lenawee,  as  they  may  judge  best,  an 
institution  for  the  instruction  of  youth,  suited  to  the  wants  and  demands  of  the  surrounding 
country. 

Sec.  3.  That  the  said  George  W.  Jermain,  Stillman  Blanchard,  Henry  L.  Hewett,  George 
Spaftbrd,  Seneca  Hale,  Daniel  Pittman,  Daniel  G.  Finch,  Ezra  F.  Blood  and  Michael  A.  Patter 
son  shall  be  the  trustees  of  said  academy,  and  have  and  exercise  the  power  and  franchise  here 
in  granted,  until  others  be  appointed  in  their  place;  they  and  their  successors  shall  have  power 
to  fill  all  vacancies  in  their  own  body,  which  may  happen  by  death,  resignation  or  otherwise; 
they  shall  appoint  a  president  of  said  academy,  who  shall,  ex-officio,  be  president  of  the  board 
of  trustees,  and  have  the  power  of  giving  the  casting  vote,  in  case  of  an  equal  division;  a  ma 
jority  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

SEC.  4.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  faithfully  apply  all  funds,  in  money  or  otherwise,  by  them 
collected,  received  or  acquired,  according  to  their  best  judgment,  in  erecting  suitable  build 
ings,  supporting  the  necessary  officers  and  instructors,  in  procuring  books,  maps,  or  other  ar 
ticles  necessary  to  insure  the  success  of  said  acadamy,  or  in  lessening  the  expense  of  education 
at  the  same,  or  in  improving  the  health  of  the  students  belonging  thereto. 

SEC.  5.  All  process  against  said  corporation  shall  be  by  summons,  and  the  service  of  the 
same  shall  be  by  leaving  an  attested  copy  thereof  with  the  president  of  said  academy,  or  in  his 
absence,  at  his  last  usual  place  of  abode,  at  least  five  days  previous  to  the  return  day  thereof. 

SEC.  6.  That  at  the  first  meeting  of  said  trustees,  they  divide  themselves  into  three  classes  of 
three  members  each;  the  term  of  office  of  the  first  class  shall  terminate  at  the  end  of  the  first 
year;  the  term  of  office  of  the  second  class  shall  terminate  at  the  end  of  the  second  year;  and 


508 

•the  term  of  office  of  the  third  ciu»a  shall  terminate  at  the  end  of  the  third  vear,  so  that  one- 
third  of  the  number  of  trustees  shall  be  chosen  annually. 

SEC.  7.  Tills  act  shall  be  favorably  construed  to  effect  the  purposes  thereby  intended,  and 
the  same  is  hereby  declared  to  be  a  public  act,  and  copies  thereof,  printed  by  authority  of  the 
State,  shall  be  received  as  evidence  thereof  in  nil  courts  of  this  State. 

Sec.  8.  The  legislature  shall  have  the  power  at  any  time  of  amending  or  repealing  this  act, 
fay  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  both  brandies. 

Approved  April  2,  1KW. 


[  No.  50.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Trustees  of  the  Grand  River  Theological 

Seminary. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Stale  of  Michigan, 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  Isaac  Jennings,  Thomas  Blossem,  John  J.  Shipherd, 
Josiah  Yale,  Erastus  Ingersoll,  Charles  W.  Gurney,  Samuel  Chadwick  and  E.  P.  Ingersoll,  be 
and  they  are  hereby  constituted,  ordained  and  declared  to  be  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  in 
fact  and  name,  to  be  styled  "  The  trustees  of  Grand  River  Theological  Seminary;"  that  by  that 
name,  they  and  their  successors  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  be  persons 
in  law  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  of  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  of  answering  and 
being  answered,  of  defending  and  being  defended,  in  all  courts  of  record  whatever,  and 
in  all  manner  of  suits,  actions,  complaints,  matters  and  causes  whatever;  and  that  they 
and  their  successors  may  have  a  common  seal,  and  change  and  alter  the  same  at  their 
pleasure;  and  thut  they  and  their  successors,  by  the  name  of  "  The  trustees  of  the  Grand 
River  Theological  Seminary,"  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and  holding,  by  pur- 
•  chase,  gift,  grant,  devise,  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any 
estate,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  for  the  use  of  said  corporation;  and  that  they  and  their  succes 
sors  shall  have  full  powers  to  make  and  enter  into  contracts;  to  make  such  rules  and  by-laws 
as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the  good  government  and  success  of  said  institution:  Provided, 
That  such  by-laws  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  or 
of  this  State. 

SEC.  2.  Said  trustees  of  Grand  River  Theological  Seminar}*,  shall  have  power  to  erect,  in  the 
village  of  Orion,  in  Eaton  and  Clinton  counties,  (the  county  line  running  through  the  village.) 
such  buildings  as  they  may  judge  the  interests  of  the  institution  may  at  any  time  demand. 

SEC.  3.  That  the  several  individuals  named  above  as  trustees,  shall  have  power  to  increase 
their  number  to  twelve;  that  they  and  their  successors  shall  have  power  to  fill  all  vacancies  in 
their  own  body  which  may  be  occasioned  by  death,  resignation  or  otherwise,  to  appoint  a  pres 
ident  of  said  Seminary,  who  shall,  ex-officio,  be  president  of  the  board  of  trustees,  and  have 
the  power  of  giving  the  casting  vote  in  case  of  an  equal  division;  and  three  trustees,  together 
•with  the  president,  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

Sec.  4.  The  board  shall  faithfully  apply  all  funds  in  then-  possession  in  such  a  manner  as,  in 
their  judgment,  will  most  promote  the  interest  of  the  institution. 

SEC.  5.  The  president  and  several  professors  of  the  Seminary  shall  constitute  the  Faculty,  who 
shall  have  power  to  govern  the 'students  and  all  the  internal  regulations  of  the  institution. 

SEC.  6.  All  professors  shall  be  appointed  by  the  board  of  trustees,  with  the  concurrence  of 
•the  Faculty. 


509 

Siic.  7.  All  process  against,  said  corporation  shall  IHJ  by  summons,  and  the  service  of  the 
shall  be  by  leaving  au  attested  copy  thereof  with  the  president  of  said  Seminary,  or  in  his  ab 
sence  at  his  last  usual  place  of  abode,  at  least  five  days  previous  to  the  return  day  thereof. 

SEC.  8.  At  the  first  meeting  of  said  trustees,  they  shall  divide  themselves  into  three  classes  of 
four  members  each,  exclusive  of  the  president;  the  term  of  office  of  the  first  class  shall  termi 
nate  at  the  end  of  the  first  year,  the  term  of  office  of  the  second  class  shall  terminate  at  the  end 
of  the  second  year,  and  the  term  of  office  of  the  third  class  shall  terminate  at  the  end  of  the 
third  year,  so  that  one  third  part  of  the  trustees  shall  be  chosen  annually. 

SKC.  9.  This  act  shall  be  favorably  construed  to  effect  the  purposes  thereby  intended,  and  the 
same  is  hereby  declared  to  be  a  public  act,  and  copies  thereof,  printed  by  the  authority  of  the 
State,  shall  be  received  as  evidence  thereof  rn  all  the  courts  of  this  State. 

SEC.  10.  The  Legislature  shall  have  power  at  any  time  to  amend  or  repeal  this  act  by  a  vote  of 
two-thirds  of  both  branches  thereof. 

Approved  April  11,  1R39. 


[  No.  41.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the    Grass  Lake  Academy  and  Teacher's 

Seminary. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the.  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Aloiuo  Brewer,  James  Faulkner,  Henry  A.  Francisco,  Robert  Davis,  John  M.  Ellis,  Josh 
ua  G.  Knight,  David  Duraud,  Foster  Tucker,  James  Courier,  William  H.  Pease,  JonaB.  Taylor, 
Peter  Brown,  Job  Rice,  Miller  Yeckley  and  Joshua  Jones,  of  Grass  Lake,  Jackson  county,  and 
their  successors,  be  and  hereby  are  created  a  body  politic  and  corporate,,  to  be  styled  "The  board 
of  trustees  of  the  Grass  Lake  Academy  and  Teacher's  Seminary,"  and  by  that  name  to  remain, 
in  perpetual  succession,  with  full  powers  to  sue  and  be  sued;  to  acquire,  hold  and  convey  prop 
erty,  real  and  personal;  to  have  and  to  use  a  common  seal,  to  alter  and  renew  the  same  at  plea 
sure;  to  make  and  to  alter  from  time  to  time  such  by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the 
government  of  said  institution,  its  officers  and  servants:  Provided,  Such  by-laws  are  not  incon 
sistent  with  the  constitution  of  this  State  or  of  the  United  States. 

SEC.  2.  The  said  Academy  shall  be  located  in  the  township  of  Grass  Lake,  in  the  county  of 
Jackson,  and  shall  be  erected  on  a  plan  sufficiently  extensive  to  afford  instruction  in  the  liberal 
arts  and  sciences,  and  in  the  languages,  as  opportunity  and  ability  may  hereafter  admit,  or  the 
trustees  direct. 

SEC.  3.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  from  time  to  time  appoint  such  officers  and  instructors, 
and  also  such  servants  of  the  institution  as  may  be  necessary,  and  shall  have  power  to  displace 
any  or  each  of  them  for  good  and  sufficient  reasons.  They  may  also  have  power  to  expel  any  of 
their  own  members  for  dishonorable  and  improper  conduct,  whenever  two-thirds  of  the  board 
at  any  regular  meeting  shall  concur  in  such  decision.  The  board  may  also  prescribe  tie 
course  of  studies  to  be  pursued  in  said  institution  or  its  departments.  They  shall  also  have 
power  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  said  board  that  may  happen  by  death  or  otherwise. 

SEC.  4.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  consist  of  fifteen  members,  any  seven  of  whom  may  con 
stitute  a  quorum  for  doing  business;  and  said  board  of  trustees  shall  hold  their  first  meeting  at 
Grass  Lake  Centre,  on  the  first  Monday  of  May,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-nine, 
and  afterwards  on  their  own  appointments;  but  in  any  emergency,  the  president  of  the  board, 
with  advice  of  two  trustees,  may  call  a  special  meeting  of  the  board,  or  any  five  members  may 
call  such  meeting:,  by  jrivin-r  notice  to  each  member  at  least  ten  days  l>efore  the  time  of  said 
meeting. 


510 

SEC.  5.  The  board  of  trustees  sbuil  faithfully  apply  all  funds  collet-ted  or  received  by  them, 
according  to  their  best  judgment,  in  erecting  suitable  buildings,  supporting  instructors,  in  pro 
curing  books  and  apparatus,  and  whatever  may,  in  their  judgment,  be  best  fitted  to  promote 
the  best  success  of  the  institution;  but  said  corporation  shall  not,  under  any  circumstances,  be 
permitted  to  issue  any  note,  bill  or  other  negotiable  paper  or  obligation  for  the  payment  of  mo 
ney:  Provided,  That  in  case  any  bequest  or  donation  shall  be  made  for  a  particular  purpose' 
accordant  to  the  design  of  this  institution,  and  the  corporation  shall  accept  and  receive  the  same, 
it  shall  be  applied  in  conformity  to  the  conditions  or  design  expressed  by  the  donor:  Provided 
further,  That  the  property  to  be  held  by  the  institution  shall  not,  at  any  one  time,  exceed  the 
sum  of  twenty  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  6.  The  treasurer  of  tins  institution  shall  always,  and  all  other  agents  when  required, 
before  entering  on  the  duties  of  their  appointment,  give  bonds  for  the  security  of  iho  corpora 
tion  and  the  public,  in  such  penal  sums  and  vrith  such  securities  as  the  board  of  trustees  shall 
approve;  and  all  process  against  the  corporation  shall  be  by  summons,  and  the  service  of  the 
same  shall  be  by  leaving  an  attested  copy  thereof  with  the  treasurer  of  the  institution. 

SEC.  7.  The  institution  hereby  incorporated,  shall  always  be  subject  to  the  examination  or 
inspection  of  a  board  of  visitors,  or  any  officers  appointed  or  authorized  by  the  Legislature. 

SEC.  8.  The  Legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act,  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  each  house. 

Approved  April  4,  1839. 


[  No.  60.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  Marshall  College. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  anil  Hov.«e  of  Represe ntatires  of  the  State  of  Michigan. 
That  John  P.  Cleveland,  Sidney  Ketchum  and  James  P.  Greves,  of  the  county  of  Calhoun;  John 
M.  Ellis,  William  Page  and  Marcus  Harrison,  of  the  county  of  Jackson;  Ira  M.  Wead,  of  the 
county  of  Washtenaw;  Eurotus  P.  Hastings,  Robert  Stuart  and  Arthur  L.  Porter,  of  the  county 
of  Wayne;  Austin  E.  Wing  and  Oliver  Johnston,  of  the  county  of  Monroe;  George  W.  Jermain, 
of  the  county  of  Lenawee;  Ashbel  S.  Wells,  of  the  county  of  Oakland:  Mitchell  Hinsdell,  of  the 
county  of  Kalamazoo;  Elisha  P.  Champlin,  of  the  county  of  Hillsdale,  and  Phanuel  W.  Warri- 
ner,  of  the  county  of  St.  Joseph,  and  their  successors,  be  and  they  are  hereby  created  a 
body  politic  and  corporate,  to  be  styled  "the  board  of  trustees  of  Marshall  College,"  and  by  that 
name  shall  remain  in  perpetual  succession,  with  full  powers  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be 
impleaded;  to  acquire,  hold  and  convey  property,  real  and  personal;  to  have  and  to  use  a  com 
mon  seal,  to  alter  and  renew  the  same  at  pleasure;  to  make  and  alter,  from  time  to  time,  such 
by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the  government  of  said  institution,  its  officers  and  ser- 
rants;  provided  such  by-laws  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United 
States,  or  of  this  State. 

SEC.  2.  The  said  college  shall  be  located  in  the  township  of  Marshall,  in  the  county  of  Cal 
houn;  and  shall  be  erected  on  a  plan  sufficiently  extensive  to  afford  instruction  in  the  liberal 
arts  and  sciences;  and  the  trustees  may,  as  their  abilities  shall  increase,  and  the  interests  of  the 
community  require,  erect  additional  departments  for  the  study  of  any  or  all  of  the  liberal  pro 
fessions. 

SEC.  3.  The  board  shall,  from  time  to  time,  appoint  a  president,  vice  president,  secretary  and 
treasurer,  together  with  such  other  officers,  instructors  and  servants  of  the  institution,  as  may  be 
necessary;  and  shall  have  power  to  displace  any  or  either  of  them,  for  good  and  sufficient  rea 
sons;  and  also  to  fill  vacancies  which  may  happen  by  death,  resignation  or  otherwise,  in  said 


511 

[>oard,  or  among  said  officers,  instructors  and  servants;  and  also  to  prescribe  and  direct  the 
course  of  study  to  be  pursued  in  said  institution  and  its  departments. 

SEC.  4.  The  president  of  the  college  shall  be,  ex-officio,  a  member  of  the  board  of  trustees, 
and  president  of  the  same;  and  in  his  absence,  the  vice  president  shall  preside  in  the  meetings 
of  the  board;  and  in  the  absence  of  both  president  and  vice-president,  the  board  shall  elect 
one  of  their  own  number  to  preside  for  the  time  being. 

SEC.  5.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  consist  of  sixteen  members,  exclusive  of  the  president, 
any  nine  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum  to  do  business;  said  board  of  trustees  shall  hold 
their  first  meeting  at  the  (-.ill  of  the  members  resident  in  the  village  of  Marshall,  within  two 
months  from  the  approval  of  this  act,  and  afterwards  they  shall  meet  on  their  own  appoint 
ments;  but  in  cases  of  emergency,  the  president  and  secretary  may  call  special  meetings  of  the 
board,  or  i'iy  five  members  mny  call  such  meeting,  by  giving  notice  to  each  member,  at  least 
ton  <Iaj~o  before  tlio  tiuic  of  t>ucli  meeting. 

S*.c.  6.  The  boaijd  of  trustees  shall  faithfully  apply  all  funds  collected  or  received  by  them, 
according  to  their  best  judgment,  in  erecting  suitable  buildings,  supporting  the  necessary  offi 
cers,  instructors  and  servants,  both  in  the  collegiate  and  preparatory  departments,  and  in  pro 
curing  books,  maps,  charts,  globes  and  other  apparatus  necessary  to  the  success  of  the  institu 
tion  or  for  the  purposes  of  lessening  the  expense  of  education  or  promoting  the  health  of  the 
students:  Provided,  nevertheless,  That  in  case  any  donation  or  bequest  shall  be  made  for  par 
ticular  purposes  accordant  with  the  general  designs  of  this  institution,  and  the  corporation 
shall  accept  and  receive  the  same,  every  such  donation  or  bequest  shall  be  applied  in  confor 
mity  with  the  condition  or  design  expressed  by  the  donor.  ' 

SEC.  7.  The  treasurer  of  the  college  shall  always,  and  all  other  agents  when  required,  before 
entering  on  the  duties  assigned  them,  give  bonds  for  the  security  of  the  corporation  and  of  the 
public,  in  such  penal  sums,  and  with  such  sureties,  as  the  board  of  trustees  shall  approve;  and 
all  process  against  the  institution  shall  be  by  summons,  and  the  service  of  the  same  shall  be  by 
ieaving  an  attested  copy  thereof  with  the  treasurer  of  the  college,  at  least  thirty  days  before  the 
return  thereof. 

SKC.  8.  The  institution  hereby  incorporated  shall  always  be  subject  to  the  examination  or  in 
spection  of  a  board  of  visitors,  or  of  any  officer  or  officers  appointed  or  authorized  by  the  le 
gislature:  and  after  said  institution  shall  have  commenced  operations,  the  Governor,  by  and 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate,  shall  annually  appoint  three  disinterested  persons, 
not  connected  with  the  aforesaid  or  any  other  literary  institution  in  the  State,  as  a  board  of 
visitors,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  visit  said  institution,  at  its  annual  collegiate  commencement, 
or  at  such  other  time  or  times  as  they  may  deem  expedient,  or  be  directed  thereto  by  the  legisla 
ture,  and  report  the  result  of  their  visit  and  examination  into  its  condition  and  affairs,  to  the 
legislature  at  its  next  annual  session.  The  necessary  expenses  of  said  board  of  visitors,  in  vis 
iting  and  examining  said  institution,  not  exceeding  to  each  visitor  the  sum  of  thirty  dollars, 
.shall  be  chargeable  on  and  paid  from  the  funds  of  said  corporation. 

SEC.  9.  The  trustees  shall  have  power  to  confer  the  honors  and  degrees  usually  conferred  by 
coUegiate  institutions  upon  those  whom  they  may  deem  worthy,  when  it  shall  appear  from  the 
report  of  the  board  of  visitors,  on  the  report  of  a  committee  appointed  by  the  legislature, 
that  the  institution  is  possessed  of  permanent  funds,  yielding  an  average  yearly  income  of  at 
least  five  thousand  dollars,  exclusive  of  any  income  arising  from  tuition  fees,  or  other  annual 
contingent  contributions:  Provided,  however,  That  the  primary  degrees  shall  not  be  con 
ferred  on  any  students,  who  shall  not  have  passed  through  a  course  of  studies,  similar  or  equiv 
alent  to,  and  at  least  as  thorough  as  that  prescribed  by  the  regents  of  the  University  for  candi 
dates  for  the  like  degrees 

SBC.  10.  This  act  shall  not  take  effect  until  all  the  subscribers  to  a  college  contemplated  to  be 
established  at  or  near  the  village  of  Marshall,  by  the  name  of  Michigan  College,  who  may  so 
request  the  same,  shall  have  had  an  opportunity  of  withdrawing  their  subscriptions,  and  a  gunr- 


512 

antee  lor  twenty  thousand  dollars  for  said  proposed  college,  given  by  Sidney  Keuiiurn,  John  D. 
Pi«ree  and  A.  L.  Havs,  of  Marshall,  shall  have  been  released,  and  all  moneys  advanced  on  said 
subscriptions  or  guarantee  refunded,  if  requested  by  the  respective  individuals  advancing  such 
moneys,  or  their  legal  representatives. 

SEC.  11.  The  legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  aer,  by  a  vote  of  two- 
thirds  of  each  house. 

Approved  April  16,  1839. 


[  No.  51.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Marshall  Female  Seminary. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  Sidney  Ketch um,  Oliver  C.  Comstock,  Azrah  C. 
Robinson,  Jabez  S.  Fitch,  James  P.  Greves,  Thompson  S.  Hollister,  Samuel  Buel,  Daniel  Hud 
son,  and  James  W.  Gordon,  of  the  county  of  Calhoun,  and  their  successors,  be  and  they  are 
hereby  constituted,  ordained  and  declared  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  under  the  name  and 
style  of  "  The  Marshall  Female  Seminary;"  that  by  that  name,  they  and  their  successors  shall 
and  may  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  be  persons  in  law,  capable  of  suing  and  being 
sued,  pleading  and  being  imp  leaded,  answering  and  being  answered,  defending  and  being  defend 
ed  in  all  courts  of  record  whatever,  and  in  all  manner  of  suits,  actions,  complaints,  matters  and 
causes  whatever;  and  that  they  and  their  successors  may  have  a  common  seal,  and  change  and 
alter  the  same  at  their  pleastire;  and  that  they  and  their  successors,  by  the  name  of  the  "Mar 
shall  Female  Seminary,"  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and  holding  by  purchase,  gift, 
grant,  devise,  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any  estate,  real,  per 
sonal  or  mixed,  for  the  use  of  said  corporation;  and  that  they  and  their  successors  shall  have 
full  power  to  make  and  enter  into  contracts;  to  make  such  rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may  deem 
necessary  for  the  good  goverment  and  success  of  said  institution:  Provided,  Such  by-laws  are 
not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  or  of  this  State. 

SKC.  2.  Said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  establish  at  such  time  and  at  such  place,  in  or 
near  the  village  of  Marshall,  in  the  county  of  Calhoun,  as  may  be  judged  best,  an  institution 
for  the  education  of  females,  suited  to  the  wants  and  demands  of  the  surrounding  country. 

SEC.  3.  That  there  shall  be  nine  trustees  of  said  Seminary:  Provided,  nevertheless,  That  no 
more  than  three  of  said  trustees  shall  be  taken  from  any  one  denomination  of  Christians,  and 
that  Sidney  Ketchum,  Oliver  C.  Coinstock,  Azrah  C.  Robinson,  Jabez  S.  Fitch,  James  P.  Greves, 
Thompson  S.  Hollister,  Samuel  Buel,  Daniel  Hudson  and  James  W.  Gordon,  shall  be  such 
trustees,  and  have  and  exercise  the  power  and  franchise  herein  granted,  until  others  be  ap 
pointed  in  their  place;  and  they  and  their  successors  shall  have  power  to  fill  all  vacancies  in 
their  own  body,  which  may  happen  by  death,  resignation  or  otherwise;  they  shall  appoint  one 
of  their  number  president  of  said  Seminary,  who  shall  be  ex-officio  president  of  the  board  of 
trustees,  and  have  the  power  of  giving  the  casting  vote,  in  case  of  an  equal  division;  a  majority 
shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

SEC.  4.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  faithfully  apply  all  funds,  in  money  or  otherwise,  by  them 
collected,  received  or  acquired,  according  to  their  best  judgment,  in  erecting  suitable  buildings, 
supporting  the  necessary  officers  and  teachers,  in  procuring  books,  maps,  or  other  articles 
necessary  to  insure  the  success  of  said  Seminary. 

SEC.  5.  AH  process  against  such  corporation  shall  be  by  summons,  and  the  service  of  the 
same  shall  be  by  leaving  an  attested  copy  thereof  with  the  president  of  said  Seminary,  or  in 
his  absence,  at  his  last  usual  place  of  abode,  at  least  six  days  previous  to  the  return  day  thfflreof 


513 

SEC.  6.  This  act  shall  be  favorably  construed  to  effect  the  purposes  thereby  intended,  and 
the  same  is  hereby  declared  a  public  act,  and  copies  thereof,  printed  by  authority  of  the  Stoke, 
shall  be  received  as  evidence  thereof  in  all  courts  of  this  State. 

SEC.  7.  The  Legislature  shall  have  the  power,  at  any  time,  of  amending  or  repealing  this 
act,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  both  branches. 

Approved  April  11,  183.9. 


[  No.  65.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  St.  Philip's  College. 

SECTION  1.  Re  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  the  Right  Reverend  Frederick  Rese,  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of  Detroit,  and  his  sucoea- 
sors  in  said  office  of  Bishop  of  Detroit,  duly  appointed  by  the  See  of  Rome,  be  and  are  hereby 
ordained,  created  and  constituted  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  in  fact  and  in  name,  under  and 
by  the  name  of  St.  Philip's  College,  and  by  that  name  he  and  his  successors  shall  have  perpet 
ual  succession,  and  shall  be  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded, 
answering  and  being  answered  unto,  defending  and  being  defended,  in  all  suits,  complaints, 
matters  and  causes  whatsoever,  either  in  law  or  equity;  of  having  and  using  a  common  seal; 
of  enacting  all  by-laws  for  the  regulation  of  said  college,  and  of  the  members  thereof;  of  alter 
ing  from  time  to  time  the  same;  of  acquiring  by  gift,  devise,  purchase  or  otherwise,  and  of 
holding  and  conveying  any  real,  personal  or  mixed  estate  whatsoever,  necessary  and  proper' 
for  the  object  of  this  incorporation;  of  transacting  all  business,  directing  all  the  affairs,  con 
trolling  and  disposing  of  all  the  funds,  estate  and  effects  of  said  college,  and  of  doing  every 
other  act,  matter  and  thing  necessary  and  proper  for  the  well  being  and  good  government  of 
the  same,  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States,  or  of  this 
State. 

SEC.  2.  Said  Bishop  and  his  successors  shall  keep  in  existence  and  operation  a  collegiate 
institution,  under  the  name  of  St.  Philip's  College,  for  the  purpose  and  on  a  plan  sufficient  to 
afford  instruction  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences;  which  institution  may  be  increased  so  as  to 
afford  an  opportunity  for  the  study  of  the  liberal  professions.  The  college  shall  be  located  in 
the  county  of  Wayne. 

SEC.  3.  The  said  Bishop  and  his  successors  shall,  from  time  to  time,  appoint  such  officers, 
instructors  and  servants  of  the  institution,  as  may  be  necessary  or  proper;  and  also  to  die- 
place  any  or  either  of  them;  to  fill  all  vacancies,  and  to  prescribe  and  direct  the  course  of  study 
to  be  pursued  in  said  college  and  its  departments. 

SEC.  4.  The  said  Bishop  and  his  successors  may,  in  contemplation  of  absence,  and  whenever 
it  may  be  necessary  so  to  do,  choose  and  appoint  in  writing,  under  the  corporate  seal,  some 
proper  person  to  fill  his  place,  who,  until  said  appointment  be  revoked  by  said  Bishop  or  his 
successors,  may  do  and  perform  every  thing  for  the  welfare,  conduct  and  regulation  of  said 
college,  which  said  Bishop  and  his  successors  might  and  could  do  by  virtue  of  this  act;  and  in 
the  event  of  a  vacancy  occurring  at  any  time  in  the  said  office  of  Roman  Catholic  Bishop  of 
Detroit,  by  death  or  otherwise,  upon  such  occurrence,  and  until  the  vacancy  be  filled  according 
to  the  rites  and  ceremonies  of  said  church,  the  person  filling  at  that  time  the  office  of  vicar 
general  of  the  diocese  of  Detroit,  shall  represent  said  corporation,  and  do  and  perform,  under 
said  corporate  name,  every  act  and  thing,  and  exercise  every  power  and  authority  which  said 
Bishop  and  his  successors  are  hereby  granted  and  vested  with;  but  as  soon  as  said  vacancy 
shall  be  filled  as  aforesaid,  and  the  person  filling  the  same  arrives  in  said  diocese,  then  the  pow 
ers  and  authority  hereby  vested  in  said  vicar  general  shall  cease. 

65 


514 

SBC.  5.  The  institution  hereby  incorporated  shall  always  be  subject  to  the  examination  of  a 
board  of  visitors,  three  in  number,  to  be  annually  appointed  by  the  governor,  by  and  with  the 
advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate;  and  said  visitors  shall  report  to  the  Legislature,  at  its  next 
annual  session  after  their  appointment  and  examination  of  said  institution. 

SEC.  6.  The  said  Bishop  and  his  successors  shall  have  power  to  confer  the  honors  and  degrees 
usually  conferred  by  collegiate  institutions,  upon  such  persons  as  may  be  deemed  worthy,  when 
it  shall  appear  from  the  report  of  the  board  of  visitors,  or  the  report  of  the  committee  ap 
pointed  by  the  Legislature:  Provided  however,  That  the  primary  degrees  shall  not  be  conferred 
on  any  students  who  shall  not  have  passed  through  a  course  of  studies  equivalent  to  and  as 
thorough  as  that  prescribed  by  the  Regents  of  the  University  for  candidates  for  degrees. 

SKC.  7.  The  Legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act. 

Approved  April  16,  1839. 


[  No.  15.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Allegan  Academy. 

SKCTIOS  1 .  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Samuel  Newberry,  Elisha  Ely,  Silas  F.  Littlejohn,  Chester  Wetmore,  Elihu  G.  Hackley, 
Abraham  J.  Deederick,  Eber  Sherwood,  Joseph  Fisk,  Nathan  Mason,  Jr.,  Jacob  B.  Bailey, 
Amos  P.  Bush,  and  Flavius  J.  Littlejohn,  all  of  the  county  of  Allegan,  and  their  successors, 
be  and  they  are  hereby  created  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  to  be  styled  "  The  Board  of 
Trustees  of  the  Allegan  Academy,"  and  by  that  name  shall  remain  in  perpetual  succession, 
trith  full  powers  to  acquire,  hold  and  convey  property,  real  and  personal,  not  exceeding  in 
value  five  thousand  dollars;  to  have  and  use  a  common  seal,  and  alter  the  same  at  pleasure;  to 
sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded;  to  make,  alter  and  modify  from  time  to  time,  such 
by-laws,  rules  and  regulations  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the  government  of  said  institu 
tion,  its  officers  and  employees:  Provided,  Such  by-laws,  rules  and  regulations  are  not  incon 
sistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  «,f  the  United  States  and  of  this  State. 

SEC.  2.  Said  Academy  shall  be  located  in  or  near  the  village  of  Allegan,  and  shall  be  erected 
upon  a  plan  sufficiently  extensive  and  commodious  for  the  purposes  of  an  academic  institu 
tion;  and  the  said  trustees,  as  the  wants  of  the  community  require,  may  erect  additional  de 
partments  for  instruction  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences. 

SEC.  3.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  consist  of  twelve  members,  maintaining  a  perpetual  suc 
cession  by  the  annual  election  of  four  to  supply  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  expiration  of 
the  term  of  a  like  number. 

SEC.  4.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  annually  elect  from  then-  number  a  president,  secretary 
and  treesurer,  and  shall,  from  time  to  time,  appoint  a  principal  and  other  necessary  instruc 
tors  and  officers  of  the  institution,  and  shall  have  power,  for  good  and  sufficient  reasons,  to 
remove  any  or  either  of  them;  and  also  to  fill  vacancies  which  may  happen  by  death,  resigna 
tion  or  otherwise,  and  also  to  prescribe  and  direct  the  general  plan  of  instruction,  the  books 
to  be  used,  and  the  tuition  fee  per  term  or  quarter  in  said  institution  and  its  departments. 

SEC.  5.  Said  board  shall  faithfully  apply  all  funds  by  them  collected,  in  money  or  otherwise, 
and  all  sums  received  or  required  in  erecting  suitable  buildings,  supporting  the  necessary  offi 
cers  and  teachers,  and  in  procuring  books,  maps  or  other  articles  necessary  to  ensure  the  suc- 
•oess  of  said  institution,  or  for  the  purpose  of  reducing  the  expense  of  instruction. 

Sao.  6.  A  public  examination  of  the  students  in  the  various  branches  of  study  by  them 
pursued,  shall  be  had  at  the  close  of  each  term,  and  a  public  exhibition  sliall  be  had  once  in 
each  ye«ir,  at  such  tune  and  place  as  the  board  of  trustees  shall  from  tune  to  time  designate. 


515 

SEC.  7.  The  first  annual  meeting  of  said  board  of  trustees  shall  be  holdeu  on  the  first  Mon 
day  of  September  next,  and  special  meetings  of  the  same  may  be  called  at  any  time,  on  the 
application  of  two  members  to  the  secretary,  who  shall  forthwith  proceed  to  notify  the  board 
of  the  time  and  place  of  such  meeting. 

SEC.  8.  That  the  said  trustees  shall  be  held  indivdually  liable  for  all  debts  contracted  by  said 
corporation. 

SEC.  9.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  February  2,  1843. 


[  No.  76.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Grand  Rapids  Academy. 

SECTION  1.  Beit  enacted  by  thf  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Stale  of  Michigan, 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  Daniel  Ball,  John  Almy,  James  Ballard,  Francis 
H.  Cuinming,  Jonathan  F.  Chubb,  Charles  Shepard,  Samuel  F.  Butler,  Amos  Rathbone  and 
Truman  H.  Lyon,  of  the  county  of  Kent,  and  their  successors,  be  and  they  are  hereby  consti 
tuted  and  declared  to  be  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  in  fact  and  in  name,  to  be  styled  "the 
Trusteees  of  the  Grand  Rapids  Academy;"  that  by  that  name  they  and  their  successors  shall 
and  may  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  be  persons  in  law  capable  of  suing  and  being 
sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  answering  and  being  answered,  defending  and  being  de 
fended,  in  all  courts  of  record  whatever,  and  in  all  manner  of  suits,  actions  or  complaints 
whatever;  and  that  they  and  their  successors  may  have  a  common  seal,  and  change  and  alter 
the  same  at  their  pleasure;  and  that  they  and  their  successors,  by  the  name  of  the  Trustees  of 
the  Grand  Rapids  Academy,  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and  holding,  by  purchase, 
gift,  grant,  devise,  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing,  any  estate,  real, 
personal  or  mixed,  for  the  use  of  said  corporation,  for  the  purposes  hereinafter  mentioned, 
and  no  other;  and  that  no  sale  of  real  estate  shall  be  made  without  the  vote  of  two-thirds  of 
all  the  trustees,  and  that  they  and  their  successors  shall  have  full  power  to  make  and  enter 
into  contracts,  to  make  such  rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the  good  gov 
ernment  and  success  of  said  institution:  Provided,  Such  by-laws  are  not  inconsistent  with  the 
constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  or  of  this  State:  And  provided  further.  That  the 
amount  of  the  property  held  by  such  corporation  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  thirty  thousand 
dollars. 

SEC.  2.  Said  trustees  of  Grand  Rapids  Academy  shall  have  power  to  establish  at  such  time, 
and  at  such  place  at  or  near  the  village  of  Grand  Rapids,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  as  they  may 
judge  best,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  of  youth  in  the  various  branches  of  literature. 

SEC.  3.  That  the  said  Daniel  Ball,  John  Almy,  James  Ballard,  Francis  H.  Cuinming,  Jona 
than  F.  Chubb,  Charles  Shepard,  Samuel  F.  Butler,  Amos  Rathbone  and  Truman  H.  Lyon, 
shall  be  trustees  of  said  Academy,  and  have  and  exercise  the  power  and  franchise  herein 
granted,  until  others  be  appointed  in  their  places;  they  and  their  successors  shall  have  power 
to  fill  all  vacancies  in  their  own  body,  which  may  happen  by  death  or  resignation.  They  shall 
appoint  a  president  of  said  Academy,  who  shall,  ex-officio,  be  president  of  the  board  of  trus 
tees,  and  have  the  power  of  giving  the  casting  vote  in  case  of  an  equal  division;  a  majority 
shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business,  except  otherwise  determined  by  the 
rules  and  by-laws  which  may  hereafter  be  adopted  by  the  board. 

SEC.  4.  That  at  the  first  meeting  of  said  trustees,  they  shall  divide  themselves  into  three 
classes  of  three  members  each;  the  term  of  office  of  the  first  class  shall  terminate  at  the  end 
of  the  first  year;  the  term  of  the  office  of  the  second  class  shall  terminate  at  the  end  of  the 


516 

second  year;  and  the  term  of  the  office  of  the  third  class  shall  terminate  nt  the  end  of  the  third 
year;  so  that  one-third  of  the  number  of  trustees  shall  be  chosen  annually. 

SEC.  5.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  apply  all  funds  in  money  or  otherwise,  by  them  collected, 
received  or  acquired,  according  to  their  best  judgment,  in  erecting  and  keeping  in  repair 
suitable  buildings,  supporting  the  necessary  officers  and  instructors,  in  procuring  books,  maps, 
or  other  articles,  necessary  to  insure  the  success  of  said  institution,  or  in  lessening  the  expense 
of  education  at  the  sam»,  or  improving  the  health  of  the  students  belonging  thereto. 

SKC.  6.  Any  three  of  the  before  mentioned  trustees  are  hereby  authorized  to  call  and  name 
the  time  and  place  for  the  first  meeting  of  the  board,  and  this  act  is  hereby  declared  to  be  a 
public  act,  and  copies  thereof  printed  by  authority  of  the.  State,  shall  be  received  as  evidence 
thereof  in  all  courts  of  this  State. 

SEC.  7.  The  Legislature  shall  have  the  power  at  any  time  of  amending  or  repealing  this  act. 

Approved  March  11,  1844. 


[  No.    52.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Utica  Female  Seminary. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Ephraim  Calkin,  Samuel  Axford,  William  A.  Burt,  John  Stockton,  Jeremiah  Curtis,  Ja 
cob  Summers,  Oliver  Adams,  Charles  W.  Chapel,  David  M.  Price,  Pliny  Powers,  George  Gor 
don,  Gurdon  G.  Dcshon,  together  with  such  other  persons  as  may  become  members  of  the 
incorporation,  hereby  created,  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  to  be  a 
body  corporate  and  politic,  by  the  name  of  the  Utica  Female  Seminary,  and  in  their  corporate 
name  may  sue  and  be  sued,  may  have  a  common  seal,  which  they  may  renew  at  pleasure, 
and  shall  have,  enjoy,  and  may  exercise,  all  the  powers,  rights  and  privileges,  which  appertain 
to  corporate  bodies  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act. 

SEC.  2.  The  capital  stock  of  the  said  corporation,  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  five  thousand 
dollars,  and  shall  be  divided  into  shares  of  ten  dollars  each. 

SEC.  3.  The  corporation  hereby  created,  shall  be  forever  capable  in  law  to  purchase,  take, 
receive,  hold  and  enjoy,  any  estate,  real  and  personal  whatever,  to  an  amount  not  exceeding 
five  thousand  dollars,  and  to  lease,  sell  and  convey,  or  otherwise  dispose  of  the  same. 

SEC.  4.  Tliere  shall  be  forever  hereafter  twelve  trustees  of  the  said  corporation,  who  shall  be 
members  thereof,  and  who  shall  manage  all  the  affairs  thereof;  and  the  first  trustees  shall  be 
Ephraim  Calkin,  Samuel  Axford,  William  A.  Burt,  John  Stockton,  Jeremiah  Curtis,  Jacob 
Summers,  Oliver  Adams,  Charles  W.  Chapel,  David  M.  Price,  Pliny  Powers,  George  Gordon, 
and  Gurdon  G.  Deshon,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  until  the  first  day  of  January,  1845,  and 
until  others  are  elected  in  their  place. 

SEC.  5.  There  shall  be,  on  the  first  Monday  in  January,  1845,  and  on  the  first  Monday  in  Jan 
uary,  in  every  succeeding  year,  a  general  meeting  of  the  members  of  said  corporation,  at  some 
convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Utica,  to  be  designated  by  the  by-laws  of  said  corporation; 
and  a  majority  of  the  members  who  shall  meet  in  person  or  by  proxy,  shall  elect  by  ballot 
twelve  of  their  members  to  be  trustees  of  the  said  corporation  for  the  year  then  next  ensuing. 

SEC.  6.  The  trustees  of  said  corporation  sliall  have  power  to  choose  from  out  of  their  num 
ber,  a  president,  a  treasurer,  and  a  secretary,  who  shall  immediately  enter  upon  the  duties  of 
their  offices,  and  hold  the  same  from  the  time  of  their  election  until  the  first  Monday  of  Jan 
uary  of  the  ensuing  year,  and  until  others  are  chosen  in  their  stead;  and  in  case  any  of  the 
trustees  shall  die,  resign,  refuse  or  neglect  to  act,  then,  and  in  every  such  case,  the  remaining 
trustees  may,  within  thirty  days  thereafter,  elect  by  ballot  other  members  of  said  corporation 
in  their  stead,  who  sliall  hold  then*  offices  in  tire  same  manner  as  those  first  elected. 


517 

SEC.  7.  Each  member  to  be  entitled  to  one  vote  for  each  share  of -which  he  shall  be  the 
holder.  And  the  said  trustees  shall  receive  subscriptions  for  shares  in  said  corporation,  until 
the  capital  stock  may  be  subscribed;  the  said  shares  shall  be  assignable  and  transferable,  ac 
cording  to  such  rules  as  the  board  of  trustees  shall  from  time  to  time  make  and  establish,  and 
shall  be  considered  personal  property. 

SEC.  8.  In  case  it  should  at  any  time  happen,  that  an  election  of  the  trustees  should  not 
be  made  on  any  day  when,  pursuant  to  this  act,  it  ought  to  have  been  made,  the  said  corpora 
tion  shall  not  for  that  cause,  or  any  non-user,  be  dissolved;  but  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful,  on 
any  other  day,  to  hold  an  election  for  trustees  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  provided  by  the  laws 
and  ordinances  of  the  said  corporation. 

SEC.  9.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  11,  1844. 


[  No.  76.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Ann  Arbor  Female  Seminary. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan^ 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  James  Kingsley,  Thomas  Mosley,  Fitch  Hill,  Ed 
win  Lawrence,  Luther  Boyden,  Thomas  Wood  and  Samuel  W.  Dexter,  of  the  county  of  Wash- 
tenaw,  and  their  successors,  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted,  ordained  and  declared  a  body 
corporate  and  politic  under  the  name  and  style  of  "the  Ann  Arbor  Female  Seminary;"  that  by 
that  name  they  and  their  successors  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  be 
persons  in  law  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  answering  and 
being  answered,  defending  and  being  defended  hi  all  courts  of  record  whatever,  and  in  all 
manner  of  suits,  actions,  complaints,  matters  and  causes  whatever,  and  that  they  and  their  suc 
cessors  may  have  a  common  seal,  and  change  and  alter  the  same  at  then-  pleasure,  and  that  they 
and  their  successors,  by  the  name  of  "the  Ann  Arbor  Female  Seminary,"  shall  be  in  law  capa 
ble  of  acquiring  and  holding  by  purchase,  gift,  grant,  devise,  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  sell 
ing,  conveying  or  leasing  any  estate,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  for  the  use  of  said  corporation, 
not  exceeding  ten  thousand  dollars,  and  that  they  and  their  successors  shall  have  full  power  to 
make  and  enter  into  contracts,  to  make  such  rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for 
the  good  government  and  prosperity  of  said  institution:  Provided,  Such  by-laws  are  not  in 
consistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  or  of  this  State. 

SEC.  2.  Said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  establish  m  or  near  the  village  of  Ann  Arbor 
in  said  county  of  Washtenaw,  an  institution  for  the  education  of  females. 

SEC.  3.  Of  the  said  seminary  there  shall  be  seven  trustees,  and  the  above  named  persons  shall 
be  such  trustees,  and  shall  have  and  exercise  the  power  and  franchise  herein  granted  until  others 
be  appointed  in  their  place;  that  they  and  their  successors  shall  have  power  to  fill  all  vacancies 
in  their  own  body  which  may  happen  by  death,  resignation,  or  otherwise,  to  appoint  a  presi 
dent,  secretary  and  treasurer  of  their  own  body,  and  to  prescribe  such  studies  and  regulations 
in  said  institution  as  to  them  shall  seem  best. 

SEC.  4.  Said  trustees,  or  a  majority  of  them,  shall  hold  their  first  meeting  in  the  said  village 
of  Ann  Arbor,  on  the  first  Monday  of  May  next;  and  the  president  and  secretary  of  said  board 
of  trustees  may  at  any  time  call  a  meeting  of  said  board,  by  giving  six  days  notice  of  the  same 
to  the  said  trustees,  and  that  a  majority  of  said  trustees  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business. 

SEC.  5.  Said  trustees  shall  faithfully  apply  all  funds  in  money,  or  otherwise,  by  them  col 
lected  or  acquired,  according  to  their  best  judgment  in  the  erection  of  suitable  buildings,  in 
the  support  of  necessary  officers  and  teachers,  and  in  procuring  a  suitable  library  and  other 
articles  necessary  to  insure  the  success  of  said  institution. 


518 

SEC.  6.  All  process  against  said  corporation  shall  be  by  summons,  and  the'serviee  of  the  same 
shall  be  by  leaving  an  attested  copy  with  the  president  of  said  board  of  trustees,  or  in  his  ab 
sence,  at  his  last  place  of  abode,  at  least  six  days  previous  to  the  return  day  thereof. 

SEC.  7.  This  act  is  hereby  declared  a  public  act,  and  copies  thereof,  printed  by  the  authority 
of  the  State,  shall  be  received  as  evidence  thereof  in  all  courts  of  this  State. 

SEC.  8.  The  legislature  may  amend  or  repeal  this  act  at  any  time  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of 
each  branch  thereof. 

SEC.  9.  The  trustees  of  said  seminary  shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  all  judgments 
obtained  against  the  corporation:  Provided,  That  no  execution  shall  issue  against  the  individ 
ual  property  of  said  trustees  until  the  property  of  the  corporation  shall  first  have  been  ex 
hausted:  And  provided  further,  That  any  trustee  resigning,  shall  not  thereby  be  released  from 
any  liability  accrued  during  the  period  while  he  was  such  trustee  until  a  responsible  successor 
shall  be  appointed  and  enter  upon  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 

SEC.  10.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  24,  1845. 


[  No.  75.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Ypsilanti  Seminary. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan^ 
That  Lymaii  H.  Moore  and  William  Moore,  of  the  county  of  Washtenaw,  and  their  successors 
in  office,  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  in  fact 
and  in  name,  to  be  styled  the  proprietors  of  the  Ypsilanti  Seminary;  by  that  name  they  and 
their  successors  in  office  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  be  persons  in  law 
capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  answering  and  being  answered 
unto,  defending  and  being  defended  in  all  courts  whatever. 

SEC.  2.  That  they  and  their  successors  in  office  may  have  a  common  seal  and  change  the 
same  at  their  pleasure.  That  they  and  their  successors  in  office,  by  the  name  of  the  proprie 
tors  of  the  Ypsilanti  Seminary,  shall  be  capable  in  law  of  acquiring  and  holding  by  purchase, 
gift,  grant,  devise,  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any  estate,  real, 
personal  or  mixed,  for  the  purposes  hereinafter  mentioned,  and  none  other;  and  that  they  and 
their  successors  in  office  shall  have  full  power  to  make  and  enter  into  contracts,  to  make  such 
rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the  good  government  and  success  of  said 
seminary:  Provided,  Such  by-laws  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the 
"United  States  and  of  this  State:  And  provided  further,  That  the  amount  of  property  held  by 
such  corporation  shall  never  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  3.  Said  proprietors  shall  have  power  to  establish  and  continue  in  the  township  of  Ypsi 
lanti  a  seminary  of  learning,  for  the  instruction  of  persons  in  the  various  branches  of  litera 
ture,  or  to  continue  the  institution  now  established  and  known  as  the  Ypsilanti  Seminary. 

SEC.  4.  The  individual  as  well  as  corporate  property  of  said  proprietors  and  their  successors 
in  office  shall  be  liable  for  all  debts  against  the  said  corporation,  and  may  be  proceeded  against 
jointly  or  severally  as  in  the  case  of  debts  against  individuals. 

SEC.  5.  The  legislature  may  at  any  time  amend  or  repeal  this  act. 

SEC.  6.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  24,  1845. 


519 

[  No.  8.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Adrian  Seminary. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Parley  J.  Spalding,  Alfred  W.  Budlong,  William  Wolcott,  Theodore  D.  Billings,  James 
J.  Newell,  Charles  R.  Watson,  Daniel  D.  Sinclair,  Harry  Wood  and  Francis  J.  King,  together 
with  such  other  persons  as  may  be  associated  with,  and  may  become  stockholders  of  the  in 
corporation  hereby  created,  shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  a  body 
corporate  and  politic,  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  "  Adrian  Seminary;"  and  in  their  corpo 
rate  name  may  sue  and  be  sued,  defend  and  be  defended  in  all  courts  of  this  State;  may  have  a 
common  seal  which  they  may  renew  or  change  at  pleasure,  and  shall  have,  enjoy  and  exercise 
all  the  powers,  rights  and  privileges  which  appertain  to  corporate  bodies,  for  the  purposes 
expressed  in  this  act. 

Sec.  2.  The  capital  stock  of  the  said  corporation  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand 
dollars,  and  shall  be  divided  into  shares  of  ten  dollars  each. 

SEC.  3.  The  said  corporation  hereby  created  shall  be  capable  in  law  of  acquiring  and  hold 
ing  by  purchase,  gift,  grant,  devise,  bequest,  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling  and  conveying  or 
leasing  any  estate,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act,  and  none 
other;  and  the  trustees  thereof  and  their  successors  in  office,  shall  have  full  power  to  make 
and  enter  into  contracts,  to  establish  such  rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for 
the  good  government  of  the  said  seminary,  and  for  the  holding  and  disposing  of  its  property 
and  effects  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act,  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and 
laws  of  this  State:  Provided,  That  the  amount  of  property  held  and  owned  by  such  corpora 
tion  shall  never  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  4.  There  shall  be  nine  trustees  of  the  said  corporation,  who  shall  be  stockholders  there 
of,  and  who  shall  manage  and  control  all  the  affairs  of  the  same,  maintaining  perpetual  suc 
cession,  three  of  whom  shall  be  elected  at  the  annual  meeting  in  each  year,  to  fill  the  vacancy 
of  a  like  number,  whose  term  of  office  shall  expire  upon  the  election  of  their  successors;  and 
the  persons  named  in  the  first  section  of  this  act  shall  be  the  first  trustees;  and  the  said  nine 
trustees  shall,  at  their  first  meeting,  proceed  to  cast  lots  for  the  terms  of  one,  two  and  three 
years,  by  drawing  numbers;  and  the  three  persons  who  shall  draw  the  three  highest  numbers 
shall  hold  their  office  for  the  term  of  three  years  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  January,  A.  D. 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-six;  and  the  three  persons  who  shall  draw  the  next  three 
highest  numbers,  shall  hold  their  office  for  the  ter  m  of  two  years  from  and  after  the  first  day 
of  January,  A.  D.,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  the  remaining  three  persons 
shall  hold  their  office  for  the  term  of  one  year  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  January,  A.  D. 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-six. 

SEC.  5.  There  shall  be  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  said  corporation  on  the  first  Monday 
of  January,  A.  D.  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-seven,  and  on  the  first  Monday  in 
January  in  every  succeeding  year,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Adrian,  to  be  de 
signated  by  the  by-laws  of  said  corporation;  and  a  majority  of  the  stockholders  who  shall 
meet  in  person  or  by  proxy,  shall  elect  three  of  the  stockholders  to  be  trustees  in  the  place  of 
those  whose  term  may  expire,  each  person  being  entitled  to  one  vote  for  each  share  he  may 
hold  in  his  own  right,  or  by  proxy. 

SKC.  6.  The  said  trustees  shall  have  power  to  choose  from  their  own  number  a  president, 
treasurer  and  secretary,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  during  the  pleasure  of  the  said  trustees, 
and  in  case  any  of  the  trustees  shall  die,  resign,  refuse  or  neglect  to  act,  the  remaining  trustee^ 
may,  witlun  thirty  days  after  any  such  vacancy  shall  occur,  elect  by  ballot  other  trustees,  of 
stockholders  of  said  corporation,  to  fill  such  vacancy. 


520 

SEC.  7.  The  said  trustees  are  authorized  to  receive  subscriptions  for  shares  to  the  capital 
stock  of  said  corporation,  and  such  shares  shall  be  assignable  and  transferable  agreeably  to 
such  by-laws  as  the  said  trustees  shall  from  time  to  time  establish,  and  shall  in  law  be  consid 
ered  personal  property. 

SEC.  8.  The  said  trustees  are  hereby  empowered  and  authorized  to  establish  in  the  township 
of  Adrian,  in  the  county  of  Lenawee,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  of  young  persons  in 
the  various  branches  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts,  and  shall  faithfully  apply  the  funds  bv 
them  from  time  to  time  received,  under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  in  providing  suitable  build 
ings,  employing  professors  and  teachers,  procuring  books,  maps,  philosophical  and  other  ap 
paratus  necessary  to  insure  a  successful  prosecution  of  study  in  said  institution. 

SEC.  9.  In  the  collection  of  debts  against  said  corporation,  if  corporate  property  cannot  be 
found  sufficient  to  satisfy  any  execution  issued  against  it,  the  trustees  shall  be  liable  as  part 
ners  in  trade,  for  any  debt  created  by  them  whilst  trustees  in  behalf  of  said  corporation;  and 
if  such  debts  cannot  be  collected  from  the  corporate  property  of  said  institution,  or  the  prop 
erty  of  the  trustees  as  aforesaid,  then  each  stockholder  shall  be  individually  liable  therefor. 

SEC.  10.  The  said  trustees  shall,  at  least  ten  days  previous  to  each  annual  election  of  trus 
tees  as  aforesaid,  cause  a  list  of  the  names  of  all  the  trustees  and  stockholders  of  said  corpora 
tion,  together  with  a  statement  of  the  amount  of  stock  owned  by  each,  duly  authenticated  by 
affidavit,  to  be  filed  in  the  office  of  the  county  clerk  of  the  county  of  Lenawee;  and  the  said 
list  and  statement  shall  be  prima  facie  evidence  that  the  individuals  therein  named  are  the 
trustees  and  stockholders  of  said  corporation,  and  that  the  statement  of  the  stock  is  the  amount 
owned  by  each  individual  respectively. 

SEC.  11.  That  said  seminary  shall  be  subject  to  the  annual  visitation  of  the  Superintendent 
of  Public  Instruction,  and  the  trustees  of  said  seminary  shall  annually,  on  or  before  the  twen 
tieth  day  of  October,  in  each  year,  make  to  said  Superintendent  a  full  report  of  the  literary 
and  pecuniary  condition  of  said  seminary. 

SEO.  12.  This  act  shall  be  under  the  control  of  any  future  Legislature,  to  alter,  amend  or 
repeal,  as  the  public  good  may  require. 

Approved  January  30,  18 16. 


[  No.  70.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  an  act  to  incorporate  the  Adrian 
Seminary,  approved  January  thirteenth,  eighteen  hundred  and 
forty-six. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Micldgan, 
That  the  first  section  of  the  act  entitled  an  act  to  incorporate  the  Adrian  Seminary,  approved 
January  thirteenth,  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  be  amended  by  striking  out  the  names  of 
Alfred  W.  Budknig,  William  Wolcott,  Francis  J.  King  and  Harry  Wood,  and  inserting  the 
names  of  Abel  Whitney,  Daniel  K.  Underwood,  John  A.  Rice  and  Langford  G.  Berry;  and  by 
striking  out  the  words  "Adrian  Seminary,"  and  inserting  "Adrian  Academy." 

SBC.  2.  The  first  meeting  of  said  corporation  shall  be  held  at  such  time  and  place  as  may  be 
designated,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  third  section  of  chapter  fifty-five  of  tha 
revised  statutes  of  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six. 

SBC.  3.  This  act  shall  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  16,  1847. 


521 

[  No.  13.   ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Clinton  Institute. 

SECTWN  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Stale  of  Michigan, 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  Ebenezor  Hall,  Thomas  M.  Perry.  Henry  M.  Dodge, 
Aaron  G.  Parke,  Joseph  Cole,  Chester  Spalding,  Harlehigh  Cartter,  Pliny  Power  and  Morton 
Shearer,  of  the  county  of  Mneomb,  and  their  successors  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted, 
ordained  and  declared  a  body  corporate  and  politic  under  the  name  and  style  of  "The  Clinton 
Institute;"  that  by  that  name  they  and  their  successors  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  succession, 
and  shall  be  persons  in  law  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded, 
answering  and  being  answered,  defending  and  being  defended  in  all  courts  of  record  whatever, 
and  in  all  manner  of  suits,  actions,  complaints,  matters  and  causes  whatever:  and  that  they 
and  their  successors  may  have  a  common  seal,  and  change  and  alter  the  same  at  their  pleasure; 
and  that  they  and  their  successors  by  the  name  of  "  The  Clinton  Institute,"  shall  be  in  law 
capable  of  acquiring  and  holding  by  purchase,  gift,  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or 
leasing  any  estate,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  for  the  use  of  said  corporation,  not  exceeding  ten 
thousand  dollars;  and  that  they  and  their  successors  shall  hav;  full  power  to  make  and  enter 
into  contracts,  to  make  such  rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the  good  gov 
ernment  and  prosperity  of  said  institution:  Provided,  Such  by-laws  are  not  inconsistent  with 
the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  or  of  this  State. 

SEC.  2.  Said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  establish  at  or  near  the  village  of  Mount  Clem 
ens,  in  the  county  of  Macomb,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  and  education  of  young  per 
sons. 

SEC.  3.  There  sh.nl]  be  nine  trustees  of  the  said  corporation,  who  shall  be  stockholders 
thereof,  and  who  shall  manage  and  control  all  the  aftairs  of  the  same,  and  the  above  named 
persons  shall  be  the  first  trustees,  and  shall  hold  their  offices  until  the  first  Monday  in  July, 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  until  others  are  elected  in  their  places ;  and 
they  or  their  successors  shall  have  power  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  their  own  body,  which  may 
happen  by  death,  resignation,  or  otherwise,  to  appoint  a  president,  secretary  and  treasurer  of 
their  own  body,  and  to  prescribe  such  studies  and  regulations  in  said  institution,  as  to  them 
shall  seem  best. 

SBC.  4,  There  shall  be  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  said  corporation  on  the  first  Monday 
in  July,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  on  the  first  Monday  in  July  in  every 
succeeding  year,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Mount  Clemens,  to  be  designated 
by  the  by-laws  of  said  corporation;  and  a  majority  of  the  stockholders  who  shall  meet  in  per 
son  or  by  proxy,  shall  elect  nine  of  the  stockholders  to  be  trustees  of  said  corporation  for  the 
year  then  next  ensuing,  and  until  others  are  elected  in  their  places;  each  share  of  stock  enti 
tling  the  stockholder  to  one  vote,  either  personally  or  by  proxy. 

SEC.  5.  The  capital  stock  of  said  company  shall  be  ten  thousand  dollars,  in  shares  of  ten 
dollars  each,  and  the  trustees  are  hereby  authorized  to  receive  subscriptions  thereto,  at  such 
times  and  places  as  they  or  a  majority  of  them  shall  designate;  said  shares  to  be  assignable  and 
transferable  agreeably  to  such  by-laws  as  the  trustees  may  from  time  to  time  establish,  and 
shall  in  law  be  considered  personal  property. 

SEC.  6.  The  trustees  of  said  corporation  shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  all  debts  of 
the  said  corporation:  Provided,  That  no  execution  shall  i&sue  against  the  individual  property 
of  said  trustees  until  the  property  of  the  corporation  shall  first  have  been  exhausted:  And 
provided  further,  That  any  trustee  resigning  shall  not  thereby  be  released  from  any  liability 
aocrued  during  the  period  which  he  was  in  office,  until  a  responsible  successor  shall  be  ap 
pointed  and  enter  upon  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 


66 


522 

SEC.  7.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  cause  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public 
Instruction,  annually,  on  or  before  the  tenth  day  of  November,  a  full  statement  of  the  condi 
tion  of  the  institute. 

SEC.  8.  This  act  may  be  amended  or  repealed  at  any  time  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  any  fu 
ture  Legislature. 

Approved  February  12,  1846. 


[  No.    128.  ] 

i 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Owasso  Literary  Institute. 

SECTION  1.  Be,  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Elias  Comstock,  Alfred  L.  Williams,  Benjamin  O.  Williams,  Amos  Gould,  Charles  L. 
Goodhue,  Anson  B.  Chipman  and  John  B.  Barnes,  of  the  county  of  Shiawassee,  and  their 
successors  in  office,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  a  body  corporate  and 
politic,  in  fact  and  in  name,  under  the  name  and  style  of  the  <;  Owasso  Literary  Institute;" 
and  by  that  name  they  and  their  successors  in  office  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  succession, 
and  shall  be  persons  in  law  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded, 
answering  and  being  answered  unto,  defending  and  being  defended  in  all  courts  whatever. 

SEC.  2.  That  the  persons  named  in  the  preceding  section,  and  their  successors  in  office,  may 
have  a  common  seal,  and  change  the  same  at  their  pleasure,  and  by  the  name  of  the  Owaseo 
Literary  Institute,  shall  be  capable  in  law  of  acquiring  and  holding  by  purchase,  gift,  grant, 
devise,  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any  estate,  real,  personal  or 
mixed,  for  the  purposes  hereinafter  mentioned,  and  no  other;  and  they  and  their  successors 
in  office,  shall  have  full  power  to  make  and  enter  into  contracts,  to  make  such  rules  and  by 
laws  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  good  government  and  success  of  said  institute:  Provided, 
Such  by-laws  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  or  of 
this  State. 

SEC.  3.  The  capital  stock  of  the  said  corporation  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand 
dollars,  and  shall  be  divided  into  shares  of  ten  dollars  each. 

SEC.  4.  Said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  establish  and  continue  in  the  township  of 
Owasso,  an  institution  of  learning  for  the  instruction  of  persons  in  the  various  branches  of 
literature,  and  the  arts  and  sciences. 

SEC.  5.  There  shall  be  seven  trustees  of  the  said  corporation,  who  shall  be  members  thereof, 
and  who  shall  manage  all  the  affairs  thereof;  and  the  first  trustees  shall  be  Elias  Comstock, 
Alfred  L.  Williams,  Benjamin  O.  Williams,  Amos  Gould,  Charles  L.  Goodhue,  Anson  B. 
Chipman  and  John  B.  Barnes,  who  shall  hold  their  offices,  and  have  and  exercise  the  powers 
and  franchises  hereby  granted,  until  the  first  Monday  in  January,  eighteen  hundred  and  forty- 
seven,  and  until  others  are  elected  in  their  places. 

SEC.  6.  There  shall  be,  on  the  first  Monday  of  January,  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-seven, 
and  on  the  first  Monday  of  January  in  every  succeeding  year,  a  general  meeting  of  the  stock 
holders  of  said  corporation,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Owasso,  to  be  designa 
ted  by  the  by-laws  of  said  corporation;  and  a  majority  of  the  stockholders  who  shall  meet  in 
person  or  by  proxy,  shall  elect  by  ballot  seven  of  the  stockholders  to  be  trustees  of  said  cor 
poration  for  the  year  then  next  ensuing. 

SEC.  7.  The  trustees  of  said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  choose  of  their  own  number,  a 
president,  treasurer,  and  a  secretary,  who  shall  immediately  enter  upon  the  duties  of  then- 
offices,  and  hold  the  same  from  the  time  of  their  election  until  the  first  Monday  of  January 
of  the  ensuing  year,  and  until  others  are  chosen  in  their  stead;  and  in  case  any  of  the  trustees 


523 

shall  die,  resign,  refuse  or  neglect  to  act,  then,  and  iu  any  such  case,  the  remaining  trustees 
may,  within  thirty  days  thereafter,  elect  by  ballot  other  stockholders  of  the  said  corporation 
in  their  stead,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  in  the  same  manner  as  those  first  elected. 

SEC.  8.  Each  stockholder  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote  for  each  share  of  which  he  shall  be 
the  holder;  and  the  said  trustees  shall  receive  subscriptions  for  shares  in  said  corporation, 
until  the  capital  stock  may  be  subscribed.  The  said  shares  shall  be  assignable  and  transfer 
able  according  to  such  rules  as  the  board  of  trustees  shall  from  time  to  time  make  and  estab 
lish,  and  shall  be  considered  personal  property. 

SEC.  9.  In  case  it  should  at  any  time  happen  that  an  election  of  trustees  should  not  be  made 
on  any  day  when,  pursuant  to  this  act  it  ought  to  have  been  made,  the  said  corporation  shall 
not  for  that  cause  be  dissolved;  but  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  on  any  other  day  to  hold  an. 
election  for  trustees  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  provided  by  the  by-laws'  and  ordinances  of 
said  corporation. 

SEC.  10.  The  said  trustees  ohall  faithfully  apply  all  funds  in  money  or  otherwise,  by  them 
collected  or  acquired,  according  to  their  best  judgment,  in  the  erection  of  suitable  buildings, 
in  the  support  of  necessary  officers  and  teachers,  and  in  procuring  a  suitable  library  and  other 
articles  necessary  to  insure  the  success  of  said  institution. 

SEC.  11.  All  process  against  said  corporation  shall  be  by  summons,  and  the  service  of  the 
same  shall  be  by  leaving  an  attested  copy  with  the  president  of  said  board  of  trustees,  or  in  his 
absence,  at  his  last  place  of  abode,  at  least  six  days  previous  to  the  return  day  thereof. 

SEC.  12.  The  Legislature  may  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act. 

SEC.  13.  The  trustees  of  said  institution  shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  all  debt* 
against  the  corporation:  Provided,  That  no  execution  shall  issue  against  the  individual  prop 
erty  of  said  trustees  until  the  property  of  the  corporation  shall  first  have  been  exhausted. 

SEC.  14.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  May  11,  18'tfi. 


[  No.  82.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Vermontville  Academical  Association.. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  nf  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  \V.  W.  Benedict,  Oren  Dickinson,  S.  S.  Church, 
W.  S.  Fairfield,  David  Barber,  W.  J.  Squier,  M.  S.  Norton.  D.  H.  Robinson,  Levi  Merrill,  of 
the  county  of  Eaton,  and  their  successors  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted,  ordained  and 
declared  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  under  the  name  and  style  of  "  The  Vermontville  Aca 
demical  Association;"  that  by  that  name  they  and  their  successors  shall  and  may  have  perpet 
ual  succession,  and  shall  be  persons  in  law  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  be 
ing  impleaded,  answering  and  being  answered,  defending  and  being  defended,  in  all  courts  of 
record  whatever,  and  in  all  manner  of  suits,  actions,  complaints,  matters  and  causes  whatever;, 
and  that  they  and  their  successors  may  have  a  common  seal,  and  change  and  alter  the  same  at 
their  pleasure;  and  that  they  and  their  successors,  by  the  name  of  the  "Verrnoutville  Academ 
ical  Association,"  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and  holding -by  purchase,  gift,  or  other 
wise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any  estate,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  for  the  use  of 
said  corporation,  not  exceeding  ten  thousand  dollars,  and  that  they  and  their  successors  shall 
have  full  power  to  make  and  enter  into  contracts,  to  make  such  rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may 
deem  necessary  fer  the  good  government  and  prosperity  of  said  institution:  Provided,  Such 
by-laws  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  or  of  this 
State, 


524 

SEC.  2.  Said  corporation  shall  havc;powcr  to  establish  at  or  near  the  village  of  Vermontville, 
in  the  county  of  Eaton,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  and  education  of  young  persons. 

SEC.  3.  There  shall  be  nine  trustees  of  said  corporation,  who  shall  be  stockholders  thereof, 
and  who  shall  manage  and  control  all  the  affairs  of  the  same  ;  and  the  above  named  persons 
shall  be  the  first  trustees,  and  shall  hold  their  offices  until  the  first  Monday  of  July,  eighteen 
hundred  and  forty-six,  and  until  others  are  elected  in  their  places;  and  they  or  their  successors 
shall  have  power  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  their  own  body,  which  may  happen  by  death,  resigna 
tion  or  otherwise,  to  appoint  a  president,  secretary  and  treasurer  of  their  own  body,  and  to 
prescribe  such  studies  and  regulations  in  said  institution  as  to  them  shall  seem  best. 

SEC.  4.  There  shall  be  a  .meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  said  corporation  on  the  first  Mon 
day  of  July,  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  on  the  first  Monday  in  July  in  every  succeed 
ing  year,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Vermontville,  to  be  designated  by  the  by 
laws  of  said  corporation  ;  and  a  majority  of  the  stockholders,  who  shall  meet  in  person  or  by 
proxy,  shall  select  nine  of  the  stockholders  to  be  trustees  of  said  corporation  for  the  year  then 
next  ensuing,  and  until  others  are  elected  in  their  places,  each  share  of  stock  entitling  the 
stockholder  to  one  vote,  either  personally  or  by  proxy. 

SEC.  5.  The  capital  stock  of  said  company  shall  be  ten  thousand  dollars,  in  shares  of  ten 
dollars  each.  And  the  trustees  are  hereby  authorized  to  receive  subscriptions  thereto  at  such 
times  and  places  as  they  or  a  majority  of  them  shall  designate  ;  said  shares  to  be  assignable 
and  transferable,  agreeably  to  such  by-laws  as  the  trustees  may,  from  time  to  time  establish, 
and  shall,  in  law,  be  considered  personal  property. 

SEC.  6.  The  trustees  of  said  corporation  shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  all  debts  of 
the  said  corporation:  Providxd,  That  no  execution  shall  issue  against  the  individual  property 
of  said  trustees  until  the  property  of  the  corporation  shah"  first  have  been  exhausted:  And 
provided  fur  (her,  That  any  trustee  resigning  «hall  not  thereby  be  released  from  any  liability 
accrued  during  the  period  while  he  was  in  office,  until  a  responsible  successor  shall  be  appoint 
ed  and  enter  upon  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 

SEC.  7.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  cause  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public 
Instruction  annually,  on  or  before  the  tenth  day  of  November,  a  full  statement  of  the  condi 
tion  of  the  institute. 

SEC.  8.  This  act  may  be  amended  or  repealed  at  any  time  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  any 
future  Legislature. 

Approved  April  28,  1846. 


[  No.  39.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  White  Pigeon  Academy. 

SECTION  1.  Be,  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Levi  Baxter,  Edwin  Kellogg,  Elias  S.  Swan,  John  Redfern,  Charles  Kellogg  and  George 
"W.  BeLsel,  of  the  county  of  St.  Joseph,  and  their  successors  in  office,  be  and  they  are  hcreby 
constituted  and  declared  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  in  fact  and  in  name,  under  the  name 
and  style  of  the  "White  Pigeon  Academy,"  and  by  that  name  they  and  their  successors  in  of- 
'fice  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  be  persons  in  law  capable  of  suing  and 
being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  answering  and  being  answered  unto,  defending  and 
being  defended  in  all  courts  whatever. 

SEC.  2.  The  persons  named  in  the  preceding  section,  and  their  successors  in  office,  may  have 
a  common  seal,  and  change  the  same  at  their  pleasure,  and  by  the  name  of  the  White  Pigeon 
Academy,  shall  be  capable  in  law  of  acquiring  and  holding  by  purchase,  gift,  grant,  devise, 


525 

bequest  or  otherwise;  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any  estate,  real,  personal  or  mixed, 
for  the  purposes  hereinafter  mentioned,  and  no  other;  and  they  and  their  successors  in  office, 
shall  have  full  power  to  make  and  eater  into  contracts,  to  make  such  rules  and  by-laws  as 
may  be  necessary  for  the  good  government  and  success  of  said  academy:  Provided,  Such  by 
laws  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  and  of  this 
State. 

SEC.  3.  The  capital  stock  of  the  said  corporation  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand 
dollars,  and  shall  be  divided  into  shares  of  live  dollars  each. 

SEC.  4.  Said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  establish  and  continue  in  the  township  of  White 
Pigeon,  an  institution  of  learning  for  the  instruction  of  persons  in  the  various  branches  of  lit 
erature  and  the  arts  and  sciences. 

SEC.  5.  There  shall  be  six  trustees  of  the  said  coporation,  who  shall  be  members  thereof, 
and  who  shall  manage  all  the  affairs  thereof;  and  the  first  trustees  shall  be  Levi  Baxter,  Edwin 
Kellogg,  John  Redfern,  Eilas  S.  Swan,  Charles  Kellogg  and  George  W.  Beisel,  who  shall  hold 
their  offices,  and  have  and  exercise  the  powers  and  franchises  hereby  granted,  until  the  first 
Monday  in  January,  eighteen  huudreen  and  forty-eight,  and  until  others-  are  elected  in  their 
places. 

SEC.  6.  There  shall  be,  on  the  first  Monday  of  January,  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-eight 
and  on  the  first  Monday  of  January  in  every  succeeding  year,  a  general  meeting  of  the  stock 
holders  of  said  corporation  at  their  academy  building  in  the  village  of  White  Pigeon,  or  at 
any  other  place  to  be  designated  by  tke  by-laws  of  said  corporation;  and  a  majority  of  the  stock 
holders  who  shall  meet  in  person  or  by  proxy,  shall  elect  by  ballot  six  of  the  stockholders  to  be 
trustees  of  said  corporation  for  the  year  then  next  ensuing. 

SEC.  7.  The  trustees  of  said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  choose  of  their  own  number  a 
president,  treasurer  and  secretary,  who  shall  immediately  enter  upon  the  duties  of  their  offices, 
and  hold  the  same  from  the  time  of  their  election  until  the  first  Monday  of  January  of  the  en 
suing  year,  and  until  others  are  chosen  in  their  stead:  and  in  case  any  of  the  trustees  shall  die, 
resign,  refuse  or  neglect  to  act,  then  and  in  such  case  the  remaining  trustees  may,  within  thirty 
days  thereafter,  elect  by  ballot  other  stockholders  of  the  said  corporation  in  their  stead,  who 
shall  hold  their  offices  in  the  same  manner  as  those  first  elected. 

SEC.  8.  Each  stockholder  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote  for  each  share  of  which  he  shall  be 
the  holder,  and  the  said  trustees  shall  receive  subscriptions  for  shares  in  said  corporation  until 
the  capital  stock  may  be  subscribed.  The  said  shares  shall  be  assignable  and  transferable  ac 
cording  to  such  rules  as  the  board  of  trustees  shall  from  time  to  time  make  and  establish,  and 
shall  be  considered  personal  property. 

SEC.  9.  Each  person  residing  in  said  county  at  the  date  of  the  passage  of  this  act,  who  were 
subscribers  and  donors  for  erecting  a  building  in  said  village  in  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and 
forty,  for  a  branch  of  the  university,  shall  be  stockholders  to  the  amount  they  have  severally 
subscribed  and  paid  for  the  benefit  of  said  branch. 

SEC.  10.  That  all  the  real  and  personal  estate  at  any  time  heretofore  donated  to  the  regents 
of  the  University  for  the  use  of  said  branch  by  said  subscribers,  shall  hereafter  belong  to  and 
be  owned  by  said  corporation  for  the  use  of  said  institution. 

SEC.  11.  In  case  it  shall  at  any  time  happen  that  an  election  of  trustees  should  not  be  made 
on  any  day  when  pursuant  to  this  act  it  ought  to  have  been  made,  the  said  corporation  shall 
not  for  that  cause  be  dissolved;  but  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  on  any  other  day  to  hold  an 
election  for  trustees,  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  provided  by  the  by-laws  and  ordinances  of 
said  corporation. 

SEC.  12.  The  said  trustees  shall  faithfully  apply  all  funds  in  money  or  otherwise,  by  them 
collected  or  acquired,  according  to  their  best  judgment,  in  the  erection  of  suitable  buildings, 
in  the  support  of  necessary  officers  and  teachers,  and  procuring  a  suitable  library  and  other 
articles  necessary  to  insure  the  success  of  said  institution. 


526 

SEC.  13.  All  process  against  said  corporation  shall  be  by  summons,  and  the  service  of  the 
same  shall  be  by  leaving  an  attested  copy  with  the  president  of  said  board  of  trustees,  or  in  his 
absence,  at  his  last  place  of  abode,  at  least  six  days  previous  to  the  return  day  thereof. 

SEC.  14.  The  trustees  of  said  corporation  shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  all  debts 
against  the  corporation:  Provided,  That  no  execution  shall  issue  against  the  individual  prop 
erty  of  said  trustees  until  the  property  of  the  corporation  shall  have  first  been  exhausted. 

SEC.  15.  The  principal  of  the  academy  shall,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  November  of  each 
year,  report  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  the  number  of  pupils  La  said  academy, 
the  studies  pursued,  the  books  used,  and  the  general  condition  of  the  institution. 

SEC.  16.  The  legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act. 

SEC.  17.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  12,  1847. 


[  No.  101.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Raisin  Institute. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Elijah  Brovmell,  Eliphalet  Jones,  William  E.  Warner,  Samuel  A.  Hubbard,  Joseph  L.  Pe 
ters,  Stephen  Allen  and  Anson  Backus,  of  the  county  of  Lenawee,  together  vrith  such  other 
persons  as  may  be  associated  with  them  for  that  purpose,  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  consti 
tuted  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  "Raisin  Institute,"  subject 
to  the  provisions  relating  to  corporations,  contained  in  chapter  fifty -five  of  the  revised  statutes 
of  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  such  amendments  thereof  as  may  from  time  be  made 
by  the  legislature. 

SEC.  2.  The  trustees  shall  have  power,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  establish  in  the 
township  of  Raisin,  in  the  county  of  Lenawee,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  of  young  per 
sons  in  ancient  or  modern  languages  or  literature,  and  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  shall  faith 
fully  apply  all  funds  received  by  them  for  that  purpose,  by  subscription,  bequest  or  otherwise, 
in  providing  suitable  buildings,  employing  professors  and  teachers,  procuring  books,  maps, 
philosophical  and  other  apparatus  necessary  or  proper  for  the  successful  prosecution  of  study 
in  said  institution. 

SEC.  3.  The  capital  stock  of  said  corporation  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dol 
lars,  and  shall  be  divided  into  shares  of  ten  dollars  each,  which  shall  be  considered  personal 
property;  and  they  may  hold  any  property  or  estate,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  for  the  purposes 
mentioned  in  this  act,  and  none  other,  not  exceeding  in  value  the  amount  of  capital  stock 
herein  authorized. 

SEC.  4.  In  collection  of  debts  against  said  corporation,  if  corporate  property  cannot  be  found 
sufficient  to  satisfy  any  execution  issued  against  it,  the  trustees  shall  be  liable  as  partners  in 
trade  for  any  debt  created  by  them,  whilst  trustees  in  behalf  of  said  corporation;  and  if  such 
debts  cannot  be  collected  from  the  corporate  property  of  said  institution,  or  from  the  property 
of  the  trustees  as  aforesaid,  then  each  stockholder  shall  be  individually  liable  therefor. 

SEC.  5.  The  institution  shall  be  subject  to  visitation  at  any  time  by  the  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction;  and  the  trustees  shall  annually,  on  or  before  the  twentieth  day  of  October, 
in  each  year,  make  to  the  Superintendent  a  full  report  of  the  literary  and  pecuniary  condition 
of  said  institution. 

SEC.  16.  The  legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act. 

Approved  March  17,  1847. 


527 

[  No.    121.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Ho  well  Academy. 

y  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  Home  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Josiah  Turner,  F.  C.  Whipple,  Elijah  F.  Burt,  Alvan  Isbell,  Gardner  Wheeler,  Geo.  "W. 
Lee,  Jonh  Kenyou,  Jr.,  Almon  Whipple,  and  Edward  E.  -Gregory,  together  with  such  other 
persons  as  may  be  associated  with  them,  and  may  become  stockholders  of  the  incorporation 
hereby  created,  shall  be  smd  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  a  body  corporate  and 
politic,  by  the  name  and  style  of  "  Howell  Academy,"  and  in  their  corporate  name  may  sue 
and  be  sued,  defend  and  be  defended,  in  all  courts  of  this  State;  may  have  a  common  seal, 
which  they  may  renew  or  change  at  pleasure;  and  shall  have,  enjoy  and  exercise  all  the  pow 
ers,  rights  and  privileges  which  appertain  to  corporate  bodies  for  the  purposes  expressed  in 
this  act. 

SEC  2.  The  capital  stock  of  said  corporation  shall  not  exceed  ten  thousand  dollars,  and 
shall  be  divided  into  shares  of  five  dollars  each. 

SEC.  3.  The  said  corporation  hereby  created  shall  be  capable  in  law  of  acquiring-  and  holding 
by  purchase,  gift,  grant,  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling  and  conveying,  or  leasing  ap 
ostate,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act,  and  none  others;  and 
the  trustees  thereof  and  their  successors  in  office,  shall  have  full  power  to  make  and  enter 
into  contracts,  to  establish  rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the  good  gov 
ernment  of  the  said  academy,  and  for  the  holding  and  disposing  of  its  property  and  effects 
for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act,  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  this 
State. 

SEC.  4.  There  shall  be  nine  trustees  of  the  said  corporation,  who  shall  be  stockholders 
thereof,  and  who  shall  manage  and  control  all  the  affairs  of  the  same,  maintaining  perpetual 
succession;  three  of  whom  shall  be  elected  at  the  annual  meeting  in  each  year,  to  fill  the  va 
cancy  of  a  like  number  whose  term  of  office  shall  expire  upon  the  election  of  their  successors; 
and  the  persons  named  in  the  first  section  of  this  act  shall  be  the  first  trustees;  and  the  said 
nine  trustees  shall,  at  their  first  meeting,  proceed  to  cast  lots  for  the  terms  of  one,  two  and 
three  years,  by  drawing  numbers;  and  the  three  persons  who  shall  draw  the  three  highest 
numbers  shall  hold  their  office  for  the  term  of  three  years  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  Jan 
uary,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-eight;  and  the  three  persons  who  shall  draw  the 
next  three  highest  numbers  shall  hold  their  office  for  the  term  of  two  years  from  and  after  the 
first  day  of  January,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-eight;  and  the  remaining  three 
persons  shah1  hold  their  office  for  the  term  of  one  year  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  January, 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-eight. 

SEC.  5.  There  shah1  be  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  said  corporation  on  the  first  Monday 
of  January,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-nine,  and  on  the  first  Monday  in  January 
hi  each  succeeding  year,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Howell,  to  be  designated 
by  the  by-laws  of  said  corporation;  and  a  majority  of  the  stockholders  who  shall  meet  in 
person  or  by  proxy,  shah1  elect  three  of  the  stockholders  to  be  trustees,  in  place  of  those 
whose  term  may  expire,  each  person  being  entitled  to  one  vote  for  each  share  he  may  hold  in 
his  own  right,  or  by  proxy. 

SEC.  6.  The  said  trustees  shall  have  power  to  choose  from  their  own  number,  a  president, 
treasurer  and  secretary,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  during  the  pleasure  of  the  said  trustees; 
and  in  case  any  of  the  trustees  shall  die,  resign,  refuse  or  neglect  to  act,  the  remaining  trus 
tees  may,  within  thirty  days  after  any  such  vacancy  shall  occur,  elect  by  ballot  other  trustees 
of  stockholders  of  said  corporation  to  fill  such  vacancy. 

SEC.  7-  The  said  trustees  are  authorized  to  receive  subscriptions  for  shares  to  the  capital 
stock  of  said  corporation,  and  such  shares  shall  be  assignable  and  transferable,  agreeably  to 


528 

such  by-laws  as  the  said  trustees  shall  from  time  to  time  establish,  and  shall  in  law  be  con 
sidered  personal  property. 

SEC.  8.  The  said  trustees  are  hereby  empowered  and  authorized  to  establish  in  the  township 
of  Howell,  in  the  county  of  Livingston,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  of  young  persons  in 
the  various  branches  of  literature,  science  and  the  arts,  and  shall  faithfully  apply  the  funds  by 
them  from  time  to  time  received  under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  in  providing  suitable  build 
ings,  employing  professors  and  teachers,  procuring  books,  maps,  philosophical  and  other  ap 
paratus  necessary  to  insure  a  successful  prosecution  of  study  in  said  institution. 

SEC.  9.  The  said  trustees  shall,  at  least  ten  days  previous  to  each  annual  election  of  trustees 
as  aforesaid,  cause  a  list  of  the  names  of  all  the  trustees  and  stockholders  of  said  corporation, 
together  with  a  statement  of  the  amount  of  stock  owned  by  each,  duly  authenticated  by  affida 
vit,  to  be  filed  in  the  office  of  the  county  clerk  of  the  county  of  Livingston;  and  the  said  list 
and  statement  shall  be  prima  facia  evidence  that  the  individuals  therein  named  are  the  trustees 
and  stockholders  of  said  corporation,  and  that  the  statement  of  the  stock  is  the  amount 
owned  by  each  individual  respectively. 

SEC.  10.  That  said  academy  shall  be  subject  to  the  annual  visitation  of  the  Superintendent 
of  Public  Instruction;  and  the  trustees  of  said  academy  shall  annually,  on  or  before  the  twelfth 
day  of  October  in  each  year,  make  to  said  Superintendent  a  full  report  of  the  literary  and  pe 
cuniary  condition  of  said  academy. 

SEC.  11.  In  case  it  shall  at  any  time  happen  that  an  election  of  trustees  shall  not  be  made  on 
any  day,  when  pursuant  to  this  act  it  ought  to  have  been  made,  the  said  corporation  shall  not 
for  that  cause  be  dissolved,  but  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  assemble  on  any  other  day  to  hold 
an  election  for  trustees,  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  provided  by  the  by-laws  and  ordinances  of 
said  corporation. 

SEC.  12.  Said  company  shall  be  subject  to  the  provisions  of  chapter  fifty -five  of  the  revised 
statutes  of  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  so  far  as  the  same  may  be  applicable. 

Approved  March  27,  1848. 


[  No.    110.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Leoni  Theological  Institute. 

SECTION  1.  Beit  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Stale  of  Michigan, 
That  Samuel  Bebans,  A.  W.  Curtis,  Rufus  Thayer,  John  Diamond,  William  Holmes, 
William  M.  Sullivan,  G.  J.  Barker,  William  D.  Moore,  Marcus  Swift,  Jason  Steele,  Jeptha 
Hewit,  and  S.  P.  Rice,  of  the  State  of  Michigan,  and  their  successors,  be  and  they  are 
hereby  created  a  body  corporate  and  politic,  to  be  styled  "  The  Board  of  Trustees  of  the 
Leoni  Theological  Institute,  and  by  that  name  shall  have  perpetual  succession,  with  full  pow 
er  to  acquire,  hold  and  convey  property,  real  and  personal,  not  exceeding  thirty  thousand  dol 
lars,  and  to  have  and  use  a  common  seal,  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded,  to  make, 
alter  and  modify,  from  time  to  time,  such  by-laws  and  regulations  as  they  may  deem  necessary 
for  the  government  of  said  institute,  its  officers  and  employees:  Provided,  Such  by-laws  and 
regulations  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  or  of  this 
State. 

SEC.  2.  Said  institute  shall  be  located  in  the  village  of  Leoni,  county  of  Jackson;  and  the  said 
trustees  may  proceed  in  the  erection  of  buildings  upon  a  plan  sufficiently  extensive  for  the 
purposes  of  a  thorough  theological  education. 

SEC.  3.  At  the  first  meeting  of  the  trustees,  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  they  shall,  by  ballot,, 
divide  themselves  into  three  classes  of  four  members  each ;  the  term  of  office  of  the  first  clase 
shall  terminate  at  the  session  of  the  Michigan  Annual  Conference  of  the  Wesleyan  Methodist 


Connection^  in  the  summer  or  fall  of  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-eight,  and  their  places  sup 
plied  by  an  election  of  said  conference.  The  second  shall  go  out  of  office  at  the  next  session 
of  said  Annual  Conference,  and  their  places  supplied  in  like  manner;  and  so  of  the  third;  so 
that  each  year  one-third  of  said  trustees  shall  be  elected  by  said  Annual  Conference. 

SEC.  4.  The  above  named  trustees,  and  their  successors  in  office,  may  have  power  to  fill  va 
cancies  which  may  occur  in  their  own  body,  by  death,  removal  or  resignation.  They  may 
also  appoint  from  their  own  members,  a  president,  secretary  and  treasurer,  whose  duties  shall 
be  prescribed  in  the  by-laws  of  said  institute. 

SEC.  5.  Said  board  of  trustees  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and  holding,-  by  purchase, 
gift,  grant,  devise  or  bequest,  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any  estate, 
real,  personal  or  mixed,  for  the  use  of  said  corporation,  and  for  the  interest  of  said  institute, 
and  no  other,  and  shall  be  held  liable  for  all  debts  as  partners  in  trade,  after  the  corporation 
property  shall  have  been  exhausted. 

SEC.  6.  The  Legislature  shall  have  the  power  at  any  time  of  amending  or  repealing  this  act; 
also  to  demand  of  the  trustees  of  said  institute  a  statement  of  the  amount  of  property,  real 
and  personal,  belonging  to  the  same. 

Approved  March  25,  1848. 


[  No.  138.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Leoni  Seminary. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Wilder  B.  Mack,  Jacob  Sagendolph,  Aaron  Rowe,  Abel  Scott,  Andrew  Brown,  2d,  Wil 
liam  Jackson,  Benajah  Bayne,  Ira  W.  Kellogg,  Mason  Branch,  Samuel  Laphann,  Jared  Warner 
and  Isaiah  Raymond,  of  the  State  of  Michigan,  together  with  such  other  persons  as  may  be 
associated  with  them,  and  their  successors  for  that  purpose,  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  con- 
s^uted  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  "  Leoni  Seminary,"  sub 
ject  to  the  provisions  relating  to  corporations,  contained  in  chapter  fifty-five  of  the  revised 
statutes  of  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  such  amendments  thereof  as  may  from  time 
to  tune  be  made  by  the  Legislature. 

SEC.  2.  The  trustees  shall  have  power,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  establish  in  the 
village  of  Leoni,  in  the  county  of  Jackson,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  of  young  persons 
in  ancient  or  modern  languages  or  literature,  and  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  shall  faithfully 
apply  all  funds  received  by  them  for  that  purpose,  by  subscription,  bequest  or  otherwise,  in 
providing  suitable  buildings,  employing  professors  and  teachers,  procuring  books,  maps,  phi 
losophical  and  other  apparatus,  necessary  or  proper  for  the  successful  prosecution  of  study 
in  said  institution. 

SEC.  3.  Said  board  of  trustees  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and  holding,  by  purchase, 
gift,  grant,  devise  or  bequest,  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any  estate, 
real,  personal  or  mixed,  in  value  not  exceeding  the  sum  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  for 
the  use  of  said  corporation,  and  no  other,  and  shall  be  held  liable  for  all  debts  as  partner*  in 
trade,  after  the  corporate  property  skall  have  been  exhausted. 

SEC.  4.  The  institxition  shall  be  subject  to  visitation  at  any  time  by  the  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction;  and  the  trustees  shall  annually,  on  or  before  the  20th  day  of  October,,  in 
each  year,  make  to  the  Superintendent  a  full  report  of  the  literary  and  pecuniary  condition 
of  said  institution. 

SEC.  5.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  29,  1848. 

67 


530 

[  No.  44.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Olivet  Institute. 

SECTION  1.  Beit  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Slate  of  Michigan, 
That  James  Douglass,  Carlovr  Reed,  Oramel  Hosford,  William  Hosford,  Enoch  N.  Bartlett,  John 
G.  Barnes,  Chas.  M.  Bordwell  and  Wilson  C.  Esdell,  of  the  county  of  Eaton,  together  with  such 
other  persons  as  may  be  associated  with  them  and  their  successors,  for  that  purpose,  shall  be 
and  they  are  hereby  constituted  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  Oh"  vet 
Institute,  subject  to  the  provisions  relating  to  corporations,  contained  in  chapter  fifty-five  of 
the  revised  statutes  of  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  such  amendments  thereof  as  may 
from  time  to  time  be  made  by  the  legislature. 

SEC.  2.  The  trustees  shall  have  power,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  establish  in  the 
township  of  Walton,  in  the  county  of  Eaton,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  of  young  per 
sons  in  ancient  or  modern  languages  or  literature,  and  the  arts  and  sciences;  and  shah1  faith 
fully  apply  all  funds  received  by  them  for  that  purpose,  by  subscription,  bequest  or  otherwise  > 
in  providing  suitable  buildings,  employing  professors  and  teachers,  proem-ing  books,  maps, 
philosophical  and  other  apparatus,  necessary  or  proper  for  the  successful  prosecution  of  study 
in.  said  institution. 

SEC.  3.  Said  board  of  trustees  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and  holding,  by  pur 
chase,  gift,  grant,  devise  or  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any  es 
tate,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  in  value  not  exceeding  the  sum  of  twenty-five  thousand  dolkrs, 
for  the  use  of  said  corporation,  and  no  other,  and  shall  be  held  liable  for  nil  debts  as  partners 
in  trade,  after  the  corporate  property  shall  have  been  exhausted. 

SEC.  4.  The  institution  shall  be  subject  to  -visitation,  at  any  time,  by  the  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction,  and  the  trustees  shall  annually,  on  or  before  the  20th  day  of  October,  in 
each  year,  make  to  the  Superintendent  a  full  report  of  the  literary  and  pecuniary  condition  of 
said  institution. 

SEC.  5.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage.  ^ 

Approved  February  22,  184ft. 


[  No.  42.  J 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Woodstock  Manual  Labor  Institute. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Stale  of  Michigan, 
That  James  G.  Birney,  William  P.  Russell,  Prior  Foster,  Joseph  Hewitt,  William  W.  Jackson, 
•id  Joseph  Foster,  of  the  State  of  Michigan,  together  with  such  other  persons  as  may  be  as 
sociated  with  them  and  their  successors  for  that  purpose,  shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby  con  - 
stituted  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  Woodstock  Manual  Labor 
Institute,  subject  to  the  provisions  relating  to  corporations,  contained  in  chapter  fifty-five  of 
the  Revised  Statutes  of  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  such  amendments  thereof  as  may 
from  time  to  time  be  made  by  the  Legislature. 

SEC.  2.  The  trustees  shall  have  power,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  establish  in  the 
township  of  Woodstock,  in  the  county  of  Lenawee,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  of  per 
sons  of  color,  and  others,  in  ancient  or  modern  languages,  or  literature  and  the  arts  and  sci 
ences,  and  shall  faithfully  apply  all  funds  received  by  them  for  that  purpose,  by  subscription, 
bequest  or  otherwise,  in  providing  suitable  buildings,  employing  professors  and  teachers,  pro 
curing  books,  maps,  philosophical  and  other  apparatus  necessary  or  proper  for  the  successful 
prosecution  of  study  in  said  institution. 


531 

SEC.  3.  Said  board  of  trustees  shall  be  in  lu\v  capable  of  aciiuiring  and  holding,  by  purchase, 
gift,  grant,  devise  or  bequest,  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying,  or  leasing  any  estate, 
real,  personal  or  mixed,  in  value  not  exceeding  the  sura  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  for 
the  use  of  said  corporation,  and  for  the  interest  of  said  institute,  and  no  other,  and  shall  be 
held  liable  for  all  debts  as  partners  in  trade,  after  the  corporate  property  shall  have  been  ex 
hausted. 

SEC.  4.  The  institution  shall  be  subject  to  visitation  at  am-  time,  by  the  Superintendent  of 
Public  Instruction,  and  the  trustees  shall,  annually,  on  or  before  the  twentieth  day  of  October, 
in  each  year,  make  to  the  Superintendent  a  full  report  of  the  literary  and  pecuniary  condition 
of  said  institution. 

SEC.  5.  The  Legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act. 

SEC.  6.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  February  19,  181S. 


[  No.  168.  ] 
AJN"  ACT  to  incoporate  the  Oakland  Female  Seminary. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enactedby  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Alfred  Williams,  Origen  D.  Richardson,  Horace  C.  Thurber,  Willard  M.  McConuel,  Ben  „ 
jamin  B.  Morris,  Hester  L.  Stevens,  Samuel  M.  Stelle,  Jacob  Hendriekson  and  Ezra  H.  Bud- 
dington,  together  with  such  other  persons  as  may  become  members  of  the  incorporation 
hereby  created,  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  to  be  a  body  corporate 
and  politic,  by  the  name  of  the  Oakland  Female  Seminary,  and  in  their  corporate  name  may 
sue  and  be  sued,  may  have  a  common  seal  which  they  may  renew  at  pleasure,  and  shall  have, 
enjoy,  and  may  exercise,  all  the  powers,  rights  and  privileges,  which  appertain  to  corporate 
bodies  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act. 

SEC.  2.  The  capital  stock  of  said  corporation  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dol 
lars,  and  shall  be  divided  into  shares  of  ten  dollars  each. 

SEC.  3.  The  corporation  hereby  created  shall  be  forever  capable  in  law  to  pur-  hase,  take, 
receive,  hold  and  enjoy  any  estate  real  and  personal  whatever,  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  five 
thousand  dollars,  and  to  lease,  sell  and  convey,  or  otherwise  dispose  of  the  same. 

Sue.  4.  There  shall  be  forever  hereafter,  eight  trustees  of  the  said  corporation,  who  shall  be 
members  thereof,  and  who  shall  manage  all  the  affairs  thereof;  and  the  first  trustees  shall  be 
Alfred  Williams,  Origen  D.  Richardson,  Horace  C.  Thurber,  Willard  M.  McConnel,  Benjamin 
B.  Morris,  Hester  L.  Stevens,  Samuel  M.  Stelle,  Jacob  Hendrickson  and  Ezra  H.  Buddington; 
who  shall  hold  their  offices  until  the  first  day  of  January,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty,  and  un 
til  others  are  elected  in  their  places. 

SBC.  5.  There  shall  be  on  the  first  Monday  of  January,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty,  and  on 
the  first  Monday  of  January  in  every  succeeding  year,  a  general  meeting  of  the  members  of 
said  corporation  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Pontiac,  to  be  designated  by  the  by 
laws  of  said  corporation;  and  a  majority  of  the  members  who  shall  meet  in  person  or  by  proxy, 
shall  elect  by  ballot  eight  of  their  number  to  be  trustees  of  the  said  corporation  for  the  year 
then  next  eusxiing. 

SE<;.  6.  The  trustees  of  said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  choose  from  out  of  their  num 
ber  a  president,  a  treasurer,  and  a  secretary,  who  shall  immediately  enter  upon  the  duties  of 
their  office,  and  hold  the  same  from  the  time  of  their  election,  until  the  first  Monday  of  Jan 
uary  of  the  ensuing  year,  and  until  others  are  chosen  in  their  stead;  and  in  case  any  of  the 
trustees  shall  die.  resign,  refuse  or  neglect  to  act,  then  and  in  every  such  case,  the  remaining 


532 

may,  within  thirty  days  thereafter,  elect  by  ballet,  other  members  oi"  sukl  corporation  in  their 
stead,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  in  the  same  manner  as  those  first  elected. 

SEC.  7.  Each  member  to  be  entitled  to  one  vote  for  e.ieh  shafts  of  which  he  shall  be  the 
holder.  And  the  said  trustees  shall  receive  subscriptions  for  shares  in  said  corporation  until 
the  capital  stock  may  be  subscribed;  the  said  shares  shall  be  assignable  and  transferable  ac 
cording  to  such  rules  us  the  board  of  trustees  shall  from  time  to  time  make  and  establish,  and 
shall  be  considered  personal  property. 

SEC.  8.  In  case  it  should  at  any  time  happen  that  an  election  of  the  trustees  should  not  be 
made  on  any  day  when,  pursuant  to  this  act,  it  ought  to  have  been  made,  the  said  corporation 
shall  not  for  that  cause,  or  any  non-user,  be  dissolved;  but  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  on  any 
other  day,  to  hold  an  election  for  trustees  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  provided  by  the  laws  and 
ordinances  of  said  corporation. 

SEC.  9.  No  male  teacher  shall  at  any  time  hereafter  forever  be  employed  in  the  seminary 
hereby  incorporated.  The  trustees  may,  by  their  by-laws,  make  all  necessary  rules  and  regu 
lations  for  calling  special  meetings,  and  for  all  other  purposes,  and  live  trustees  shall  constitute 
a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

SEC.  10.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage,  and  shall  be 
subject  to  the  provisions  of  chapter  fifty-rive  of  the  revised  statutes  of  eighteen  hundred  an<l 
forty-six. 

Approved  March  30,  1849. 


[  No.  37.   ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Tecumseh  Literary  Institute. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Sirrell  C.  Le  Baron,  Alonzo  B.  Palmer,  Increase  S.  Hamilton,  Sahnoii  Crane,  StiUman 
B-lanchard,  Perley  Bills  and  Charles  Spafford,  and  their  successors  in  office,  be  and  they  are 
hereby  constituted  and  declared  a  body  corporate  under  the  name  and  style  of  the  ''Tecumseh 
Literary  Institute,"  subject  to  the  provisions  relating  to  corporations  contained  in  chapter 
fifty -five  of  the  revised  statutes  of  IS  46,  and  such  amendments  thereof  as  may  from  time  to 
time  be  made  by  the  legislature. 

SEC.  2.  The  persons  named  in  the  preceding  section,  and  their  successors  in  office,  snail 
have  power,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  establish  and  continue  in  Tecumseh,  in  the 
county  of  Lenawee,  an  institution  of  learning  for  the  instruction  of  persons  in  the  various 
branches  of  Literature  and  the  arts  and  sciences;  and  to  establish  rules  and  by-laws  for  the 
government  and  management  of  the  same:  Provided,  Such  rules  and  by-laws  are  not  in 
consistent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  or  of  this  State,  and  shall  faith 
fully  apply  all  funds  or  other  property  received  by  them  for  that  purpose,  by  subscription,  be 
quest  or  otherwise,  in  providing  suitable  buildings,  employing  professors  and  teachers,  pro 
curing  books,  maps,  philosophical  and  other  apparatus  necessary  or  proper  for  the  successful 
prosecution  of  study  in  such  institution. 

SEC.  3.  Said  board  of  trustees  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and  holding  by  purchase, 
gift,  grant,  devise  or  bequest  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing  any  estate,  real, 
personal  or  mixed,  in  value  not  exceeding  the  sum  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  for  the  use 
of  said  corporation  and  no  other;  and  shall  further  hold  for  the  use  of  said  corporation,  any 
estate,  real  or  personal,  heretofore  conveyed  to  the  members  of  the  said  board  for  that  pur 
pose,  and  shall  be  held  liable  for  all  debts  of  said  corporation,  as  partners  in  trade,  after  the 
corporate  property  shall  liave  been  exhausted. 

SEC.  4.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  February  13,  1849. 


533 

[  No.  149.  J 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Clarkston  Academical  Institute. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Nelson  Abby,  Horatio  Foster,  Jr.,  David  A.  Wright,  Amos  Orton,  William  C.  Scranton, 
Arthur  Davis'.  Marcus  W.  Rikcr,  George  P.  Thurston,  Albert  G.  Robinson,  Joseph  Gambell, 
David  McKnight,  Arza  C.  Crosb'y,  Alexander  Turbush,  Nelson  W.  Clark,  Thomas  Johnson, 
Jacob  Walter  and  Edward  Bartlett,  together  with  such  other  persons  as  may  be  associated 
with  them  as  members  of  the  Clarkston  Academical  Association,  or  under  this  act  are  hereby 
created,  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  to  be  a  body  corporate  and  pol 
itic  by  the  name  of  the  Clarkston  Academical  Institute,  which  shall  be  located  in  the  village 
of  Clarkston,  in  the  county  of  Oakland;  and  in  their  corporate  name  may  sue  and  be  sued,  and 
may  have  a  common  seal  which  they  may  alter  or  renew  at  pleasure,  and  shall  enjoy  and  may 
exercise  all  the  powers  rights  and  privileges  which  may  appertain  to  corporate  bodies  for  the 
purpose  mentioned  in  this  act;  and  all  obligations  and  liabilities  created  or  existing  to  or  with 
said  association,  are  hereby  transferred  to  said  incorporation,  and  may  be  enforced  by  said 
incorporation  as  fully  as  by  said  association. 

SEC.  2.  The  capital  stock  of  said  corporation  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  six  thousand  dol 
lars,  and  shall  be  divided  into  shares  of  ten  dollars  each:  Provided,  That  the  real  estate  which 
said  corporation  may  hold  shall  only  be  such  as  shall  be  necessary  for  the  object  of  said  corpo 
ration. 

SEC.  3.  The  corporation  hereby  created  shall  be  forever  capable  in  law  to  purchase,  take,  re 
ceive,  hold  and  enjoy,  any  estate  real  and  personal  whatever,  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  six 
thousand  dollars,  and  to  lease,  sell  and  convey,  or  otherwise  dispose  of  the  same  for  the  benefit 
of  the  stockholders. 

SEC.  4.  There  shall  be  forever  hereafter  seventeen  trustees  of  said  corporation,  who  shall  be 
members  thereof,  and  who  shall  manage  all  the  affairs  thereof;  and  the  first  trustees  shall  be 
Nelson  W.  Clark,  president ;  Thomas  Johnson,  vice  president ;  Edward  Bartlett,  secretary ; 
Jacob  Walter,  treasurer ;  Nelson  Abby,  Horatio  Foster,  Jr.,  David  A.  Wright,  Amos  Orton, 
William  C.  Scranton,  Arthur  Daviti,  Marcus  W.  Hiker,  George  P.  Thurston,  Albert  G.  Robin 
son,  Joseph  Gambell,  David  McKnight,  Azra  C.  Crosby  and  Alexander  Turbush,  who  shall 
hold  their  offices  until  the  third  Wednesday  in  August,  1850,  and  until  others  are  elected  in 
their  places. 

SEC.  5.  There  shall  be,  on  the  third  Wednesday  in  August,  1850,  and  on  the  third  Wednesday 
in  August  in  every  succeeding  year,  a  general  meeting  of  the  members  of  said  corporation  at 
some  convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Clarkston,  to  be  designated  by  the  laws  of  said  corpo 
ration;  and  a  majority  of  the  members  who  shall  meet  in  person  or  by  proxy,  shall  elect  by 
ballot,  a  president,  vice  president,  treasurer  and  secretary,  and  seventeen  trustees  of  the  said 
corporation,  who  shall  constitute  a  board  for  the  management  of  its  affairs,  -who  shall  imme 
diately  enter  upcn  the  duties  of  their  offices,  and  who  shall  hold  the  same  from  the  time  of 
their  election  until  the  third  Wednesday  in  August  of  the  ensuing  year,  and  until  others  are 
chosen  in  their  stead;  and  ia  case  any  of  the  trustees  shall  resign,  die,  refuse  or  neglect  to  act, 
then  and  in  every  such  case  the  remaining  trustees  may  elect  by  ballot  other  members  of  said 
corporation  in  their  stead,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  in  the  same  manner  as  those  first  elected. 

SEC.  6.  Each  member  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote  for  each  share  of  which  he  shall  be  holder; 
and  the  said  trustees  shall  receive  subscriptions  for  shares  in  said  corporation  until  the  capital 
stock 'pa&j  be  subscribed;  and  said  shares  be  assignable  and  transferable  according  to  such 
rules  as  the  board  of  trustees  shall  from  time  to  time  make  and  establish. 

SEC.  7.  In  case  it  should  at  any  time  happen,  than  [that]  an  election  of  trustees  should  not 
be  made  on  any  day  when  pursuant  to  this  act  it  ought  to  have  been  made,  the  said  corpora- 


534 

tion  shall  not  for  that  cause  be  dissolved,  but  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  on  any  other  day  to 
hold  an  election  for  trustees  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  provided  by  the  laws  and  ordinances 
of  said  corporation. 

SEC.  8.  The  trustees  may  by  their  by-laws  make  all  necessary  rules  and  regulations  for  call 
ing  special  meetings,  and  changing  the  time  of  the  annual  meetings,  and  for  the  government 
and maintainance  of  said  institute,  and  for  no  other  purpose  whatever;  and  a  majority  of  the 
trustees  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

SEC.  9.  A  board  of  visitors  shall  be  appointed  annually  by  the  trustees,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  to  attend  all  examinations,  and  from  time  to  time  make  a  personal  examination  into  the 
state  of  the  institute  in  all  its  departments,  and  report  the  result  to  the  trustees,  suggesting 
such  improvements  as  they  may  deem  important. 

SEC.  10.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  submit  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public  In 
struction  an  annual  report,  exhibiting  the  number  of  pupils  in  the  institute,  and  the  condition 
thereof  in  all  its  departments,  and  he  may  submit  the  same  to  the  Legislature  in  his  annual 
report. 

SEC.  11.  Tills  act  shall  take  efiect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  25,  1850. 


[  No.   243.  ] 
AN  A  CT  to  incorporate  the  Clinton  Institute. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  Abner  C.  Smith,  William  Jenny,  John  Stephens, 
Horace  H.  Cady,  John  J.  Traver  and  David  Shook,  of  the  county  of  Macomb,  and  their  suc 
cessors,  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted,  ordained  and  declared  a  body  corporate  and  poli 
tic,  under  the  name  and  style  of  "  The  Clinton  Institute;"  and  by  that  name  they  and  their 
successors  shall  and  may  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  be  persons  in  law  capable  of 
suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  answering  and  being  answered,  defend 
ing  and  being  defended  in  all  courts  of  record  whatever,  and  all  manner  of  suits,  actions, 
complaints,  matters  and  causes  whatever;  and  that  they  and  their  successors  may  have  a 
common  seal,  and  change  and  alter  the  same  at  their  pleasure;  and  that  they  and  their  suc 
cessors,  by  the  name  of  the  "  Clinton  Institute,"  shall  be  in  law  capable  of  acquiring  and 
holding,  by  purchase,  gift  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying  or  leasing,  real,  personal  or 
mixed  estate,  for  the  use  of  said  corporation,  not  exceeding  ten  thousand  dollars;  and  that 
they  and  their  successors  shall  have  full  power  to  make  and  enter  into  contracts,  to  make 
such  rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessa.iy  for  the  good  government  and  prosperity 
of  said  institution:  Provided,  Such  by-laws  are  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  and 
laws  of  the  United  States  or  of  this  State. 

SEC.  2.  Said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  establish  at  or  near  the  village  of  Mt.  Clemens, 
in  the  county  of  Macomb,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  and  education  of  young  persons. 

SEC.  3.  There  shall  be  six  trustees  of  the  said  corporaton,  who  shall  be  stockholders  there 
of,  and  who  shall  manage  and  control  all  the  affairs  of  the  same;  and  the  above  named  persons 
shall  be  the  first  trustees,  and  shall  hold  their  offices  until  the  first  Monday  in  July,  one  thou 
sand  eight  hundred  and  fifty,  and  until  others  are  elected  in  their  places;  and  they  or  their 
successors  shall  have  power  to  fill  all  vacancies  in  their  own  body  which  may  happen  by 
death,  resignation  or  otherwise;  to  appoint  a  president,  secretary  and  treasurer,  of  their  own 
body,  and  to  prescribe  such  studies  and  regulations  in  said  institution  as  to  them  may  seem 
beet. 


535 

SEC.  4.  There  shall  be  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  oi  said  corporation  on  the  nret  Moc  • 
day  in  July,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty,  and  on  the  first  Monday  in  July  in  every 
succeeding  year,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Mt.  Clemens,  to  be  designated  by 
the  by-laws  of  said  corporation;  and  a  majority  of  the  stockholders  who  shall  meet  in  person 
or  by  proxy,  shall  at  their  first  annual  meeting,  elect  six  trustees,  who  shall  immediately  be 
divided  by  lot  into  three  classes;  the  first  class  to  hold  their  offices  one  year,  the  second  two 
years,  and  the  third  three  years;  so  tliat  thereafter  there  shall  be  two  trustees  elected  annu 
ally;  each  trustee  so  elected  to  hold  his  office  until  his  successor  shall  have  been  elected. 

SEC.  5.  The  capital  stock  of  said  company  shall  be  one  thousand  dollars,  in  share*  of  ten 
dollars  each;  and  the  trustees  are  hereby  authorized  to  receive  subscriptions  thereto,  at  such 
times  and  places  as  they  or  a  majority  of  them  shall  designate;  said  shares  to  be  assignable 
and  transferable  agreeably  to  such  by-laws  as  the  trustees  may  from  time  to  time  establish, 
and  shall  in  law  be  considered  personal  property. 

SEC.  6.  The  trustees  of  said  corporation  shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  all  debts  of 
the  said  corporation:  Provided,  That  no  execution  shall  issue  against  the  individual  property 
of  said  trustees,  until  the  property  of  the  corporation  shall  first  have  been  exhausted:  And 
provided  further,  That  any  trustee  resigning,  shall  not  thereby  be  released  from  any  liability 
accrued  during  the  period  which  he  was  in  office,  until  a  responsible  successor  shall  be  ap 
pointed,  and  enter  upon  the  discharge  of  his  duties. 

SEC.  7.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  cause  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Superintendent  of  PubHc 
Instruction,  annually,  on  or  before  the  tenth  day  of  November,  a  full  statement  of  the  cond> 
tion  of  the  institute. 

SEC.  8.  This  act  may  be  amended  or  repealed  at  any  time,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  any 
future  Legislature. 

Approved  April  1,  1850. 


[  No.  29.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Young  Ladies'   Seminary  of  the  City 

of  Monroe. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Charles  Noble,  Dan  B.  Miller,  William  H.  Boyd,  Robert  McClelland,  S.  R.' Arnold, 
George  Landon,  Wedworth  W.  Clark,  David  A.  Noble,  Thomas  G.  Cole,  Norman  R.  HascaU, 
Ira  Mayhew,  Warner  Wing,  H.  Morgan,  H.  H.  Northrop,  C.  F.  Lewis  and  Charles  G.  Johnson, 
together  with  such  other  persons  as  may  become  members  of  the  incorporation  hereby  crea 
ted,  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  to  be  a  body  corporate  and  politic, 
by  the  name  of  "  The  Young  Ladies'  Seminary  of  the  City  of  Monroe;"  and  in  their  corpo 
rate  name  may  sue  and  be  sued;  may  have  a  common  seal,  which  they  may  renew  at  pleasure; 
and  shall  have,  enjoy,  and  may  exercise  all  the  powers,  rights  and  privileges  which  appertain 
to  corporate  bodies  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act. 

SEC.  2.  The  capital  stock  of  said  corporation  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dol 
lars,  and  shall  be  divided  into  shares  of  ten  dollars  each. 

SEC.  3.  The  corporation  hereby  created  shall  be  capable  in  law  to  purchase,  take,  receive, 
hold  and  enjoy  any  estate,  real  and  perso»al,  whatever,  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  ten  thcu- 
sand  dollars,  and  to  lease,  sell  and  convey,  or  otherwise  dispose  of  the  same. 

SEC.  4.  There  shall  be  sixteen  trustees  of  said  corporation,  who  shall  be  members  thereof, 
and  who  shall  manage  all  the  affairs  thereof;  and  the  first  trustees  shall  be  Charles  Noble,  Dan 


536 

B.  Miller,  William  H.  Boyd,  Robert  McClelland,  8.  R.  Arnold,  George  Landon,  Wedworth  W. 
Clack,  David  A.  Noble,  Thomas  G.  Cole,  Norman  R.  Hascall,  Ira  Mayhew,  H.  H.  Nortlirop,  C. 
F.  Lewis,  H.  Morgan,  Warner  Wing  and  Charles  G.  Johnson,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  un 
til  the  third  Wednesday  in  August,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty,  and  until  others  are  elected  in 
their  places. 

SBC.  5.  There  shall  be,  on  the  third  Wednesday  in  August,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty,  and 
on  the  third  Wednesday  in  August  in  every  succeeding  year,  a  general  meeting  of  the  mem 
bers  of  said  corporation,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  city  of  Monroe,  to  be  designated  by 
the  by-laws  of  said  corporation;  and  a  majority  of  the  members  who  shall  meet  in  person  or 
by  proxy,  shall  elect  by  ballot,  sixteen  of  their  number  to  be  trustees  of  the  said  corporation 
for  the  year  then  next  ensuing. 

SEC.  6.  The  trustees  of  said  corporation  shall  have  power  to  choose  from  out  of  their  num 
ber,  a  president,  a  treasurer  and  secretary,  who  shall  immediately  enter  upon  the  duties  of 
their  offices,  and  hold  the  same  from  the  time  of  their  election  until  the  third  Wednesday  in 
August  of  the  ensuing  year,  and  until  others  are  chosen  in  their  stead;  and  in  case  any  of  the 
trustees  shall  resign,  die,  refuse  or  neglect  to  act,  then,  and  in  every  such  wise,  the  remaining 
trustees  may,  within  thirty  days  thereafter,  elect  by  ballot,  other  members  of  said  corporation 
in  their  stead,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  in  the  same  manner  as  those  first  elected. 

SEC.  7.  Each  member  shall  be  entitled  to  one  vote  for  each  share  of  which  he  shall  be  the 
holder.  And  the  said  trustees  shall  receive  subscriptions  for  shares  in  said  corporation,  ustil 
the  capital  stock  may  be  subscribed;  and  said  shares  be  assignable  and  transferable  according 
to  such  rules  as  the  board  of  trustees  shall  from  time  to  time  make  and  establish,  and  shall  be 
considered  personal  property. 

SEC.  8.  In  case  it  should  at  any  time  happen  that  an  election  of  trustees  should  not  be  made 
on  any  day,  when,  pursuant  to  this  act,  it  ought  to  have  been  made,  the  said  corporation  shall 
not  for  that  cause  be  dissolved,  but  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  on  any  other  day  to  hold  an 
election  for  trustees  in  such  manner  as  shall  be  provided  by  the  laws  and  ordinances  of  said 
corporation. 

SEC.  9.  The  trustees  may,  by  their  by-laws,  make  all  necessary  rules  and  regulations  for 
•calling  special  meetings,  and  changing  the  time  of  the  annual  meetings,  and  for  all  other  pur 
poses  necessary  to  carry  on  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  this  act,  and  not  inconsistent  with 
the  laws  of  this  State;  and  a  majority  of  the  trustees  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  trans 
action  of  business. 

SEC.  10.  A  board  of  visitors,  consisting  of  twelve  ladies,  shall  be  appointed  annually  by  the 
trustees,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  attend  all  examinations,  and  from  time  to  time  make  a  per 
sonal  examination  into  the  state  of  the  seminary,  in  all  its  departments,  and  report  the  result 
to  the  trustees,  suggesting  such  improvements  as  they  may  deem  important. 

SEC.  11.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  trustees  to  submit  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public  In 
struction,  an  annual  report,  exhibiting  the  number  of  pupils  in  the  seminary,  and  the  condi 
tion  thereof  in  all  its  departments;  and  he  may,  in  his  discretion,  submit  the  same  to  the  Le 
gislature  in  his  annual  report. 

SEC.  12.  The  said  corporation  skull  incur  no  debt  whatever,  except  such  as  may  be  ueces- 
.sary  for  the  current  expenses  of  each  current  year:  Provided,  Nothing  herein  contained  shall 
prohibit  said  corporation  from  executing  a  mortgage  or  other  security  for  the  balance  now 
due  for  the  purchase  of  property  which  has  been  already  made  for  them. 

SEC.  13.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage.  The  Legisla 
ture  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act,  by  a  vote  of  two-thirds  of  each  House. 

Approved  February  18, 1850.  / 


537 

[  No.   112.  ] 
AN  ACT  10  incorporate  St.  Mark's  College  at  Grand  Rapids. 

SKCTIOV  I.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  the  Right  Reverend  Samuel  A.  MeCoskry,  Bishop  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church 
in  the  Diocese  of  Michigan,  and  his  successors  in  said  office,  together  with  Francis  H.  Cuming, 
James  M.  Nelson.  George  Kendall  and  Alonzo  Platt,  of  the  county  of  Kent,  Charles  C.  Taylor, 
of  the  county  of  Washteuaw;  Charles  Reighley,  of  the  county  of  Genesee;  Richard  S.  Adams, 
of  the  county  of  Lenawee;  Algernon  S.  Hollister,  of  the  county  of  Livingston;  Richard  S. 
Elder,  of  the  county  of  Hillsdale;  Charles  C.  Trowhridge  and  Henry  P.  Baldwin,  of  the  county 
of  Wayne;  Daniel  T.  GrinneU  and  Ira  Backus,  of  the  county  of  Jackson;  Charles  E.  Stuart, 
of  the  county  of  Kalamazoo;  James  L.  Glen,  of  the  county  of  Berrien;  Hiram  Adains  and 
George  C.  Gibbs,  of  the  county  of  Calhoun,  and  their  successors,  be  and  are  hereby  created, 
ordained  and  constituted  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  in  fact  and  in  name,  by  the  title  of  St. 
Mark's  College:  and  by  that  name  they  and  their  successors  shall  remain  in  perpetual  succes 
sion,  with  fuJl  power  to  sue  and  be  sued,  plead  and  be  impleaded;  to  acquire,  hold  and  convey 
property,  real  and  personal;  to  have  and  to  use  a  common  seal;  to  alter  and  renew  the  same  at 
pleasure:  to  make  and  alter  from  time  to  time  such  by-laws  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the 
government  of  said  institution,  its  officers  and  servants;  and  of  doing  every  other  act,  matter 
and  thing  necessary  and  proper  for  the  well-being  and  government  of  the  same,  not  inconsis 
tent  with  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States  and  this  State:  Provided,  That  noth 
ing  in  this  section  shall  be  construed  to  authorize  said  corporation  to  hold  at  one  time  more 
than  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  property,  real  and  personal. 

SEC.  2.  The  said  college  or  institution,  as  well  as  the  preparatory  school  attached  thereto, 
shall  be  located  in  the  township  of  Grand  Rapids,  county  of  Kent,  and  shall  be  for  the  pur 
pose  of  affording  instruction  in  the  liberal  arts  and  sciences  to  such  extent  as  their  means  may 
justify,  and  also  for  the  study  of  all  or  any  of  the  liberal  professions;  the  preparatory  depart 
ment  may  embrace  instruction  for  both  male  and  female  students. 

SEC.  3.  The  board  shall,  at  their  first  meeting,  appoint  a  secretary  and  treasurer,  together 
with  such  other  officers  and  instructors  as  may  be  necessary,  and  shall  have  power  to  displace 
any  or  either  of  them;  and  also  to  till  vacancies  which  may  happen  by  death,  resignation,  re 
moval  from  the  State,  or  otherwise,  in  said  board,  or  among  said  officers,  instructors  and  ser 
vants:  and  also  to  prescribe  and  direct  the  course  of  study  to  be  pursued  in  said  institution 
and  its  departments. 

SEC.  4.  The  Bishop  of  said  Church  shall  also  be  a  member  of  said  board  and  president  there 
of:  when  he  is  absent,  or  if  there  be  a  vacancy  in  said  office  of  Bishop,  the  board  shall  elect  one 
of  their  own  number  to  preside  for  the  time  being.  The  secretary  and  treasurer  shall  be 
elected  at  each  annual  meeting  of  tbe  board. 

SEC.  5.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  consist  of  seventeen  members,  exclusive  of  the  president, 
any  eight  of  whom  may  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business;  said  board  shall  hold 
their  first  meeting  at  th<4  cull  of  the  president  of  the  same,  within  two  months  from  the  appro 
val  of  this  net,  and  afterwards  they  shall  meet  on  their  OWH  appointment;  special  meetings  may 
be  called  when  necessary,  by  the  president,  or  when  required  by  any  five  members,  each  mem 
ber  of  the  board  having  been  notified,  in  writing,  of  such  meeting,  at  least  seven  days  before  the 
time  of  meeting. 

SEC.  f>.  The  treasurer  of  the  college  shall  always,  and  all  other  agents  when  required,  before 
entering  on  the  duties  assigned  them,  give  bonds  for  the  security  of  the  corporation  and  the 
public,  in  such  penal  sums,  and  with  such  sureties,  as  said  board  shall  approve;  and  all  process 
against  the  institution  shall  be  by  summons,  and  the  service  of  the  same  shall  be  by  leaving 


68 


538 

an  attested  copy  thereof  with  the  treasurer  of  the  college,  at  least  thirty  days  before  the  return 
thereof. 

SEC.  7.  The  institution  hereby  incorporated,  as  well  as  the  preparatory  school  attached  there 
to,  shall  always  be  subject  to  the  examination  of  a  board  of  visitors,  three  in  number,  to  be  an 
nually  appointed  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  and  such  visitors  shall  report  to 
said  Superintendent  as  soon  after  an  examination  as  practicable. 

SEC.  8.  The  trustees  shall  have  the  power  to  confer  the  honors  and  degrees  usually  granted 
by  collegiate  inslittttions  upon  such  persons  as  may  be  recommended  by  the  professors  of  said 
institution  to  be  worthy  thereof:  Provided,  That  the  primary  degrees  shall  not  be  con 
ferred  on  any  students,  who  shall  not  have  passed  through  a  course  of  studies  equivalent  to 
and  as  thorough  as  that  prescribed  by  the  Regents  of  the  University  of  Michigan  for  candi 
dates  for  degrees. 

SEC.  9.  Said  corporation  shall  not  hold  any  real  estate  more  than  fifteen  years  after  the  same 
shall  have  been  conveyed  to  it:  excepting,  always,  such  real  estate  as  shall  be  necessary  for  the 
objects  of  said  corporation. 

SEC.  10.  The  legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act. 

Approved  March  20,  1850. 


[  No.  314.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  St.  Mary's  Academy,  at  the  village  of 
Bertrand  in  Berrien  county. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  Aglac  De  la  Cheptais,  Mathurine  Salon,  Theresa  Dussaulx,  Prosperine  Ciianson,  and  their 
associates  and  succesors  in  office,  be  and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  declared  a  body  cor 
porate  and  politic  by  the  name  and  style  of  the  St.  Mary's  Academy ;  and  by  that  name  they 
shall  have  perpetual  succession,  with  full  power  and  authority  to  elect  a  president,  professors, 
teachers  and  other  officers  and  agents,  as  they  may  deem  proper  for  the  benefit  of  said  acade 
my  ;  to  form  constitutions  and  by-laws  for  the  good  government  of  the  institute ;  to  contract 
and  be  contracted  with ;  to  acquire,  hold,  enjoy  and  transfer  property,  real  or  personal,  in  their 
corporate  capacity  ;  to  make,  have  and  use  a  common  seal,  and  the  same  to  alter  at  pleasure  ; 
to  sue  and  be  sued  ;  to  plead  and  be  impleaded  in  any  court  of  laAV  or  equity ;  to  receive  or  ac 
cept  of  any  grant,  gift,  donation,  bequest  or  conveyance  by  any  person,  company  or  corpora 
tion,  of  any  property,  real  or  personal ;  and  to  hold  and  enjoy  and  dispose  of  the  same  as  may 
be  deemed  by  them  the  best  for  the  interest  of  the  institution ;  to  make,  ordain,  establish  and 
execute  such  rules  and  ordinances,  not  inconsistent  with  the  constitution  of  the  United  States 
or  this  State,  as  they  shall  think  proper  for  the  welfare  of  said  academy,  and  to  do  all  other 
acts  in  pursuance  thereof,  necessary  for  the  promotion  of  the  arts  and  sciences  and  the  pros 
perity  of  said  academy:  Provided,  Said  corporation  shall  not  hold  any  real  estate  more  than 
five  years  after  they  shaU  have  become  owners  of  the  same,  except  such  real  estate  as  shall  be 
necessary  for  the  objects  of  the  corporation:  And  provided  further,  That  the  amount  of  real 
and  personal  estate  which  said  corporation  may  hold,  shall  not  at  any  time  exceed  fifty  thou 
sand  dollars:  Provided  further,  That  no  deed  or  devise  of  lands  made  to  said  corporation  by 
any  person  or  persons  during  his  or  her  last  sickness  shall  be  valid. 

SEC.  2.  This  act  is  declared  to  be  a  public  act,  and  the  same  shall  be  construed  favorably,  for 
every  beneficial  purpose  therein  intended.  The  Legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or 
repeal  this  act.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  April  ?,  1850. 


539 

LITERARY  ASSOCIATIONS. 

AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  members  of  the  Detroit  Young  Men's 

Society. 

SECTION  I.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan,. 
That  the  members  of  the  Detroit  Young  Men's  Society,  and  all  such  persons  as  shall  be  asso 
ciated  with  them  for  the  purposes  hereinafter  mentioned,  and  their  successors  be  and  they  are 
hereby  ordained,  constituted  and  appointed  a  body  poltic  and  corporate,  in  fact  and  in  name, 
under  the  name  of  the  "  Detroit  Young  Men's  Society,"  for  the  purpose  of  moral  and  intel 
lectual  improvement,  and  by  that  name  they  and  their  successors  may  have  perpetual  succes 
sion,  and  shall  be  capable  of  suing  and  being  sue*,  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  answering 
and  being  answered  unto,  defending  and  being  defended  in  all  suits,  complaints,  matters  and 
causes  whatsoever,  either  in  law  or  equity ;  of  having  a  common  seal,  of  enacting  all  by-laws,, 
for  the  regulation  of  the  officers  and  members  of  said  society,  of  acquiring  by  gift,  devise, 
purchase  or  otherwise,  and  of  holding  and  conveying  any  real,  personal  or  mixed  estate  what 
soever,  necessary  and  proper  for  the  object  of  this  incorporation:  Provided,  The  same  shall 
at  no  time  exceed  the  sum  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  2.  And  for  carrying  into  effect  the  purposes  aforesaid,  there  shall  be  a  president,  vice- 
president,  corresponding  and  recording  secretaries,  treasurer,  auditor,  and  seven  managers, 
who  together  shall  constitute  a  board  of  directors,  and  shall,  as  such,  keep  a  record  of  their 
proceedings,  be  empowered  to  establish  and  superintend  a  library,  elect  members,  and  for 
good  cause  expel  the  same,  subject  to  an  appeal  to  the  society,  fill  all  vacancies  occurring  be 
tween  each  annual  meeting  in  their  own  body — transact  all  business — direct  all  the  affairs,  con 
trol  and  dispose  of  till  funds,  estate  and  effects  of  said  society,  and  do  every  other  act,  matter 
and  thing  necessary  and  proper  for  the  good  government  of  the  same,  not  inconsistent  with 
the  by-laws  and  this  act  of  incorporation,  seven  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  business. 

SEC.  3.  There  shall  be  an  annual  meeting  of  the  society  on  the  first  Monday  in  July  in  each 
year,  at  which  shall  be  held  an  election  of  officers  and  managers,  who  shall  be  elected  by  a 
majority  of  the  members  present,  and  shall  hold  their  offices  for  one  year,  or  until  others  be 
chosen  in  their  places:  Provided,  That  in  case  it  shall  at  any  time  happen  that  an  election  of 
officers  and  managers  shall  not  be  made  on  the  day  aforesaid,  the  said  corporation  shall  not  be 
dissolved ;  but  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  hold  such  election  at  any  time  thereafter,  pursu 
ant  to  public  notice  given  in  one  or  more  papers  printed  in  the  city  of  Detroit. 

SEC.  4.  That  the  lands,  tenements  and  hereditaments,  which  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  said 
corporation  to  purchase,  shall  be  only  such  as  shall  be  required  for  its  accommodation  in  rela 
tion  to  the  convenient  transaction  of  its  business;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  board  of  di 
rectors  whenever  required  by  the  Legislature  to  furnish  a  statement  under  oath  or  affirmation, 
the  amount  of  capital  actually  paid  in,  the  amount  of  their  real  estate,  and  other  property,  and ' 
containing  a  true  and  faithful  exhibit  of  the  entire  state  of  said  society. 

SEC.  5.  That  of  the  said  Detroit  Young  Men's  Society,  John  L.  Talbott  shall  be  president, 
John  Owen  vice  president,  Franklin  Sawyer  Jr.,  corresponding  secretary,  Henry  N.  Walker 
recording  secretary,  Henry  T.  Stringham  treasurer,  Alexander  II.  Sibley,  axiditor,  and  Francie 
Raymond,  Andrew  T.  McReynolds,  Francis  Dwight,  Asher  S.  Kellogg,  Marshal  J.  Bacon, 
Alexander  W.  Buel  and  Charles  W.  Penny,  managers— who,  together  shall  constitute  the  first 
board  of  directors  of  said  society;  and  shall  hold  their  said  offices  until  the  first  Monday  o:( 
July,  A.  D.  1836,  or  until  others  shall  be  chosen  in  their  stead,  according  to  the  provisions  of 
this  act. 

SEC.  6.  This  act  may  be  altered,  amended   or  repealed  by  any   future  Legislature,  with  the 
assent  of  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  each  bouse, 
Approved  March  26,  1836. 


440 
[  No.  244.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Union  Hall  Association  of  the  City  of 

Monroe. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  W.  P.  Clarke,  W.  H.  Boyd,  Samuel  Acker,  D.  B.  Miller,  P.  S.  Underbill,  Isaac  Lewis,  B. 
F.  Fifield,  J.  M.  Sterling  and  Alexander  Ragau,  and  all  persons  who  now  are  or  hereafter  may 
become  associated  with  them,  are  hereby  constituted  a  body  corporate,  by  the  name  of  "  The 
Union  Hall  Association  of  the  City  of  Monroe;"  and  by  that  name  sliail  have  succession,  and 
be  capable  of  taking  and  holding  by  gift  or  grant,  or  of  purchasing,  holding  and  conveying  by 
sale,  lease  or  otherwise,  any  estate,  real  and  personal,  necessary  for  the  purposes  of  said  cor 
poration:  Provided  always,  That  the  said  corporation  shall  riot  at  any  time  hold  or  possess 
real  and  personal  estate  exceeding  in  value  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars:  Provided  also, 
That  the  said  sum  shall  be  exclusively  employed  for  the  object  stated  in  the  second  section  of 
this  act:  Arid  also  provided.  That  the  said  association  shall  not  at  any  time  be  empowered  to 
sell  or  otherwise  dispose  of  their  real  estate,  or  any  portion  thereof,  without  the  consent  of 
two-thirds  of  all  the  stockholders,  at  a  meeting  called  for  that  purpose,  first  had  and  ob 
tained. 

SEC.  2.  The  object  of  this  association  shall  be  to  purchase  a  site  and  to  erect  thereon  a  con 
venient  edifice  for  the  accommodation  of  all  such  orders  and  associations,  and  all  such  library 
and  reading  rooms,  historical  and  scientific  associations,  and  those  for  the  promotion  of  arts, 
and  such  school,  lecture  and  meeting  rooms  as  to  said  association  shall  seem  meet  and  proper: 
Provided,  Iwuerer,  That  if  said  edifice  shall  consist  of  three  or  more  stories,  it  shall  be  lawful 
for  the  said  association  to  lease  the  first  and  second  stories  thereof  for  mercantile  or  other 
business  purposes:  Provided  also,  That  no  part  of  said  edifice  shall  at  any  time  be  let  or  used 
•for  the  sale  of  ardent  spirits,  wine,  beer,  cider,  or  any  other  spirituous  liquors  whatsoever. 

SEC.  3.  The  government  of  said  association,  and  the  management  of  its  property  and  affairs, 
shall  be  vested  in  such  officers,  and  according  to  such  rules  and  regulations  as  the  by-laws 
'thereof  shall  from  time  to  time  ordain:  Provided,  That  such  by-laws  shall  not  conflict  with 
•any  law  of  this  State,  and  the  constitution  of  the  United  States  and  of  this  State. 

SEC.  4.  It  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  Legislature  at  any  time  to  demand  a  statement  of 
'the  amount  of  property,  real  and  personal,  belonging  to  the  said  corporation,  and  of  the  debts 
due  to  and  from  said  corporation,  and  the  purposes  for  which  disbursements  shall  have  been 
made;  and  shall  also  have  the  right  to  authorize  one  or  more  persons  to  inspect  such  general 
accounts  in  the  books  of  said  corporation. 

SKC.  5.  The  said  corporation  shah1  possess  the  general  powers  granted  to  corporations  for 
the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act;  and  in  the  name  of  its  corporate  title  may  sue  and  be 
.sued. 

SEC.  6.  The  stockholders  of  said  association  shall  be  severally  liable  for  all  the  debts  of  said 
Dissociation,  to  an  amount  equal  to  the  amount  of  their  stock. 

SBC.  7.  The  Legislature  may  at  any  time  alter  or  repeal  this  act. 

.SEC.  8.  This  act  shall  take  effect  immediately. 
.Approved  April  1, 1850. 


541 
[  No.   19.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Adrian  Lyceum  and  Benevolent  As 
sociation. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan^ 
That  Parley  J.  Spaiding,  Alfred  W.  Budlong,  Elihue  L.  Clark,  Frederick  W.  Macy,  Jesse 
TreadweU,  John  Barber,  Ahira  G.  Eastman,  Fernando  C.  Beamau  and  Daniel  D.  Sinclair,  and 
all  pe-.-sons  who  may  hereafter  become  associated  witli  them,  are  hereby,  under  the  provisions, 
of  this  act,  created  a  body  corporate  by  the  name  of  the  Adrian  Lyceum  and  Benevolent  As 
sociation,  and  by  that  name  shall  have  succession,  and  be  capable  of  talcing  and  holding  by  gift 
or  grant,  or  of  purchasing,  holding  and  tonveying  by  sale,  lease  or  otherwise,  any  estate,  real 
and  personal,  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  said  corporation,  not  at  any  time  exceeding  in  value 
the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  2.  The  said  association  is  hereby  authorized  to  purchase  a  site,  and  to  erect  thereon  a 
convenient  edifice  for  the  accommodation  of  a  library,  reading  room  and  apartments  for  na 
tural  history,  science  and  the  arts,  school,  lecture  and  meeting  rooms,  and  to  provide  for  the 
education  of  orphan  cliildren. 

SKC.  3.  There  shall  be  nine  directors  of  the  said  corporation,  who  shall  be  stockholders 
thereof,  and  who  shall  manage  and  control  all  the  affairs  of  the  same,  maintaining  perpetual 
succession,  three  of  whom  shall  be  elected  at  the  annual  meeting  in  each  year,  to  fill  the  va 
cancy  of  a  like  number  whose  term  of  office  shall  expire  upon  the  election  of  their  successors; 
and  the  persons  named  in  the  first  section  of  this  act  shall  be  the  first  directors;  and  the  said 
nine  directors,  at  their  first  meeting,  shall  proceed  to  cast  lots  for  the  terms  of  one,  two' and 
three  years,  by  drawing  numbers;  and  the  three  persons  who  shall  draw  the  three  highest 
numbers  shall  hold  their  offices  for  the  term  of  three  years,  from  and  after  the  first  day  of 
January,  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  and  the  three  persons  who  shall  draw  the  next  three 
highest  numbers  shall  hold  their  offices  for  the  term  of  two  years  from  and  after  the  period 
last  aforesaid;  and  the  remaining  three  persons  shall  hold  their  offices  for  the  term  of  one  year 
from  and  after  the  said  first  day  of  January,  in  the  year  last  aforesaid. 

SEC.  4.  There  shall  be  a  meeting  of  the  stockholders  of  said  corporation  on  the  first  Monday 
of  January,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-seven,  and  on  the  first  Monday  in  January 
in  any  succeeding  year,  at  some  convenient  place  in  the  village  of  Adrian,  to  be  designated  by 
the  by-laws  of  said  corporation;  and  a  majority  of  the  stockh older s,  who  shall  meet  in  person 
or  by  proxy,  shall  elect  three  of  the  stockholders  to  be  directors  in  the  place  of  those  whose 
terms  may  expire,  each  person  being  entitled  to  one  vote  for  each  share  he  may  hold  in  his 
own  right,  or  represent  by  proxy. 

SEC.  5.  The  said  directors  are  authorized  and  required,  at  their  first  meeting,  to  elect  from 
their  own  number,  a  president,  secretary  and  treasurer,  who  shall  hold  their  offices  for  such 
terms,  report  to  the  board  of  directors,  and  be  liable  to  removal  under  such  rules  and  by-laws- 
as  said  board  shall  from  time  to  time  adopt. 

SEC.  6.  The  government  of  said  association,  and  the  management  ot  its  affairs  and  property, 
shall  be  vested  in  said  board  of  directors,  a  majority  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the 
transaction  of  all  business  relative  to  the  same,  and  the  directors  are  authorized  to  make  such, 
rules  and  by-laws  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  ordained  and  adopted  by  said  association:  Pro 
vided,  That  said  rules  and  by-laws  shall  not  conflict  with  the  laws  of  this  State,  or  of  the  con 
stitution  of  the  United  States  or  of  this  State. 

SEC.  7.  The  said  corporation  shall  possess  the  general  powers  granted  to  corporations,  for 
all  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act,  and  in  the  name  of  its  corporate  title  may  sue  and  be 
sued. 

SKC.  8.  In  the  collection  of  debts  against  said  corporation,  if  corporate  property  cannot  be 
found  sufficient  to  satisfy  any  execution  issued  against  it,  the  directors  shall  be  jointly  liable 


542 

as  parcuers  in  trade,  for  any  debt  created  by  them  whilst  directors  of  said  corporation;  and  if 
such  debts  canuot  be  collected  from  the  corporate  property  of  said  association,  or  the  individ 
ual  property  of  said  directors,  then  the  stockholders  shall  be  individually  liable  therefor  to  the 
amount  of  stock  by  them  severally  owned. 

SEC.  i).  It  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  legislature  at  any  time  to  demand  a  statement  from 
the  officers  of  said  association,  of  the  amount  of  property,  real  and  personal,  belonging  to,  and 
of  the  debts  due  to  and  from-sai-1  corporation,  and  the  purpose  for  which  disbursements  shall 
have  been  made,  and  shall  also  have  the  right  to  authorize  one  or  more  persons,  under  resolu 
tion,  to  examine  such  general  accounts,  in  the  books  of  said  association. 

SEC.  10.  The  legislature  may,  at  any  time  hereafter,  amend,  alter  or  repeal  this  act, 

SEC.  LI.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  February  19.  1846. 


[  No.  268.   ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Almont  Young  Men's  Society. 

SECTION  1.  Bs  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Slate  of  Michigan, 
'That  the  members  of  the  Almont  Young  Men's  Society,  and  all  such  persons  as  shall  be  asso 
ciated  with  them  for  the  purposes  hereinafter  mentioned,  and  their  successors,  be  and  they  are 
hereby  ordained,  constituted  and  appointed  a  body  politic  and  corporate,  in  fact  and  in  name, 
under  the  name  of  the  Almont  Young  Men's  Society,  for  the  purpose  of  moral  and  intellectual 
improvement;  and  by  ttiat  name  they  and  their  successors  may  have  perpetual  succession,  and 
shall  be  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleaded,  answering  and  being 
answered  unto,  defending  and  being  defended  in  all  suits,  complaints,  matters  and  causes  what 
soever,  either  in  law  or  equity ;  of  having  a  common  seal ;  of  enacting  all  by-laws  for  the  reg 
ulation  of  the  officers  and  members  of  said  society ;  of  acquiring  by  gift,  devise,  purchase  or 
otherwise,  and  of  holding  and  conveying  any  real,  personal  or  mixed  estate  whatsoever,  neces 
sary  and  proper  for  the  objects  of  this  incorporation:  Provided.  The  same  shall  at  no  time 
exceed  five  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  2.  And  for  carrying  into  effect  the  provisions  aforesaid,  there  shall  be  a  president,  vice 
president,  secretary,  treasurer,  auditor,  librarian  and  seven  managers,  who,  together,  shall 
constitute  a  board  of  directors  ;  and  shall,  as  such,  keep  a  record  of  their  proceedings,  be  em 
powered  to  establish  and  superintend  a  library,  elect  members,  and  for  good  causes  expel  the 
same,  subject  to  an  appeal  to  the  society,  fill  all  vacancies  occurring  between  each  annual  meet 
ing  in  then:  own  body,  direct  all  the  affairs,  control  and  dispose  of  all  funds,  estates  and  effects 
of  said  society,  and  do  every  other  act,  matter  and  thing  necessary  and  proper  for  the  good 
government  of  the  same,  not  inconsistent  with  the  by-laws  and  this  act  of  incorporation ; 
seven  of  whom  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  taansaction  of  all  business. 

SEC.  3.  There  shall  be  an  annual  meeting  of  the  society  on  the  first  Monday  in  July  in  each 
year;  at  which  shall  be  held  au  election  of  officers  and  managers,  who  shall  be  elected  by  a 
majority  of  the  members  present;  and  they  shall  hold  their  offices  for  one  year,  or  until  others 
be  chosen,  in  their  places:  Provided,  That  in  case  it  shall  at  any  time  happen  that  an  election 
of  officers  and  managers  shall  not  be  made  on  the  day  aforesaid,  said  corporation  shall  not  be 
dissolved,  but  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  to  hold  such  election  at  any  time  thereafter:  Provided. 
There  be  a  public  notice  given  three  weeks  prior  to  the  time  said  election  is  to  be  held. 

SEC.  4.  That  the  lands,  tenements,  &c.,  which  it  shall  be  lawful  for  said  corporation  to  pur 
chase,  shall  be  only  such  as  shall  be  required  for  its  accommodation  in  relation  to  the  conven 
ient  transaction  of  its  business :  and  all  moneys  belonging  to  said  corporation,  whether  deri- 


543 

vsd  from  dues,  fees,  gifts  or  otherwise,  shall  be  expended  for  the  purchase  of  such  books  as 
the  society  ahull  direct:  Provided,  Such  money  or  a  portion  thereof  shall  not  be  required  to 
defray  the  necessary  expenses  of  said  corporation. 

SEC.  5.  That  of  the  said  Almont  Young  Men's  Society,  Virgil  Parmalee  shall  be  president, 
N.  H.  Headman,  vice  president,  Gavin  E.  Calkin,  secretary,  Hiram  C.  Welles,  treasurer,  George 
W.  Gulliver,  librarian,  and  James  Taggart,  auditor;  S.  D.  McKeen,  O.  P.  Strowbridge,  James 
S.  Johnson,  Henry  Osborne,  W.  A.Hitchcock,  Amaziah  Roberts  and  John  Parmalee,  managers; 
who,  together,  shall  constitute  the  first  board  of  directors  of  said  society,  and  shall  hold  their 
said  offices  until  the  first  Monday  in  Juty,  A.  D.  1850,  or  until  others  be  chosen  in  their  stead, 
according  to  the  provisions  of  this  act. 

SEC.  6.  This  act  may  be  altered,  amended  or  repealed  by  any  future  Legislature,  with  the 
assent  of  at  least  a  majority  of  the  members  of  each  house.  The  directors  of  said  society 
shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  all  debts  contracted  while  they  are  in  office,  but  no  exe 
cution  shall  issue  against  the  individual  property  of  the  trustees,  until  the  property  of  the 
society  shall  have  been  first  exhausted. 

SEC.  7.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  April  2,  1850. 


[  No.  306.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Lawrence  Literary  Institute  Association. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatices  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  John  Andrews,  John  L.  Marvin,  Horatio  N. 
Phelps,  Tobias  Miles,  Henry  W.  Hurlbut,  Jonathan  N.  Hinckley,  Nelson  S.  Marshall,  Humph 
rey  P.  Barnum  and  Philotus  Hayden,  of  the  county  of  Van  Buren,  and  their  successors,  be 
and  they  are  hereby  constituted  and  ordained  and  declared  a  body  corporate,  under  the  name 
and  style  of  "  The  Lawrence  Literary  Institute  Association;''  and  by  that  name  they  and  their 
successors  shall  have  perpetual  succession,  and  shall  constitute  a  body  corporate,  in  law  capa 
ble  of  suing  and  being  sued,  pleading  and  being  impleadcd,  answering  and  being  answered, 
defending  and  being  defended,  in  all  courts  of  record  whatever,  and  in  all  manner  of  suits, 
actions,  complaints,  matters  and  causes  whatever;  and  they,  as  a  body  corporate,  may  have  a 
common  seal,  and  may  change  or  alter  the  same  at  their  pleasure;  and  the  said  body  corporate, 
under  the  name,  style  and  title  of  the  Lawrence  Literary  Institute  Association,  shall  be  capa 
ble  in  law  of  acquiring  and  holding  by  purcliase  or  gift,  or  otherwise,  and  of  selling,  conveying 
or  leasing  any  estate,  real,  personal  or  mixed,  for  the  use  of  said  corporation,  not  exceeding  in 
amount  ten  thousand  dollars:  Provided,  Said  corporation  shall  hold  no  real  estate  more  than 
fifteen  years,  after  the  same  shall  have  been  conveyed  to  them,  except  such  real  estate  as  shall 
bo  necessary  for  the  objects  of  said  corporation.  And  the  said  body  corporate  shall  have  full 
power  to  make  and  to  enter  into  contracts;  to  make  such  rules  and  by-laws  as  they  may  deem 
necessary  for  the  good  government  and  management  of  the  affairs  of  said  incorporation: 
Provided,  Such  by-laws  contain  no  requirements,  prohibitions  or  penalties  inconsistent  with 
the  laws  and  constitution  of  the  State  of  Michigan. 

SEC.  2.  The  management  and  control  of  the  affairs  of  said  corporation  shall  be  vested  in  a 
board  of  nine  trustees,  who  shall  elect  from  their  number  a  president,  secretary  and  treasurer. 
Said  trustees  shall  be  elected  annually  from  among  the  stockholders,  on  the  third  Tuesday  of 
June,  by  a  majority  of  the  stockholders  present  and  voting;  and  the  above  named  persons 
mentioned  in  this  act  of  incorporation  shall  be  the  first  trustees,  who  shall  hold  their  offices 
until  the  third  Tuesday  in  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-one,  or  until  such  time  as  others 


544 

are  elected  in  their  stead;  and  said  board  may  have  power  to  fill  all  vacancies  that  may  occur  in 
their  own  body,  either  by  death,  removal  or  resignation. 

SEC.  3.  Said  corporation  shall  have  the  power  to  establish  in  the  village  of  Lawrence,  in  the 
county  of  Van  Buren,  an  institution  for  the  instruction  of  young  persons  in  the  ordinary  and 
higher  departments  of  learning. 

SEC.  4.  The  capital  stock  of  said  corporation  shall  be  limited  to  ten  thousand  dollars,  in 
shares  of  ten  dollars  each;  and  the  trustees  are  hereby  authorized  to  receive  subscriptions 
thereto,  at  such  times  and  places  as  they  or  a  majority  of  them  shall  designate.  Said  shares 
to  be  assignable  and  transferable  agreeably  to  such  by-laws  as  the  trustees  rnay  enact,  and 
shall  in  law  be  considered  personal  property. 

SEC.  5.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  cause  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Superintendent  of  Public 
lustruction,  annually,  on  or  before  the  tenth  day  of  November,  a  full  statement  of  the  condi 
tion  of  the  institute. 

SEC.  6.  The  trustees  of  said  association  shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  all  debts  con 
tracted  while  they  were  in  office,  but  no  execution  shall  issue  against  the  individual  property 
of  all  the  trustees  until  the  property  of  the  association  shall  first  have  been  exhausted. 

SEC.  7.  The  Legislature  may  at  any  time  alter,  amend  or  repeal  this  act. 

Approved  April  2,  1850. 


[  No.  308.  ] 
AN  ACT  to  incorporate  the  Niles  Union  Hall  Association. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Miehigan, 
That  Robert  Wilson,  James  Brown,  Harvey  Palmer,  Benjamin  F.  Fish  and  Alfred  L.  Denni- 
son,  and  all  persons  who  now  are,  or  may  become  associated  with  them,  are  hereby  constituted 
a  body  corporate  and  politic,  by  the  name  and  style  of  "  The  Niles  Union  Hall  Association;" 
and  by  that  name  shall  have  succession,  and  be  capable  of  taking  and  holding  by  gift  or  grant, 
or  purchasing,  holding  and  conveying  by  sale,  lease  or  otherwise,  any  estate,  real  and  personal, 
necessary  for  the  purposes  of  said  corporation:  Provided,  Said  corporation  shall  only  hold 
such  real  estate  as  shall  be  necessary  for  the  objects  of  said  corporation:  Provided  also,  The 
amount  of  real  and  personal  estate  which  said  corporation  may  hold,  shall  not  at  any  time 
exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars. 

SEC.  2.  The  object  of  this  association  shall  be  to  purchase  a  site  and  erect  thereon  a  convenient 
edifice  for  the  accommodation  of  public  and  private  assemblies,  and  for  lecture  and  reading 
rooms. 

SEC.  3.  The  government  of  said  association,  and  the  management  of  its  affairs  and  property, 
shall  be  vested  in  such  officers,  and  according  to  such  rules  and  regulations  as  the  by-laws 
thereof  shall  from  time  to  time  ordain:  Provided,  That  such  by-laws  shall  not  conflict  with 
any  laws  of  this  State,  and  the  constitution  of  the  United  States  or  of  this  State. 

SEC.  4.  The  Legislature  may  at  any  time  demand  a  statement  of  the  amount  of  property, 
real  and  personal,  belonging  to  said  corporation,  and  of  the  debts  due  to  and  from  said  corpo 
ration,  and  the  purposes  for  which  disbursements  shall  have  been  made;  and  shall  also  have  the 
right  to  authorize  one  or  more  persons  to  inspect  such  general  accounts  in  the  books  of  said 
corporation. 

SEC.  5.  The  said  corporation  shall  possess  the  general  powers  usually  granted  to  corporations 
for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  this  act,  and  in  the  name  of  its  corporate  title  may  sue  and  b« 
sued. 


545 

SEC.  6.  The  corporators  mentioned  in  this  act,  shall  be  jointly  and  severally  liable  for  the  pay 
ment  of  any  debts  contracted  by  such  corporation:  Provided,  The  third  subdivision  of  section 
four  of  an  act  to  provide  for  the  assassment  and  collection  of  taxes,  approved  March  eighth, 
eighteen  hundred  and  forty-three,  shall  not  apply  to  this  corporation. 

SEC.  7.  The  Legislature  may  at  any  time  amend  or  repeal  this  act. 

SEC.  8.  This  act  shall  take  effect  immediately. 

Approved  April  2,  1850. 


[  No.  34.  ] 

PREAMBLE  and  Joint  Resolutions  relative  to  Mons.  Vattemare's  sys 
tem  of  International  Literary  Exchanges. 

Whereas,  Mons.  Alexander  Vattemare,  a  citizen  of  France,  has,  with  an  unexampled  zeal, 
devoted  his  time,  his  energies  and  his  fortune,  to  the  philanthropic  effort  of  establishing  an 
intellectual  confederacy  among  the  nations  of  the  earth; 

And  whereas,  His  system  of  international  literary  exchanges  is  not  only  promotivo  of  science 
and  the  improvement  of  literature  and  the  arts,  but  is  also  conducive  to  the  fraternization  of 
governments  and  the  diffusion  of  civilization  through  the  globe; 

And  whereas,  The  project  has  been  approved  by  the  Chambers  and  Ministers  of  Prance,  by 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  the  Legislatures  of  several  of  the  States,  and  by  the 
statesmen  and  literati  of  both  nations;  be  it  therefore 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan,  That  in 
grateful  acknowledgment  of  his  disinterested  labors  in  the  cause  of  humanity  and  civilization, 
and  for  the  valuable  works  presented  by  him  to  the  State,  the  thanks  of  the  people  of  Michi 
gan  are  respectfully  tendered  to  Mons.  Alexander  Vattemare,  by  the  Representatives  of  the 
people  in  Legislature  convened; 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency,  the  Governor,  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  requested  to 
receive  the  parcel  of  books  transmitted  by  Mons.  Vattemare,  through  Lewis  Cass,  Jr.,  Esq., 
to  the  State  of  Michigan,  and  also  the  parcel  consigned  to  E.  Thayer  &  Co.,  forwarding  mer 
chants,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  to  place  the  same  in  the  State  library. 

Resolved,  Tliat  His  Excellency  be,  and  he  hereby  is  further  authorized  and  requested  to 
transmit  to  Mons.  Vattemare,  a  copy  of  the  revised  statutes  and  session  laws  of  the  State  of 
Michigan,  together  with  the  journals  and  documents  of  both  Houses  of  the  Legislature,  and 
such  maps  of  the  several  counties  as  are  now  completed. 

Resolved,  That  the  State  Geologist  be  and  he  hereby  is  authorized  and  requested  to  examine 
and  report  to  the  next  Legislature  what  duplicate  specimens  of  the  natural  history  of  Michi 
gan  are  in  his  department  of  the  University. 

Resolved,  That  our  Senators  in  Congress  be  instructed,  and  our  Representativds  be  requested 
to  use  their  best  efforts  to  obtain  the  appointment  of  Mons.  Alexander  Vattemare  as  an  agent 
of  the  general  government,  to  act  in  behalf  of  this  State,  with  power  to  conduct  literary  ex 
changes  between  France  and  the  United  States. 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  be  and  he  is  hereby  requested  to  transmit  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions,  and  the  report  of  the  committee  on  education,  to  Mons.  Vattemare,  and  to  each  of 
our  Senators  and  Representative  in  Congress. 

Approved  March  12,  1844. 


69 


546 

[  No.   107.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  provide  for  the  support  of  a  system  of  International 

Exchange. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  the  governor  of  this  State  be,  and  he  is  hereby  -authorized  to  appoint  some  suitable  per 
son  residing  in  the  city  of  Paris,  in  France,  to  be  the  agent  of  this  State  in  transmitting  to,  and 
receiving  from  this  State,  all  such  works  and  objects  as  are  intended  as  the  subjects  of  inter 
national  exchange. 

SEC.  2.  The  sum  of  two  hundred  dollars,  annually,  is  hereby  appropriated  to  defray  the  ex 
penses  of  the  said  agency  in  the  city  of  Paris,  in  receiving  from  and  transmitting  to  this  State 
such  works  as  may  be  made  the  subject  of  international  exchange. 

SEC.  3.  When  the  Secretary  of  State  shall  have  been  officially  informed  that  the  agency  pro  • 
Tided  for  in  the  first  section  of  this  act  has  been  duly  established,  he  shall,  upon  his  order, 
annually  draw  from  the  treasury  and  transmit  to  said  agent  the  said  sum  of  two  hundred  dol 
lars,  provided  for  in  the  second  section  of  this  act,  and  the  said  agent  shall  report  annually  to 
the  Governor  of  this  State,  all  his  transactions  relative  to  said  agency. 

SBC.  4.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  19,  1849. 


EDUCATION  OF  THE  DEAF  AND  DUMB,  &c. 

[  No.   187.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  establish  an  Asylum  for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  and  the 
Blind  and  also  an  Asylum  for  the  Insane  of  the  State  of  Michi 
gan. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan. 
That  there  shall  be  established  in  this  State  institutions  under  the  title  and  style  of  the  "Mich 
igan  Asylum  for  the  Educating  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  and  the  Blind,"  and  "Michigan  Asylum 
for  the  Insane,"  and  that  eight  sections  of  the  State  salt  spring  lands  be  and  is  hereby  appro 
priated  for  the  erection  of  suitable  buildings  therefor. 

SEC.  2.  The  government  of  said  asylums  shall  be  vested  in  a  board  of  trustees  to  consist  of 
five  members,  who  shall  be  elected  annually  by  the  legislature  of  this  State  in  joint  conven 
tion:  Provided,  The  Governor  shall  have  the  authority  to  appoint  the  first  trustees  under  this 
act. 

SEC.  2.  The  trustees  authorized  pursuant  to  the  foregoing  section,  shall  constitute  a  body 
corporate  with  the  name  and  title  of  the  "Trustees  of  the  Michigan  Asylums,"  with  the  right 
ae  such  of  suing  and  being  sued,  of  making  and  using  a  common  seal,  and  altering  the  same 
at  pleasure. 

SEC.  4.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  above  named  trustees  to  meet  at  such  time  and  place  a» 
the  Governor  shall  appoint,  and  elect  of  then-  own  body,  a  treasurer  and  clerk,  who  shall 
hold  their  offices  one  year  and  until  their  successors  are  chosen  and  qualified. 

SEC.  5.  Said  trustees  shah"  meet  once  in  every  three  months,  on  their  own  adjournments,  or 
oilener  if  they  deem  it  advisable;  have  power  to  pass  such  by-laws  and  adopt  snch  rules  and 
regulations  for  the  management  and  control  of  the  institution  as  they  may  deem  just  and 
right. 


547 

Stic.  6.  The  trustees  shall  have  power,  and  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  enuet  laws  for  the  gov 
ernment  of  said  asylums,  and  also  to  appoint  a  principal  for  each  institution,  whose  respective 
salaries  shall  not  exceed  eight  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  and  who  shall  nominate  for  the  ac 
tion  of  the  board  of  trustees  all  necessary  subordinate  officers,  who  may  be  dismissed  by  said 
respective  principals  for  inefficiency  or  misconduct;  but  in  case  of  every  removal  a  detailed 
.statement  of  the  causes  shall  be  reported  to  the  board  of  trustee?  by  the  principal  making  the 
removal. 

SEC.  7.  The  trustees  shall  be  the  judges  of  the  ability  of  the  candidate  of  this  State  for  ad 
mission,  to  defray  his  or  her  expenses,  and  shall  require  the  parent  or  guardians  in  all  cases  to 
pay  the  necessary  expenses  where  they  possess  the  ability,  otherwise  the  same  to  be  defrayed  out 
of  the  asylum  funds.  They  shall  likewise  admit  into  either  institution  candidates  from  any 
other  State:  Prodded,  The  necessary  expenses  be  defrayed  by  the  parents  or  guardians  of  such 
persons. 

SEC.  8.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  make  out  annually  and  report  to  the  legislature,  a  de 
tailed  statement  of  the  operations  of  said  institution. 

SEC.  9.  The  expenses  necessarily  incurred  by  such  trustees  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties 
shall  be  reimbursed  to  them  to  be  paid  as  the  other  expenses  of  the  institution. 

SEC.  10.  Said  board,  when  organized,  is  hereby  authorized  to  receive  proposals  for  donations 
of  lauds,  money  or  other  materials  for  the  location  and  building  of  such  asylums,  and  upon 
receiving  a  title  of  any  kinds,  or  the  delivery  of  any  money,  materials,  bonds  or  other  security 
for  such  purpose,  to  and  in  behalf  of  the  State  for  the  benefit  of  such  asylums. 

SEC.  11.  The  board  of  trustees  shall  appoint  one  of  their  number  as  acting  commissioner, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  make  immediate  selection  of  the'lands  hereby  appropriated,  and  file 
a  notice  of  such  selection  with  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office,  which  lauds  shall 
thereupon  be  under  the  exclusive  control  of  the  board  of  trustees,  who  shall  have  power  to 
order  the  sale  of  such  portions,  from  cime  to  time,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Commissioner 
of  the  State  Land  Office,  as  they  may  deem  proper,  and  for  the  best  interests  of  the  State, 

SEC.  12.  The  acting  commissioner  shall  also  have  the  superintendence  of  the  erection  of  the 
necessary  buildings,  under  the  direction  of  the  board  of  trustees,  whose  salary  shall  not  ex 
ceed  eight  hundred  dollars  per  annum,  and  which  shall  be  in  full  for  all  his  services,  except 
the  necsssary  traveling  fees. 

SEC.  13.  The  proceeds  of  the  lands  and  all  other  moneys  shall  be  paid  to  the  treasurer  au 
thorized  by  this  act,  who  may  l>e  required  to  give  bonds  with  sureties  to  be  approved  by  the 
board  and  filed  with  the  Auditer  General  of  the  State:  and  all  necessary  expenses  incurred  in 
carrying  out  the  provisions  of  this  act  shall  be  paid  therefrom  on  a  warrant  drawn  by  the  clerk 
and  approved  by  the  chairman  or  president  of  the  board. 
SEC.  14.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 
Ap  proved  April  3.  1S48. 


f  No.  133.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  "an  act  to  establish  an  Asylum 
for  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  and  Blind,  and  also  an  Asylum  for  the 
Insane  of  the  State  of  Michigan/' 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enatttdby  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  section  eleven  of  an  act  entitled  "an  act  to  establish  an  asylum  for  the  deaf  and  dumb 
and  Wind,  and  also  an  asylum  for  the  insane  of  the  State  of  Michigan,"  be  so  amended  as  to 
read  aa  follows:  "It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office,  to  make 
immediate  selections  of  the  land*  appropriated  by  thu  act,  and  keep  on  file,  in  his  office,  a  Hat 


548 

of  the  same;  which  lands  shall  thereupon  bo  under  the  control  of  the  board  of  trustees,  who 
shall  have  power  to  order  the  sale  of  the  same  or  portions  of  the  same,  from  time  to  time,  un 
der  the  supervision  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office,  as  they  may  deem  proper 
and  for  the  best  interests  of  the  State;  and  the  proceeds  of  the  same,  when  paid  into,  the 
State  Treasury,  shall  be  passed  to  the  credit  of  a  fund  called  the  'asylum  fund.' " 

SEC.  2.  That  section  twelve  of  said  act  be  so  amended  as  to  read:  "the  board  of  trustees 
shall  appoint  one  of  their  number  as  acting  commissioner,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  take 
charge  of,  direct  and  superintend  the  erection  of  the  necessary  buildings,  under  the  direction 
of  the  board  of  trustees,  whenever  the  proceeds  of  said  lands,  paid  in  the  State  treasury,  shall 
be  deemed  sufficient  by  the  governor  and  trustees  for  the  erection  of  a  suitable  building  for  an 
asylum  of  the  insane,  shall  be  realized,  or  means  derived  for  that  purpose  from  other  sources, 
by  donation,  bequest,  or  otherwise;  and  said  board  of  trustees  are  hereby  required  to  report 
annually  to  the  governor  of  the  State,  on  or  before  the  rirst  day  of  December,  a  full  statement 
of  their  action  in  the  premises,  and  a  correct  statement  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the 
asylum  fund,  verified  by  the  oath  or  affirmation  of  the  commissioner  of  the  board." 

SEC.  3.  That  section  one  be  so  amended  that  the  word  "eight,"  in  the  fifth  line,  be  stricken 
out,  and  the  word  "fifteen"  be  inserted. 

SEC.  4.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  26,  1849. 


[  No.    282.   ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  entitled  an  act  to  establish  an  Asylum 
for  the  deaf  and  dumb  and  blind,  and  also  an  asylum  for  the 
insane  of  the  State  of  Michigan,  and  the  act  amendatory  thereto. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  ten  additional  sections  of  salt  spring  lands,  or  as  much  thereof  as  are  unappropriated, 
not  to  exceed  ten  sections,  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  appropriated  for  the  erection  of  suit 
able  buildings,  and  for  the  support  and  maintenance  of  the  "  Michigan  Asylum  for  the  edu 
cating  of  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  and  the  Blind,"  and  "  Michigan  Asylum  for  the  Insane." 

SEC.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Michigan  Asy 
lums,  to  make  immediate  selections  of  the  additional  salt  spring  lands  appropriated  by  this 
act,  and  file  a  list  of  the  same  in  the  State  Land  Office;  and  the  said  lands  shall  thereupon  be 
under  the  control  of  the  board  of  trustees,  and  be  disposed  of  in  the  manner  provided  in  sec 
tion  one  of  act  number  one  hundred  and  thirty-three  of  the  session  laws  of  1849. 

SEC.  3.  The  terms  of  office  of  the  trustees  of  the  Michigan  Asylums,  elected  or  to  be  elected 
in  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty,  shall  be  as  follows:  two  of  them  shall  hold  their  office 
for  one  year,  and  three  of  them  for  two  years;  and  it;  shall  be  their  duty  at  the  first  meeting 
of  the  board  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  to  decide  by  lot,  the  terms  of  office  of  the  members 
respectively,  and  file  a  list  of  the  same  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State:  Provided,  That 
after  the  expiration  of  the  terms  of  office  of  those  holding  but  one  year,  their  successors  shall 
hold  their  offices  for  the  term  of  two  years. 

SEC.  4.  That  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  appropriated  out 
of  the  general  fund,  and  the  same  shall  be  passed  to  the  credit  of  the  asylum  fund,  on  the 
books  of  the  State  Treasurer,  to  be  used  by  the  board  of  trustees  of  the  Michigan  asylums, 
from  time  to  time,  as  it  shall  become  necessary  in  the  construction  of  asylums  for  the  insane, 
the  deaf  and  dumb,  for  the  blind,  and  for  other  necessary  expenses,  and  shall  be  drawn  there 
from  on  warrants  drawn  by  the  clerk  and  approved  by  the  president  of  the  board:  Provided, 


549 

That  no  more  than  one  thousand  dollars  of  the  above  sum  shall  be  so  drawn  within  oue  year 
from  the  passage  of  this  act,  nor  a  sum  exceeding  three  thousand  dollars  the  year  following, 
or  in  any  one  year  thereafter. 

SEC.  5.  The  proceeds  of  all  the  lands  selected  for  the  benefit  of  the  asylum  fund  shall  be 
paid  into  the  State  Treasury,  and  five  thousand  dollars  of  the  first  proceeds  shall  be  passed 
to  the  credit  of  the  general  fund  to  reimburse  to  the  State  the  amount  appropriated  by  this 
act. 

SEC.  6.  So  much  of  any  act  or  acts  as  controvene  the  provisions  of  this  act  are  hereby  re 
pealed. 

SEC.  7.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  April  2,  1850. 


ACTS  RELATING  TO  SCHOOL  AND  OTHER  LANDS. 

CHAPTER  59,  REVISED  STATUTES  OF  1846. 

OF   THE   STATE   LAND   OFFICE,  AND  THE  OFFICERS   CONNECTED   THEREWITH. 

SECTION  1.  The  State  Land  Office  established  in  the  village  of  Marshall  in  the  county  of  Cal- 
houn,  shall  be  continued  at  the  place  aforesaid,  until  otherwise  provided  by  law.  [By  act  No. 
217,  Session  Laws  of  1849,  the  State  Land  Office  is  now  established  at  Lansing.] 

SEC.  2.  The  chief  officer  of  the  Land  Office,  shall  be  called  the  Commissioner  of  the  Land 
Office,  and  shall  be  appointed  by  the  governor,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Sen 
ate,  and  shall  hold  his  office  for  the  term  of  two  years,  and  until  his  successor  shall  be  appoint 
ed  and  qualified.  [The  revised  Constitution  makes  the  office  of  Commissioner  elective  by  the 
people.] 

SEC.  3.  The  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office  shall  receive  a  salary  of  one  thousand 
dollars,  payable  quarter  yearly.  [Fixed  at  $800  by  the  revised  Constitution.] 

SEC.  4.  Before  entering  upon  the  duties  of  his  office,  he  shall  fake  the  oath  prescribed  by  the 
twelfth  article  of  the  constitution  of  this  State,  and  cause  the  same  to  be  filed  with  the  Secre 
tary  of  State,  and  shall  also  execute  to  the  people  of  this  State,  a  bond  in  the  penal  sum  of  fifty 
thousand  dollars,  with  two  sufficient  sureties,  to  be  approved  by  the  Auditor  General  and  State 
Treasurer,  and  deposit  the  same  with  the  Secretary  of  State. 

SEC.  5.  The  condition  of  said  bond  shall  be,  that  the  said  commissioner  shall  faithfully  dis 
charge  the  duties  of  lu's  said  office,  and  that  he  will  honestly  and  truly  account  for  and  pay 
over  all  moneys  and  evidences  of  debt  that  may  come  into  his  hands  by  virtue  of  his  office,  or 
into  the  hands  of  his  deputy  or  clerk,  according  to  law. 

SEC.  6.  The  said  commissioner  shall  appoint  a  deputy,  and  may  also  appoint  one  clerk,  if  the 
business  of  his  office  shall  require  it,  each  of  whom  shall  receive  a  salary  not  exceeding  five 
hundred  dollars,  payable  quarter  yearly.  [Amended.] 

SEC.  7.  Said  deputy  and  clerks  shall  severally,  before  entering  upon  the  duties  of  their  office, 
take  and  subscribe  the  constitutional  oath  of  office,  and  cause  the  same  to  be  filed  with  the 
Secretary  of  State,  and  the  commissioner  may  remove  them  or  either  of  them  at  his  pleasure; 
and  the  said  commissioner  and  his  sureties  shall  be  responsible  for  their  official  acts. 

SEC.  8.  The  commissioner  shall  keep  a  record  of  the  sales  of  lands  and  of  the  moneys  re 
ceived  by  him  on  account  either  of  principal  or  interest,  the  date  of  such  sale  or  payment,  the 
description  of  the  lands  sold,  with  the  number  of  acres  thereof,  and  the  name  of  each  pur 
chaser,  or  person  paying  such  moneys,  to  whom  he  shall  give  a  receipt  for  such  moneys,  and 
shall  credit  the  proper  fund  therewith. 


550 

SEC.  9.  lie  shall,  on  or  before  the  first  Monday  of  each  and  every  mouth,  cause  to  be  made 
out  and  transmitted  to  the  State  Treasurer,  a  statement  showing  the  amount  of  inouey,  or  evi 
dences  of  debt  received  by  him,  the  name  of  the  persons  paying  the  same,  the  time  of  payment, 
the  number  of  the  certificate  upon  which  such  moneys  were  paid,  the  kind  of  funds  received, 
and  the  proper  fund  to  be  credited  therewith. 

SEC.  10.  He  shall  also,  on  the  first  Mondays  of  March,  June,  September  and  December  in 
each  year,  and  at  any  other  time  when  required  by  the  State  Treasurer,  deliver  and  pay  over  te 
said  treasurer  all  moneys  and  evidences  of  debt  received  by  him  as  aforesaid. 

SEC.  11.  The  said  commissioner  shall  have  the  general  charge  and  supervision  of  all  lands 
belonging  to  the  State,  or  which  may  hereafter  become  its  property,  and  also  of  ail  lands  in 
•which  the  State  has  an  interest,  or  which  are  or  may  be  held  in  trust  by  the  State  for  any  pur 
pose  mentioned  in  this  title,  and  may  superintend,  lease,  sell,  and  dispose  of  the  same  in  such 
manner  as  shall  be  directed  by  law. 

SEC.  12.  He  shall  annually  make  a  report  to  the  legislature,  of  his  official  proceedings,  show 
ing  the  quantity  of  land  sold  or  leased,  and  the  amount  receivc-d  therefor;  the  amount  of  inte 
rest  moneys  received  to  the  credit  of  the  several  funds,  and  all  such  other  matters  relating  to 
Ms  office  as  he  may  think  proper  to  communicate. 

[The  following  five  sections  have  been  amended  by  subsequent  acts;  but  they  are  not  im 
portant  for  the  purposes  of  this  document.] 

SEC.  13.  There  shall  also  be  appointed  by  the  governor,  an  officer  who  shall  be  called  the 
Recorder  of  the  Land  Office,  who  shall  hold  his  office  for  the  term  of  two  years,  and  until  his 
successor  shall  be  appointed  and  qualified,  and  shall  keep  his  office  in  the  said  land  office  afore 
said,  and  receive  an  annual  salary  of  four  hundred  dollars  a  year,  payable  quarter  yearly. 

SEC.  14.  The  said  recorder  may  appoint  a  deputy,  but  without  additional  expense  to  the 
State,  for  whose  official  acts  he  shall  be  responsible;  both  of  whom  shall  severally,  before  en 
tering  upon  the  duties  of  their  office,  take  and  subscribe  the  constitutional  oath  of  office,  and 
cause  the  same  to  be  filed  with  the  Secretary  of  State. 

SEC.  15.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  recorder  or  his  deputy,  to  countersign  every  certificate  of 
purchase,  receipt  or  other  official  instrument  in  writing,  which  may  be  issued  or  given  by  the 
said  commissioner,  and  which  purports  to  be  evidence  of  moneys  received  by  him;  and  unless 
such  certificate,  receipt  or  official  instrument  be  so  countersigned,  it  shall  not  be  evidence  of 
payment,  nor  valid  in  law. 

SEC.  16.  The  said  recorder,  upon  countersigning  any  certificate,  receipt  or  other  instrument 
as  aforesaid,  shall  charge  the  commissioner  with  the  amount  received  by  him  as  therein  men 
tioned,  and  credit  the  proper  fund  therewith,  and  shall  also  keep  a  record  of  the  names  of  the 
persons  paying  the  same,  the  nurmVer  of  the  certificate  upon  which  the  amount  shall  be  paid, 
and  the  time  of  payment. 

SEC.  17.  The  recorder  shall  also,  after  comparing  the  accounts  kept  by  him  with  those  kept 
by  the  commissioner,  on  the  first  Monday  of  each  and  every  month,  transmit  to  the  State 
Treasurer  a  statement  of  all  the  several  certificates,  receipts  and  other  official  instruments, 
which  have  been  issued  or  given  by  the  commissioner,  and  countersigned  as  aforesaid,  together 
with  the  dates,  numbers  and  amounts  thereof,  the  names  of  the  several  persons  paying  such 
sums,  and  the  several  funds  to  which  they  respectively  belong. 

CHAPTER    60. 

OF  THE   SUPERINTENDENCE   AND    DISPOSITION   OF   7  'IE   PUBLIC  LANDS. 

University  and  School  Lands. 

SECTION  1.  The  minimum  price  of  the  unsold  and  unimproved  University  lands,  shall  be 
twelve  dollars  per  acre,  and  the  minimum  price  of  the  unsold  and  unimproved  school  lands 
shall  be  four  dollars  per  acre;  but  no  such  lands  shall  be  otherwise  sold  until  they  shall  once 
have  been  offered  for  Bale  at  public  auction,  and  no  such  lands  shall  be  sold  for  less  than  tfce 


551 

aforesaid  prices  respectively,  nor  shall  any  treasury  notes  or  warrants  be  received  for  Univer 
sity  lands  hereafter  forfeited  to  the  State. 

SEC.  2.  The  terms  of  payment  on  the  sale  of  University  and  school  lands,  shall  be  twenty- 
five  per  centum  of  the  purchase  money  to  be  paid  at  the  time  of  the  purchase,  the  balance  of 
the  principal  at  any  time  thereafter,  at  the  option  of  the  purchaser,  with  interest  at  the  rate  of 
seven  per  cent,  per  annum  on  the  unpaid  balance,  payable  on  the  first  day  of  January, 
or  v*ithin  sixty  days  thereafter,  in  each  and  every  year,  at  such  place  or  places  as  shall  be  spe 
cified  in  the  certificate  of  purchase.  [Amended— page  39,  Laws  of  1847.*] 

SEC.  3.  At  the  time  of  the  sale  of  any  such  Lands,  the  Commissioner  shall  make  out  and  de 
liver  to  the  purchaser  or  purchasers  thereof  a  certificate,  in  which  the  said  Commissioner 
shall,  in  the  name  of  the  people  of  this  State,  certify  the  description  of  land  sold,  the  quantity 
thereof,  and  the  price  per  acre,  the  consideration  paid  and  to  be  paid  therefor,  and  the  time 
and  terms  of  payment. 

SEC.  4.  The  said  certificate  shall  further  set  forth,  that  in  case  of  the  non-pcyment  of  the  in 
terest  due  by  the  first  day  of  January,  or  within  sixty  days  thereafter,  in  each  and  every  year, 
by  the  purchaser  or  purchasers,  or  by  any  person  claiming  under  him  or  them,  then  the  said 
certificate  shall,  from  the  time  of  such  failure,  be  utterly  void  and  of  no  effect,  and  the  said 
Commissioner  may  take  possession  thereof  and  re-sell  the  same  as  is  hereinafter  provided. 
[Amended— page  39,  laws  of  1847.] 

SEC.  5.  Any  purchaser  of  University  or  school  Lands,  his  heirs  or  assigns,  who  shall  have 
paid,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  March,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty- 
two,  a  sum  equal  to  twenty  per  cent,  of  the  purchase  money  on  his  certificate,  together  with 
the  interest  up  to  said  day;  and  any  person  who  shall  have  become  such  purchaser  since  the 
thirteenth  day  of  April,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-one,  his  heirs  or 
assigns,  who  shall  have  paid  according  to  the  terms  of  his  certificate,  shall  be  privilegod  to  pay 
the  balance  of  principal  due  on  his  purchase  at  any  time  hereafter  at  h  s  option;  but  in  all 
cases  the  interest  on  the  unpaid  balance  of  principal  shall  be  paid  on  the  first  day  of  January, 
or  within  sixty  days  thereafter,  in  each  and  every  year.  [Amended — page  39,  laws  of  1847. 
See  also  act  No.  52,  laws  of  1851,  page  84.] 

SEC.  6.  In  case  of  non-payment,  either  of  principal  or  interest,  when  due,  according  to  the 
provisions  of  the  preceding  section,  or  according  to  the  terms  of  the  certificate  of  sale,  as  the 
case  may  be,  such  certificate  shall  become  void  and  of  no  effect  from  the  time  of  such  failure, 
and  the  Commissioner  may  take  immediate  possession  thereof  and  re-sell  the  same. 

SEC.  7.  The  Commissioner  shall,  whenever  in  his  opinion  the  interest  of  the  State  will  not 
be  secured  by  the  payment  in  this  chapter  required  to  be  made  at  the  time  of  the  purchase, 
require  of  the  purchaser  such  security  for  the  payment  of  any  moneys  to  become  due  and 
payable  according  to  the  terms  of  the  certificate  of  purchase,  as  in  his  judgment  will  secure 
the  respective  funds  against  loss. 

SEC.  8.  The  Governor  of  the  State  shall  sign  and  cause  to  be  issued  patents  for  said  lands  as 
described  in  the  certificates  of  sale,  whenever  the  same  shall  be  presented  to  him  with  the 
further  certificate  of  the  Commissioner  endorsed  thereon,  that  the  whole  amount  of  principal 
and  interest  specified  therein  has  been  paid  according  to  law,  and  that  the  holder  of  the  cer 
tificate  of  purchase  is  entitled  to  a  patent  for  the  lands  described  therein.  [Amended page 

85,  laws  1851.] 

SEC.  9.  The  fee  of  each  and  every  parcel  of  the  said  lands  shall  be  and  remain  in  the  State 
until  patents  shall  issue  for  the  same  respectively,  upon  full  payment  as  aforesaid;  and  in  case 
of  a  non-compliance  by  the  purchaser,  his  heirs  or  assigns,  with  the  terms  of  the  certificate 
as  aforesaid,  or  with  the  provisions  of  law  applicable  thereto,  any  and  all  persons  being  or 

*  The  several  acts  amendatory  of  the  statutes  relative  to  the  care  and  disposition  of  school 
and  other  educational  lands,  will  be  found  in  this  document  immediately  following  this  chap- 


552 

continuing  in  possession  of  any  such  lands  after  a  failure  to  comply  with  the  terms  of  the 
certificate  as  aforesaid,  or  with  such  provisions  of  law  as  aforestrid,  without  a  written  permis 
sion  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office,  shall  be  deemed  and  held  to  detain  such  lands 
forcibly,  and  without  right,  and  to  be  trespassers  thereon. 

Sec.  10.  In  all  cases  where  security  has  been  taken  from  the  purchaser,  pursuant  to  the 
provisions  of  the  seventh  section  of  this  chapter,  the  commissioner  shall  have  power  to  sue 
for  and  recover  all  such  sums  as  may  become  due  and  payable,  for  which  such  security  was 
given. 

Sec.  11.  All  the  imp  roved  portions  of  the  university  and  school  lands  remaining  unsold, 
shall  be  subject  to  sale  at  the  respective  prices  at  which  they  were  severally  offered  at  the  last 
annual  public  sales,  until  the  improvement  on  the  same  shall  have  been  appraised  ns  provided 
in  this  chapter. 

SEC.  12.  Whenever  either  the  university  or  school  fund  will,  in  the  opinion  of  the  commis 
sioner,  be  improved  by  laying  off  any  section  or  tract  of  university  or  school  lands,  into  small 
parcels,  or  village  lots,  the  said  commissioner  may  cause  the  same  to  be  done,  and  may  sell 
the  same  at  the  respective  minimum  prices  established  in  this  chapter;  or  if  in  his  opinion  any 
of  such  parcels  or  lots  exceed  in  value  such  prices,  he  shall  cause  the  same  to  be  appraised  by 
three  disinterested  freeholders  of  the  county  in  which  such  parcels  or  lots  are  situated. 

SEC.  13.  Such  freeholders  shall  be  appointed  by  the  commissioner,  and  after  being  first  duly 
sworn  so  to  do,  shall  appraise  the  several  parcels  or  lots  directed  by  said  commissioner  to  be 
appraised  by  them,  at  their  true  value  respectively,  and  shall  make  a  return  of  such  appraise 
ment,  duly  certified  by  them,  to  the  commissioner. 

SEC.  14.  All  parcels  or  lots  so  appraised,  shall  be  subject  to  sale  in  the  same  manner,  and 
upon  the  same  terms  and  conditions,  and  the  certificates  of  purchase  shall  have  the  same  effect 
as  in  the  case  of  other  university  or  school  lands,  according  to  the  provisions  of  this  chapter, 
at  the  prices  at  which  the  same  were  severally  appraised,  until  a  new  appraisal  shall  be  made, 
which  the  commissioner  may,  in  his  discretion,  cause  to  be  had  in  the  manner  aforesaid,  and 
with  the  like  effect;  but  no  lots  or  parcels  so  appraised  shall  be  sold  for  less  than  the  mini 
mum  price  of  said  lands  established  in  this  chapter. 

SEC.  15.  The  said  commissioner  may  also,  in  his  discretion,  reserve  and  withhold  from  sale, 
such  portions  of  the  university  and  school  lands  as  in  his  opinion  it  may  not  be  advantageous 
to  sell  and  dispose  of,  and  for  so  long  a  time  as  in  his  opinion  will  be  most  beneficial  to  the 
several  funds  affected  thereby. 

SEC.  16.  All  university  and  school  lands  which  have  been,  or  may  be  forfeited  by  the  non 
payment  of  either  principal  or  interest,  and  which  have  not  been  offered  at  public  auction 
after  forfeiture,  before  the  same  shall  be  subject  to  private  entry,  shall  be  re-offered  for  sale  at 
public  auction,  and  the  minimum  price  of  all  portions  or  tracts  upon  which  improvements 
shall  have  been  made,  shall  be  such  as  shall  be  determined  by  the  commissioner  in  the  manner 
hereinafter  in  this  chapter  provided. 

SEC.  17.  The  sale  of  such  forfeited  lands  shall  be  held  at  such  times  and  places  as  shall  be 
designated  in  a  notice  containing  a  description  of  the  lands  so  forfeited,  which  notice  shall  be 
published  once  in  each  week  at  least  four  weeks  successively  before  the  time  of  sale,  in  a 
newspaper  printed  in  the  county  where  the  lands  are  situated,  if  there  be  one;  if  not,  then  in 
a  newspaper  printed  in  an  adjoining  county,  if  there  be  one;  and  if  there  be  none  printed  in 
an  adjoining  county,  then  in  such  newspaper  as  the  commissioner  shall  designate. 

SEC.  18.  Certificates  of  purchase  issued  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  law,  shall  entitle  the 
purchaser  to  the  possesion  of  the  lands  therein  described,  and  shall  be  sufficient  evidence  of 
title  to  enable  the  purchaser,  his  heirs  or  assigns,  to  maintain  actions  of  trespass  for  injuries 
done  to  the  same,  or  ejectment,  or  any  other  proper  action  or  proceeding  to  recover  posses 
sion  thereof,  unless  such  certificate  shall  have  become  void  by  forfeiture;  and  all  certificates 


553 

of  purchase  in  force,  may  be  recorded   in  the  same  manner  that  deeds   of  conveyance'  are  au 
thorized  to  be  recorded. 

SEC.  19.  Any  purchaser  of  university  or  school  lands,  may  pay  to  the  State  Treasurer  the 
amount  due  on  his  certificate  of  purchase,  whether  principal  or  interest,  and  for  the  amount 
paid  the  Treasurer  shall  give  his  receipt,  which  shall  be  countersigned  by  the  Auditor  Gen 
eral;  and  a  statement  of  all  such  payments  shall  be  transmitted  by  said  Treasurer  to  the  Com 
missioner  of  the  Land  Office  on  or  before  the  first  Monday  of  each  month.  , 

SEC.  20.  In  all  cases  where  the  rights  of  n  purchaser  shall  have  become  forfeited  under 
the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  by  his  failure  to  pay  the  amount  due  upon  his  certificate  of 
purchase,  if  such  purchaser,  his  heirs  or  assigns  shall,  before  the  time  appointed  for  the  sale 
of  the  lands  described  in  such  certificate,  at  public  auction,  pay  to  the  Commissioner  of  the 
Land  Office,  the  full  amount  then  due  and  payable  upon  such  certificate,  and  twenty-five  cents 
on  each  dollar  of  such  amount  in  addition  thereto,  such  payment  shall  operate  as  a  redemp 
tion  of  the  rights  of  such  purchaser,  his  heirs  or  assigns;  and  said  certificate,  from  ttie  time 
of  such  payment,  shall  be  in  full  force  and  effect,  as  if  no  such  forfeiture  had  occurred. 

SEC.  21.  On  or  before  the  first  day  of  June  in  each  year,  the  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office 
shall  prepare  and  transmit  to  the  clerks  of  the  several  counties  in  which  the  same  are  situated, 
lists  of  all  the  forfeited  lands  in  the  several  townships  therein,  and  of  all  the  unsold  university, 
school,  and  State  building  lands  which  he  may  have  cause  to  believe  are  improved,  together 
with  proper  forms  of  returns  and  certificates  of  appraisement,  to  be  forthwith  distributed  by 
such  clerks  respectively  to  the  several  supervisors  of  townships  to  whom  the  same  may  be 
directed. 

SEC.  22.  Every  supervisor  of  a  township,  upon  receiving  the  lists  and  forms  as  aforesaid, 
shall  proceed  to  estimate  and  appraise  the  value  of  all  the  improvements  upon  the  several 
tracts  or  parcels  of  land  mentioned  in  such  lists,  and  after  making  such  appraisement  accor 
ding  to  the  forms  prescribed  by  said  commissioner,  he  shall  make  returns  thereof  duly  certi 
fied  by  him  to  the  commissioner,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  August  in  the  same  year:  Pro 
vided,  That  the  provisions  of  this  section  shall  not  apply  to  any  settler  mentioned  in  or  con 
templated  by  the  "  act  to  provide  for  the  sale  of  certain  lands  to  the  settlers  thereon,  and  for 
other  purposes,"  approved  March  twenty-fifth,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty,  and  the 
several  acts  amendatory  thereof,  whose  lands  have  been  forfeited  to  this  State,  or  who  has  not 
become  a  purchaser  of  the  lands  on  which  he  resides,  and  on  which  his  settlement  is  made: 
nor  shall  it  apply  to  any  person  who  has  made,  or  who  hereafter  may  make  improvements  on 
any  of  the  university,  school  or  State  building  lands,  and  who  shall  hereafter  become  a  pur 
chaser  of  the  same;^but  such  settler  or  other  person  shall  be  entitled  to  enter  the  same  upon 
the  terms  herein  established  for  the  sale  of  unimproved  university  lands,  irrespective  of  the 
value  of  said  improvements,  and  he  shall  not  be  chargeable  for  the  value  of  said  improvements 
so  made  by  or  assigned  to  him. 

SEC.  23.  On  the  return  of  such  appraisement,  the  amount  of  the  appraised  value  of  im 
provements  on  each  tract  or  parcel  shall  be  divided  by  the  number  of  acres  contained  therein; 
arid  the  result,  together  with  the  minimum  price  per  acre  of  unimproved  lands  of  the  same 
description  as  established  in  this  chapter,  shall  be  the  specific  minimum  price  per  acre  of  such 
tract  or  parcel,  the  improvements  upon  which  shall  have  been  so  appraised,  until  the  same 
shall  be  changed  by  a  subsequent  appraisal. 

SKC.  24.  The  unimproved  forfeited  lands  shall  continue  at  the  minimum  price  per  acre  of 
unsold  and  unimproved  lands,  as  established  in  this  chapter. 

SEC.  25.  The  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office  may,  from  time  to  time  lease,  for  terms  not 
exceeding  one  year,  and  until  the  same  are  disposed  of  according  to  law,  all  such  university 
and  school  lands,  and  other  lands  belonging  to  the  State,  as  shall  have  improvements  on  them; 
and  such  leases  shall  contain  proper  covenants  to  guard  against  trespasses  and  waste. 


70 


554 

SEC.  26.  The  university  lands  of  this  State,  lying  near  Toledo,  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  shall  be 
excepted  from  the  provisions  of  this  chapter.  [Amended — session  laws  of  1847,  page  39. ]| 

SEC.  27.  Whenever  it  shall  appear  to  the  commissioner  necessary,  in  order  to  ascertain  the 
true  boundaries  of  any  tract  or  portion  of  the  lands  mentioned  in  this  chapter,  or  to  enable 
him  to  describe  and  dispose  of  the  same,  in  suitable  and  convenient  lots,  ho  may  cause  all 
such  necessary  snrveys  to  be  made;  and  the  expenses  thereof  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  proper 
fund,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  other  incidental  expenses  of  the  bind  office. 

State   Salt   Spring  Lands. 

[These  lands  are  now  "Normal  School."  See  act  139,  session  laws  of  1850,  page  123;  see 
also,  act  130,  session  laws  of  1850,  page  180.] 

SEC.  30.  The  minimum  price  of  the  lands  selected  for  this  State  as  salt  spring  lauds,  and 
which  shall  not  have  been  improved,  shall  be  four  dollars  per  acre;  and  the  minimum  prise  of 
the  improved  salt  spring  lauds  shall  be  such  as  may  be  determined  by  the  commissioner  in  the 
manner  provided  in  this  chapter  for  determining  the  minimum  price  of  improved  university 
and  school  lands,  but  none  of  said  lands  shall  be  sold  for  less  than  four  dollars  per  acre. 

SEC.  31.  The  terms  and  conditions,  and  manner  of  sales  of  said  lands,  and  of  payment,  both 
of  principal  and  interest  therefor,  shall  be  the  same  in  all  respects  as  are  prescribed  in  this 
chapter  for  th<?  sale  of  university  and  school  lands  and  payment  therefor,  and  the  Commissioner 
of  the  Land  Office  shall  issue  certificates  of  purchase  upon  the  sale  thereof,  in  the  Fame  form 
and  with  the  like  effect,  as  upon  the  sale  of  university  or  school  lands. 

SEC.  32.  None  of  the  said  salt  spring  lands  shall  be  subject,  to  private  entry  until  they  shall 
have  been  first  advertised  and  offered  for  sale  at  public  auction  in  the  manner  prescribed  in 
this  chapter  for  advertising  and  selling  forfeited  university  and  school  lands. 

SEC.  33.  Such  of  the  said  lands  as  have  been  improved  by  the  State,  by  boring  thereon  for 
salt  springs,  and  such  other  of  said  lands  as  in  the  opinion  of  the  Governor,  State  Geologist  and 
commissioner,  should  not  be  sold,  shall  be  withheld  from  sale  until  otherwis-"  provided  by  law. 

SEC.  3i.  Whenever,  in  the  opinion  of  the  commissioner,  the  interests  of  the  State  will  be 
promoted  by  laying  off  any  section  or  tract  of  said  lands  into  small  parcels  or  village  lots,  he 
shall  cause  the  same  to  be  done,  and  such  lots  or  parcels  to  be  appraised  in  the  manner  pro 
vided  in  this  chapter,  for  appraising  university  and  school  lands  laid  off  into  small  parcels  or 
Tillage  lots,  and  such  appraisal  shall  be  the  minimum  price  at  which  sucli  lots  or  parcels  shall 
be  respectively  sold. 

SEC.  35.  All  sums  received  on  account  of  the  sale  of  said  salt  spring  lands,  shall  bo  paid  into 
the  treasury  of  the  State,  to  the  credit  of  the  general  fund. 

Miscellaneous  Provisions. 

SEC.  49.  The  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office  shall  have  the  custody  of  all  books  and  pa 
pers  relating  to  any  of  the  public  lands  mentioned  in  this  chapter,  except  such  as  properly  be 
long  to  the  records  or  files  of  other  offices. 

SEC.  50.  The  Stat-e  Geologist  shall  furnish  the  Land  Office  with  a  map  of  each  of  the  several 
counties  of  this  State,  as  soon  as  the  same  are  completed. 

SRC.  51.  The  said  commissioner  shall,  on  or  befora  the  third  Monday  in  March  in  each  year, 
transmit  to  the  treasurer  of  each  county  in  which  any  lands  mentioned  in  thin  chapter  may 
have  been  sold  during  the  year  then  next  preceding,  a  description  of  each  parcel  of  the  lands 
so  sold  in  such  county,  and  the  names  of  the  purchasers,  distinguishing  university  and  school 
lands  from  others. 

SEC.  52.  Whenever  the  Commissioner  shall  lay  off  any  tr;  ?t  of  Jwd  into  small  parcels  or 
village  lots  as  provided  in  this  chapter,  ho  shall  cause  a  correct  map  of  the  same  to  be  entered 
ot  record  in  the  county  where  said  lands  may  be  situated;  and  all  parcels  or  lots  heretofore  laid 
out,  shall  in  like  manner  be  entered  of  record. 

SEC.  53.  The  several  county  treasurers  receiving  such  descriptions  shall,  on  or  beforo  the 
first  Monday  of  April,  deliver  to  the  supervisor  of  each  township  in  which  any  of  such  lauds 


555 

are  situated,  a  description  of  such  laud*  t  herein,  with  the  names  of  the  purchasers  of  the 
same. 

SEC.  54.  The  registers  of  deeds  of  the  several  counties  are  authorized  to  record  all  patents 
issued  by  the  Governor  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  this  chapter,  and  the  record  thereof 
shall  have  the  same  effect  its  the  record  of  otl>er  conveyances  executed  according  to  the  laws 
of  this  State. 

SKC.  55.  The  necessary  incidental  expenses  of  the  Land  Office  ahall  be  paid  out  of  the  sev 
eral  funds,  respectively,  in  relation  to  which  they  were  incurred,  and  upon  the  presentation  of 
satisfactory  vouchers  therefor  to  the  beard  of  State  Auditors,  shall  be  allowed  by  them  at 
their  annual  settlement  with  the  Commissioner. 

SEC.  56.  In  case  of  any  sale  made  by  mistake,  or  not  in  accordance  with  law,  or  obtained  by 
fraud,  the  same  shall  be  void;  and  no  certificate  of  purchase  issued  thereon  shall  be  of  any  ef 
fect,  but  the  holder  of  any  such  certificate  shall  be  required  to  surrender  the  same  to  the 
Commissioner,  who  shall  thereupon  refund  the  amount  paid  in  the  like  funds  received  by  him 
on  such  certificate. 

SEC.  57-  The  legal  assignees  of  all  bona  fide  purchasers  of  any  of  the  lands  mentioned  in 
this  chapter,  shall  be  subject  to,  and  govenred  by,  the  provisions  of  law  applicable  to  the  re 
spective  purchasers  of  whom  they  are  the  assignees,  and  they  shall  have  the  same  rights  hi  all 
respects,  as  original  purchasers  of  the  same  class  of  lands. 

SEC.  58.  All  sales  of  lands  by  the  Commissioner,  shall  be  made  according  to  the  subdivisions 
thereof  by  the  United  States  su»-eys,  unless  the  same  shall  have  been  laid  oft'  into  smaller  lots 
as  provided  in  this  chapter,  or  unless,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Commissioner,  any  of  said  lands 
can  be  more  advantageously  disposed  of  according  to  other  divisions  to  be  ascertained  and  dis 
tinctly  described  by  him. 

SKC.  59.  When  an  original  certificate  of  purchase  shall  have  been  issued  by  the  Commission 
er  for  a  quarter  section  or  more  of  said  lands,  according  to  the  legal  subdivisions  thereof,  he 
may  in  his  discretion,  upon  the  surrender  of  such  certificate,  and  the  payment  of  one  dollar 
for  each  new  certificate  requested,  issue  a  new  certificate  for  each  smaller  legal  sulxiivision  in 
cluded  in  such  original  purchase,  not  being  less  than  one-fourth  of  a  quarter  section;  if  in  his 
opinion  no  injury  will  result  therefrom. 

SEC.  60.  All  damages  recovered  for  any  trespass  or  other  injury  upon  or  to  any  of  the  lands 
mentioned  in  this  chapter,  shall  be  paid  over  to  the  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office,  or  into 
the  State  treasury,  for  the  benefit  of  the  fund  to  which  the  same  may  properly  belong. 

SEC.  61.  Every  person  who  shall  commit  any  wilful  trespass  upon  any  of  the  lands  owned, 
or  held  in  trust  or  otherwise  by  this  State,  either  by  cutting  down  or  destroying  any  timber  or 
wood,  standing  or  growing  thereon,  or  by  carrying  away  any  timber  or  wood  therefrom,  or 
who  shall  injure  or  remove  any  buildings,  fences,  improvements,  or  other  property  belonging 
or  appertaining  to  said  lands,  or  shall  aid,  direct  or  countenance  any  such  trespass  or  other 
injury,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and  ou  conviction  thereof  shall  be  punished 
by  imprisonment  in  the  county  jail  not  more  than  one  year,  or  by  a  fine  not  exceeding  five 
hundred  dollars,  or  both  such  fine  and  imprisonment,  in  the  discretion  of  the  court. 

SEC.  62.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  every  court  having  jurisdiction  of  the  same,  specially  to 
charge  the  grand  jury  at  each  term  of  such  court,  to  inquire  into  all  offences  against  the  pro 
visions  of  this  chapter,  and  present  any  person  who  may  be  guilty  of  any  such  offence  within 
their  county. 

SEC.  63.  Any  person  who  shall  commit  any  trespass  upon  any  of  the  lands  owned,  or  held 
in  trust  or  otherwise  by  this  State,  shall  1x3  held  liable  in  treble  damages,  in  an  action  of  tres 
pass  to  be  brought  in  the  name  of  the  people  of  this  State,  if  such  trespass  shall  be  adjudged 
to  have  been  wilftil:  and  single  damagos  only  shall  be  recovered  in  such  action,  if  such  trespass 
shall  be  adjudged  to  have  been  casual  and  involuntary. 


556 

SEC.  64.  In  case  any  person  shall  hold  or  continue  in  possession  of  any  of  the  lands  men 
tioned  in  this  chapter,  without  express  authority  in  writing  from  the  Commissioner  of  the 
Laud  Office,  or  contrary  to  the  conditions  or  covenants  of  any  lease  or  written  agreement,  he 
shall  be  liable  to  an  action  of  forcible  entry  and  detainer,  or  any  other  proper  action  or  ac 
tions  for  the  recovery  of  possession  of  such  lands,  and  damages  for  the  detention  of  the 
same. 

SEC.  65.  The  prosecuting  attorneys  of  the  several  counties  shall  promptly  report  to  the  Com 
missioner,  all  trespasses  committed  upon  any  of  said  lauds,  which  may  come  to  their  know 
ledge,  and  shall,  when  directed  by  the  Commissioner,  prosecute  all  actions  for  any  trespass  or 
injury  thereto,  or  for.  the  recovery  of  possession  thereof,  or  otherwise. 

SEC.  66.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  each  of  said  prosecuting  attorneys,  whenever  requested  by 
the  commissioner,  to  advise  with  and  give  their  opinion  upon  all  questions  of  law  which  may 
be  submitted  to  them  by  the  said  commissioner,  relating  to  the  duties  of  his  office,  without 
unnecessary  delay,  and  without  charge  to  the  commissioner  or  to  the  State. 

SEC.  67-  The  seal  now  in  use  in  said  land  office  shall  continue  to  be  the  seal  of  said  office,  and 
in  case  the  same  should  be  lost  or  destroyed,  another  seal,  with  a  similar  device,  shall  be  pro 
cured  for  said  office  by  the  commissioner  thereof. 

SEC.  68.  All  treasury  notes  or  warrants  bearing  interest,  drawn  by  authority  of  law,  on  the 
treasurer  of  this  State,  shall  be  received  in  payment  of  principal  for  any  of  the  university 
lands  which  have  been  heretofore  sold,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  sold,  and  which  have  not 
once  been  sold  and  forfeited,  in  the  same  manner  as  they  ai^  by  law  receivable  for  any  lands 
owned  by  this  State,  subject  to  the  limitations  hereinafter  contained. 

SEC.  69.  The  whole  amount  of  such  notes  and  warrants  which  may  be  received  under  the 
provisions  of  the  preceding  section,  shall  not  exceed  the  residue  of  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
thousand  dollars  which  shall  remain  after  deducting  the  full  amount  of  all  sums  which  shall 
have  been  credited  to  the  Regents  of  the  University,  or  to  the  university  fund,  on  the  princi 
pal  of  the  "Michigan  University  State  Stock,"  in  pursuance  of  "an  act  authorizing  the  receipt 
of  obligations  of  this  State  in  payment  of  university  lands,"  approved  February  twenty-eighth, 
one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-four,  and  of  "an  act  for  the  relief  of  the  University  of 
Michigan,"  approved  March  eleventh,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-four,  and  one 
hundred  and  fifty-six  thousand  dollars  in  addition  thereto. 

SEC.  70.  The  State  Treasurer  shall,  on  the  first  days  of  January,  April,  July  and  October,  in 
each  year,  make  out  a  statement  of  the  notes  or  warrants  received  in  payment  of  principal  for 
university  lauds,  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  the  sixty-eighth  section  of  this  chapter  during 
the  preceding  quarter,  with  an  interest  account  upon  the  same,  and  shall  thereupon  credit  the 
university  fund  with  the  amount  of  such  notes  or  warrants  and  interest. 

SEC.  71.  From  the  date  of  each  and  every  such  credit,  the  university  fnnd  shall  be  relieved 
from  the  payment  of  interest  on  an  amount  of  the  said  "Michigan  University  State  Stock," 
equal  to  the  amount  of  such  credit;  and  when  the  amount  of  said  "Michigan  University  State 
Stock"  shall  have  been  received  into  the  State  treasury,  the  State  Treasurer  shall  continue  to 
make  quarterly  statements  of  the  amount  of  treasury  notes  or  warrants  received,  and  credit 
the  same  to  the  university  fund,  and  interest  shall  thereupon  accrue,  and  shall  annually  be  paid 
by  she  State  to  the  treasurer  of  the  board  of  Regents,  for  the  use  of  the  University. 

SEC.  72.  The  seal  of  the  land  office  affixed  to  any  certificate  of  purchase,  receipt  or  other 
instrument  issued  by  the  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office,  according  to  the  provisions  of  this 
chapter,  shall  be  prima  facia  evidence  of  the  due  execution  of  such  certificate. 


557 

[  No.  30.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  Chapter  sixty  of  the  Revised  Statutes  of  eight 
een  hundred  and  forty-six,  relative  to  the  Public  Lands,  and  the 
superintendence  and  disposition  thereof. 

SECTION  1.  Jje  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
Tliat  sections  number  two,  four  and  five,  of  chapter  number  sixty  of  an  act  entitled  an  act  for 
revising  and  consolidating  the  general  statutes  of  the  State  of  Michigan,  be  each  severally 
amended  by  striking  out  the  word  "January,"  and  substituting  in  lieu  thereof,  the  word 
' '  March;"  so  that  the  time  specified  in  each  of  said  sections  for  the  payment  of  interest,  shall 
be  on  the  first  day  of  March,  or  within  sixty  days  thereafter  in  each  and  every  year. 

SEC.  2.  Strike  oiit  the  twenty-sixth  section  of  chapter  sixty  of  said  act,  and  insert  as  follows: 
"  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  commissioner  to  inquire  into  the  situation  and  condition  of  the 
university  lands  lying  near  Toledo,  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  and  if  in  his  opinion  it  would  be 
advantageous  to  the  fund  to  sell  said  lands,  or  be  proper  to  offer  them  for  sale,  he  is  hereby 
authorized  so  to  do.  And  in  case  it  is  deemed  proper  to  offer  the  said  lands  for  sale,  and  the 
commissioner  is  of  opinion  that  their  value  exceeds  the  minimam  price  of  twelve  dollars  per 
acre,  he  may  procure  an  appraisal  of  the  same  by  three  disinterested  persons  under  oath;  and 
the  said  lands  shall  be  offered  at  such  appraisal,  upon  such  terms  and  conditions  of  payment 
and  forfeiture  as  the  commissioner  may  deem  most  advantageous  to  the  fund:  Provided,  That 
notice  of  the  offering  of  said  lands  .it  public  sale,  shall  be  published  in  the  newspapers  at 
Toledo,  and  in  the  State  paper  at  Detroit;  and  that  none  of  said  lands  shall  be  sold  at  a  less 
price  than  twelve  dollars  per  acre." 

SKC.  3.  This  act  shall  take  effect  ;>.nd  be  in  force  o;i  aixl  after  the  first  day  of  March  next. 

Approved  March  1,  1847. 


[  No.  82.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  chapter  sixty,  title  twelve   of  the  Revised  Stat 
utes. 

SECTION  1.  The  People  of  the  State  of  Michigan  enact,  That  section  five  of  chapter  sixty, 
title  twelve  of  the  revised  statutes,  be  amended  by  adding  to  said  section  the  words  following, 
to  wit:  "and  any  purchuser  of  the  right,  title  and  interest  of  an  original  purchaser,  his  heirs 
or  assigns,  at  an  execution  or  mortgage  sale,  shall  be  deemed  an  assignee  of  the  person  whose 
right,  title  and  interest  was  sold  by  virtue  of  such  execution  or  mortgage;"  so  that  said  section 
as  amended  shall  read  as  follows,  to  wit: 

"SEC.  5.  Any  purchaser  of  university  or  school  lands,  his  heirs  or  assigns,  who  shall  have 
paid  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  March,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-two,  a  sum 
equal  to  twenty  per  cent  of  the  purchase  money  on  his  certificate,  together  with  the  interest 
up  to  said  day;  and  any  person  who  shall  have  become  such  purchaser  since  the  thirteenth  day 
of  April,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-one,  his  heirs  or  assigns,  who  shall 
have  become  such  purchaser  since  the  thirteenth  day  of  April,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  forty- one,  his  heirs  or  assigns,  who  shall  have  paid  according  to  the  terms  of  his 
certificate,  shall  be  privileged  to  pay  the  balance  of  principal  due  on  his  purchase  at  any  time 
thereafter  at  his  option;  but  in  all  cases  the  interest  on  the  unpaid  balance  of  principal  shall 
be  paid  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  January  or  within  sixty  days  thereafter,  in  each  and  every 
year;  and  any  purchaser  of  the  right,  title  and  interest  of  the  original  purchaser,  his  heirs  or 


558 

assigns,  at  an  execution  or  mortgage  sale,  shall  be  deemed  an  assignee  of  the  person  whose 
right,  title  and  interest  was  sold  by  virtue  of  such  execution  or  mortgage." 

SEC.  2.  Section  eight  of  said  chapter  is  hereby  amended  by  adding  thereto  the  words  follow 
ing:  "and  the  Governor  shall  in  like  manner  sign  and  cause  to  be  issued  patents  of  said  land 
to  any  purchaser  of  the  right,  title  and  interest  of  the  original  purchaser,  his  heirs  or  assigns, 
at  an  execution  or  mortgage  sale,  upon  the  presentment  to  him  of  the  certificate  of  the  com 
missioner,  that  the  whole  amount  of  principal  and  interest  due  thereon  has  been  paid  accord 
ing  to  law,  and  that  such  purchaaer  at  execution  or  mortgage  sale  is  entitled  to  a  patent  for  the 
lands  described  in  such  certificate;"  so  that  the  same  as  amended  shall  read  as  follows,  to  wit: 

"SEC.  8.  The  Governor  of  the  State  shall  sign  and  cause  to  be  issued  patents  for  said  lands 
as  described  IM  the  certificates  of  sale,  whenever  the  same  shall  be  presented  to  him,  with  the 
further  certificate  of  the  commissioner  endorsed  thereon,  that  the  whole  amount  of  principal 
and  interest  specified  therein  has  been  paid  according  to  law,  and  that  the  holder  of  the  cer 
tificate  of  purchase  is  entitled  to  a  patent  of  the  lands  described  therein;  and  the  Governor 
shall  in  like  manner  sign  and  cause  to  be  issued  patents  of  said  lands  to  any  purchaser  of  the 
right,  title  and  interest  of  the  original  purchaser,  his  heirs  or  assigns,  at  an  execution  or 
mortgage  sale,  upon  the  presentment  to  him  of  the  certificate  of  the  commissioner  that  the 
whole  amount  of  principal  and  interest  due  thereon  has  been  paid  according  to  law,  and  that 
such  purchaser  at  execution  or  mortgage  sale  is  entitled  to  a  patent  for  the  lands  described  in 
such  certificate." 

Approved  April  4,  1851. 


[  No.  49.  ] 

AN  ACT  requiring  the  Commissioner  ©f  the  State  Land  Office  to 
make  an  Annual  Report  to  tfce  Regents  of  the  University  of 
Michigan. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House -of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan., 
That  the  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office  shall  make  out  and  transmit  to  the  Secretory  of  the 
Board  of  Regents  of  the  University,  by  the  first  day  of  July  next,  an  accurate  statement  of 
each  and  every  parcel  of  University  land  that  shall  have  been  sold  up  to  that  date,  and  the 
price  for  which  it  was  sold.  Also,  of  all  forfeitures  and  re-sales,  with  an  amount  of  the  loss 
or  gain  attending  such  forfeitures  and  re-sales,  and  also  an  amount  or  list  of  each  parcel  of 
University  land  unsold. 

SEC.  2.  Said  Commissioner  shall  annually  thereafter,  report  to  the  Board  of  Regents,  all 
soles  and  forfeitures  of  University  lands,  with  an  amount  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures 
attending  the  same. 

SEC.  3.  Said  Commissioner  shall  also  report  annually,  the  expenses  lawfully  charged  to  and 
deduc  ted  from  the  University  interest  fund,  together  with  the  nett  income. 

SEC.  4.  Said  Commissioner  shall  with  each  of  his  reports,  furnish  an  accurate  statement  of 
all  moneys  1  oaned  from  said  fund,  to  whom  loaned  and  when  payable,  with  the  interest  annu 
ally  paid  th  ereon,  and  the  annual  interest  due  and  unpaid.  Also,  the  amount  of  internal  im 
provement  warrants  paid  for  University  lands,  with  the  annual  interest  paid  thereon  by  the 
State. 

SEC.  5.  The  Regents  of  the  University  shall  severally  be  entitled  to  receive  from  the  Secre 
tary  of  State,  in  the  same  manner  as  other  public  officers,  a  copy  of  the  annual  laws  of  the 
State. 

SBC.  6.  Tliis  act  shall  be  in  forco  from  and  after  its  passage 

Approved  March  3.  1849. 


559 

[  No.  217.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  provide  for  the  removal  of  the  State  Land  Office  to  the 
seat  of  Government. 

SECTWS  i.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan., 
That  the  State  Land  Office  now  established  and  being  at  Marshall,  in  the  county  of  Calhoun,  shall 
be  removed  to  and  be  established  in  the  village  of  Lansing,  in  the  county  of  Ingham,  and  for 
that  purpose  the  Commissioner  shall,  as  soon  after  the  tenth  day  of  May  next  as  the  business 
of  the  said  office  will  peruiit,  and  not  later  than  the  fourteenth  day  of  said  month  of  May, 
cloee  his  said  office  at  Marshall,  and  shall  immediately  thereafter  remove  all  the  books,  maps, 
papers,  furniture,  fixtures  and  other  things  belonging  to  said  office,  to  said  village  of  Lansing, 
and  arrange  the  same  for  business  at  some  convenient  place,  to  be  designated  by  the  Auditor 
General. 

SEC.  2.  Upon  closing  the  said  Laud  Office  at  Marshall,  as  provided  in  the  preceding  section, 
the  office  of  the  Recorder  of  the  Land  Office  shall  be  and  is  hereby  abolished. 

SEC.  3.  The  duties  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office  shall  remain  and  continue  as 
provided  by  existing  laws,  until  the  first  day  of  February  next,  except  as  herein  otherwise  pro 
vided. 

SEC.  4.  All  moneys  received  at  the  said  Land  Office  shall,  after  the  removal  thereof  as  prori - 
ded  in  section  one  of  this  act,  be  paid  to  the  State  Treasurer,  who  shall  give  a  receipt  for  the 
same,  and  which  said  receipt  shall  be  countersigned  by  the  Auditor  General  as  in  other 


SEC.  5.  From  and  after  the  said  first  day  of  February  next,  the  office  of  Commissioner  ofth« 
Land  Office  shall  be,  and  hereby  is  declared  to  be  abolished,  and  the  duties  required  of  said 
Commissioner  by  existing  law  shall  devolve  upon  and  be  performed  by  the  Auditor  Gen 
eral. 

SEC.  6.  All  accounts  for  incidental  expenses  of  said  office,  accounts  for  traveling  expense* 
and  postage  of  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  accounts  for  surveys  of  village  lots  or 
other  lands,  improvements  in  Lansing,  and  all  other  accounts  and  charges  heretofore  allowed 
and  pnid  by  the  said  commissioner,  from  moneys  in  his  hands,  shall  hereafter  be  audited  by  the 
board  of  State  Auditors,  on  the  certificate  of  the  commissioner,  arid  when  audited  and  allowed 
shall  be  paid  from  the  State  treasury  on  the  warrant  of  the  Auditor  General,  drawn  on  the 
proper  fund. 

SEC.  7-  Any  purchaser  of  salt  spring,  university  or  primary  school  lands,  his  agent  or  attor 
ney,  may  pay  to  the  county  treasurer  of  the  county  in  which  such  lands  lie,  the  amount  due  on 
his  certificate  from  time  to  time,  either  for  principal  or  interest,  and  for  the  amount  so  paid, 
the  said  treasurer  shall  give  to  such  person  his  receipt,  specifying  the  amount  so  paid,  and 
whether  for  principal  or  interest  or  both,  and  the  amount  of  each,  and  which  said  receipt  shall 
be  countersigned  by  the  county  clerk;  and  when  so  given  and  countersigned,  shall  have  the 
tame  force  and  effect  as  if  it  had  been  given  by  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office  or 
State  Treasurer:  Provided,  The  several  county  treasurers  authorized  to  receive  money  under 
the  provisions  of  this  act,  are  required  to  execute  and  give  to  the  State  a  bond  with  good  and 
sufficient  sureties,  in  an  amount  to  be  fixed  by  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office  or 
by  the  Auditor  General,  the  sureties  to  be  approved  by  the  prosecuting  attorney  and  register  of 
deeds  of  their  respective  counties,  conditional  that  the  said  moneys  shall  be  paid  over  to  the 
State  Treasurer,  as  provided  in  this  act. 

SEC.  8.  The  said  county  treasurer  shall  issue  duplicate  receipts  for  all  moneys  received  under 
the  provisions  of  the  preceding  section,  one  of  which  shall  be  left  with  the  county  clerk  of 
such  county. 

SKC.  9.  The  duplicates  of  such  receipts  shall  be  filed  with  the  county  clerk,  who  shall  also 
make  an  entry  of  the  amount  for  which  such  receipt  was  given,  and  whether  the  same  wafl 


560 

for  principal  or  interest,  with  the  name  of  the  person  paying  the  same,  in  a  book  to  be  provi 
ded  by  him  for  that  purpose,  at  the  expense  of  the  county,  and  shall,  on  the  first  Monday  of 
each  month,  forward  all  receipts  on  file  in  his  office,  to  the  Commissioner  of  the  Land  Office 
or  Auditor  General,  in  such  manner  as  he  may  direct. 

SEC.  10.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office,  on  or  before  the 
first  day  of  July  next,  and  of  the  Auditor  General,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  July  in  each 
year  thereafter,  to  transmit  to  the  county  treasurers  of  the  several  counties  where  payments 
may  be  mado  under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  a  statement  of  all  salt  spring,  university  or  pri 
mary  school  lands  within  such  counties  upon  which  any  interest  or  principal  is  due,  or  to  be 
come  due,  the  amount  of  principal  due  on  each  description,  the  amount  of  interest  annually 
due  or  to  become  due  thereon,  with  such  directions  and  instructions  as  may  be  necessnry  to 
enable  said  county  treasurers  fully  to  carry  out  the  provisions  of  this  act;  and  the  said  Com 
missioner  of  the  State  Land  Office  or  the  Auditor  General  shall  also  transmit  to  the  several 
county  treasurers  with  the  statemeuts  mentioned  in  this  section,  a  bond  to  be  executed  by 
them,  in  the  penal  sum  of  at  least  twice  the  amount  which  may  be  received  by  the  said  county 
treasurer;  upon  the  election  of  any  county  treasurer  in  any  county  where  payments  may  be 
made  under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  they  and  each  of  them  shall  at  the  time  of  their  execu 
ting  their  ordinary  bond  of  office,  and  before  entering  upon  the  duties  of  their  office,  also  exe 
cute  the  bond  provided  for  in  this  act,  and  forward  the  same  to  the  Auditor  General,  as  herein 
provided. 

SEC.  11.  The  said  county  treasurers  shall,  on  the  receipt  of  the  statements  and  bonds,  exe 
cute  in  the  manner  provided  in  this  act,  the  bonds,  and  forward  the  same  to  be  filed  in  the 
Auditor  General's  office,  and  for  any  failure  to  pay  over  to  the  State  Treasurer  any  or  all  money 
received  xmder  the  provisions  of  this  act,  by  any  county  treasurer,  the  county  in  which  such 
failure  may  occur  shall  be  liable  for  all  losses  that  may  occur  from  such  failure,  and  the  State 
Treasurer  shall  charge  the  same  to  such  county. 

SEC.  12.  The  moneys  received  by  said  county  treasurers  under  the  provisions  of  this  act, 
shall  be  held  subject  at  all  times  to  the  order  of  the  State  Treasurer;  and  all  such  moneys  so 
received  shall  be  paid  over  to  the  State  Treasurer  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  May  in  each 
year. 

SEC.  13.  This  act  shall  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  March  31,  1849. 


[  No.   317.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  provide  for  the  collection  and  payment  of  taxes  assessed 
upon  sold  and  part-paid -for  university  and  primary  school  lands. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  Michigan, 
That  the  supervisor  of  every  township  in  which  there  shall  be  assessed  the  interest  of  any  pur 
chaser  of  university  or  primary  school  lands,  as  personal  property,  shall,  on  or  before  the  first 
day  of  November  in  the  year  when  the  same  was  so  assessed,  transmit  to  the  treasurer  of  his 
county  a  list  of  all  such  lands,  containing  a  full  description  thereof,  together  with  the  name  of 
the  persons  to  whom  respectively  the  same  was  so  assessed. 

SEC.  2.  That  the  several  county  treasurers  shall,  at  the  same  time  and  in  the  same  manner 
they  are  now  required  to  return  to  the  office  of  the  Auditor  General  lands  delinquent  for  taxes 
in  their  respective  counties,  return  to  the  State  Land  Office  a  statement  of  all  university  and 
primary  school  lands  upon  which,  from  returns  made  to  them  by  the  township  treasurers,  it  ap 
pears  the  taxes  assessed  have  not  been  paid  and  cannot  be  collected- 


561 

SEC.  3.  The  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office  shall  provide  suitable  books  and  enter  ic 
the  same  the  description  of  every  parcel  of  land  so  returned  to  his  office,  and  the  taxe<*  assessed 
on  the  same. 

SEC.  4.  The  purchaser  or  purchasers  of  any  parcel  of  the  land  so  returned,  or  the  person  or 
persons  claiming  to  have  any  interest  in  the  same  as  the  assignee  or  legal  representative  in  any 
other  capacity  of  such  purchaser,  shall,  under  pain  of  forfeiting  his  or  their  interest  in  such  lands 
and  in  the  certificate  of  sale  thereof,  within  the  time  in  which  the  annual  interest  is  required  to 
be  paid  on  the  purchase  money  of  such  lands,  pay  to  the  State  Treasurer  the  amount  of  taxes 
assessed  upon  any  description  of  the  lands  so  returned,  with  interest  thereon  from  the  first  day 
of  February  following  the  assessment  of  the  same,  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  per  cent,  a  year,  and  in 
addition  thereto  on  each  description  the  sum  of  twenty-five  cents  to  defray  the  expense  of  the 
collection  of  such  taxes. 

SEC.  5.  Every  parcel  of  land  returned  under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  upon  which  the  taxes 
and  the  interest  and  charges  aforesaid  shall  remain  unpaid  at  the  expiration  of  the  time  within 
which  payment  thereof  is  required  to  be  made  by  the  next  preceding  section,  shall  be  deemed  to 
have  been  forfeited  to  the  State  by  the  purchaser  thereof,  his  assignee  or  other  legal  representa 
tive;  and  the  lands  so  forfeited  shall  be  subject  to  sale  in  the  same  manner  that  other  forfeited 
and  unsold  university  and  primary  school  lands  are. 

.  SEC.  6.  The  said  Commissioner  shall,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  May  and  November  in 
each  year,  make  out  and  furnish  to  the  Auditor.  General  a  statement  containing  a  description 
of  the  lands  upon  which  the  taxes  have  been  paid,  and  the  amount  of  taxes,  interest  and  charges 
paid  on  such  lands. 

SEC.  7.  The  Auditor  General  shall  credit  to  the  proper  counties  the  taxes  so  paid,  with  the 
rate  of  interest  allowed  on  other  delinquent  taxes,  and  place  the  balance  of  moneys  arising 
from  such  interest  and  charges  to  the  credit  of  the  general  fund. 

SEC.  8.  This  act  shall  take  effect  and  be  in  force  from  and  after  its  passasv. 

Approved  April  2,  1850. 


[  No.  214.  ] 

AN  ACT  to  amend  an  act  to  provide  for  the  removal  of  the  State 
Land  Office  to  the  seat  of  government,  and  to  revive  certain  laws 
relative  to  the  same. 

SECTION  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  State  of  MicAig&a, 
That  section  five  of  an  act  to  provide  for  the  removal  of  the  State  Land  Office  to  the  seat  of 
government,  approved  March  31, 1849,  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  repealed;  and  the  office  de 
nominated  "The  Land  Office  of  the  State  of  Michigan,"  in  the  act  entitled  "an  act  to  organize 
a  Land  Office  and  to  regulate  the  sale  of  public  lands,"  approved  March  6,  1843,  be  and  the 
same  is  hereby  re-established,  the  chief  officer  of  which  shall  be  called  the  Commissioner  of 
the  Land  Office,  as  provided  for  in  said  last  mentioned  act. 

SEC.  2.  All  the  laws  relative  to  the  State  Land  Office  which  were  in  force  at  the  time  when 
the  act  to  which  this  is  amendatory  took  effect,  not  contravening  the  provisions  of  this  act,  or 
the  act  to  which  this  is  amendatory,  are  hereby  revived,  and  shall  be.  after  the  passage  of  this 
act,  in  full  force. 


562 

SEC.  3.  Sectiou  seven  of  the  said  first  mentioned  act  is  hereby  amended  by  striking  out  all 
after  the  word  "approved,"  in  the  fifteenth  line,  to  and  including  the  word  "deeds,"  in  the 
sixteenth  line,  and  inserting  instead  thereof  the  words  "by  the  judges  of  the  county  court." 

SEC.  4.  This  act  shall  take  effect  from  and  after  its  passage. 

Approved  April  1,  1850. 


APPENDIX 


COMMUNICATIONS 

EMBRACING  ACCOUNTS  OF  UNION  SCHOOLS,  Ac. 


WESLEYAN  SEMINARY,  ALBION. 

To  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction: 

Sis:— In  the  year  1833,  Dr.  B.  H.  Packard,  then  of  Ann  Arbor,  Rev.  H.  Colcia^er  and  Re? 
E.  H.  Pilcher.  having  consulted  together,  resolved  to  seek  to  establish  a  seminary  of  learning 
under  the  patronage  of  the  Annual  Conference  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  which  embraced  this 
country. 

In  conformity  with  this  design,  an  invitation  was  given  to  persons  in  different  localities,  to 
make  propositions  of  what  they  would  do  for  the  purpose  of  securing  its  establishment  among 
them.  In  the  summer  of  1834,  several  such  propositions  were  made  and  submitted  to  the 
Ohio  Conference,  which,  at  that  time,  had  jurisdiction  here.  At  this  session  of  that  body,  a 
committee  was  appointed,  with  full  powers  to  accept  of  the  best  proposition  and  to  secure 
from  the  Legislative  Council  a  charter.  That  committee  fulfilled  its  duties — accepted  the  pro 
position  from  Spring  Arbor,  in  Jackson  county,  and  in  March,  1835,  the  charter  of  the  "Spring 
Arbor  Seminary"  was  passed  and  approved.  Soon  after  this  the  board  of  trustees  was  organi 
zed,  and  various  efforts  were  made  to  secure  the  erection  of  buildings  and  the  establishment  of 
the  school,  without  success.  The  friends  of  the  enterprise  and  the  original  projectors  became 
much  discouraged,  and  feared  that  the  scheme  would  have  to  be  abandoned  for  the  present,  on 
account  of  the  difficulties  thrown  in  the  way  by  some  who  were  the  professed  friends  of  the 
object.  But  in  the  summer  and  fall  of  1838,  the  proprietors  of  the  village  of  Albion,  and  other 
residents,  made  an  offer  of  liberal  assistance  to  the  trustees,  provided  the  location  could  be 
changed  to  that  place.  This  offer  was  accepted,  and  their  consent  for  the  necessary  change  in 
the  charter  was  sent  into  the  Legislature.  The  charter  was  amended  as  desired,  and  the  board 
of  trustees  was  reorganized  in  the  village  of  Albion,  on  the  29th  of  April,  1839.  Nothing  of 
any  importance  was  done  towards  the  erection  of  buildings,  until  the  spring  of  1840,  when  an. 
a<?ent  was  appointed  to  solicit  donations  and  subscriptions,  and  to  take  preparatory  steps  for 
building.  At  this  time  a  system  of  scholarships  was  adopted,  which  succeded  well  for  a  time, 
but  ultimately  became  a  source  of  embarrassment.  That  system  was,  to  give  a  certificate  of 
free  tuition  for  four  years  for  every  hundred  dollars  subscribed,  but  not  available  to  the 
holder  until  the  whole  amount  was  paid. 

The  reason  of  the  embarrassment  growing  out  of  thi.s  system,  was,  that  the  available  sub 
scription  was  mostly  used  up  in  the  erection  of  buildings,  and  nothing  was  left  to  support 
the  faculty 

The  cornerstone  of  the  centre  building  in  the  plan,  was  Inid  in  August,  1841,  and  it  was 
ready  to  be  occupied  in  November,  1842,  when  the  school  was  opened  with  a  large  number  of 
pupils.  The  first  public  examination  and  exhibition  took  place  in  March,  1843. 

On  the  6th  day  of  June,  1849,  a  new  plan  of  scholarships  was  adopted  and  put  into  operation., 
with  a  new  to  raise  a  permanent  endowment  fund,  which  has  succeeded  very  well.  By  aa 


566 

amendment  of  the  charter,  at  the  session  of  the  Legislature  in  1850,  the  "  Female  Collegiate 
Institute"  was  engrafted  on  the  Seminary.  The  first  class  in  this  department  graduated  in 
August,  1851. 

From  this  Seminary  have  already  gone  out  a  large  number  of  young  men,  who  have  entered 
the  various  active  avocations  of  life;  and  also  of  young  ladies,  to  fill  up  their  sphere  of  active 
duties,  as  teachers  and  matrons.  These  all  hold  a  very  pleasing  recollection  of  the  days  pass 
ed  in  this  institution. 

"We  should  probably  be  safe  in  saying,  that  for  the  nine  years  and  a  half  that  this  institution 
has  been  in  operation,  not  far  from  two  thousand  five  hundred  youth  of  our  State  have  received 
a  considerable  portion  of  their  mental  culture  within  its  walls.  It  is  now  enjoying  a  tide  of 
prosperity  almost  unparalleled  in  the  history  cf  literary  institutions. 

Yours  truly, 

E.  H.  PILCHER. 


OLIVET  INSTITUTE. 

To  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction: 

The  Olivet  Institute  is  situated  in  Olivet,  Eaton  County,  Michigan.  The  Institution  was 
commenced  in  the  spring  of  1844,  by  a  colony  of  Christian  men  who  came  here  with  their 
families  for  this  express  purpose. 

The  main  design  in  its  establishment  was  to  furnish  a  thorough  Christian  education  to  that 
class  of  youth  whose  circumstances  were  too  limited  to  admit  of  their  pursuing  a  thorough 
course  of  study  elsewhere. 

The  first  year  of  their  labor  was  one  of  severe  trial.  Being  entirely  unacquainted  with  the 
peculiarities  of  the  climate,  and  business  pressing  hard,  the  colonists,  although  admonished 
by  friends,  labored  beyond  measure,  until  their  strength  was  gone,  and  they  were  completely 
prostrated.  Then  followed  months  of  suffering  and  distress,  notwithstanding  the  efforts  of 
surrounding  friends  to  furnish  relief.  During  this  period  of  great  debility  and  consequent 
discouragement,  the  founder  of  the  Institution,  the  Rev.  J.  J.  Shipherd,  was  removed  by 
death. 

For  a  time  it  seemed  that  the  enterprise  must  be  given  up.  Several  who  were  ardent  in  the 
outset,  and  full  of  hope  for  the  future,  when  the  day  of  trial  came,  were  disheartened,  and  re 
turned  to  their  former  homes.  These  accumulated  discouragements  necessarily  had  an  influ 
ence  on  those  who  remained.  But  as  the  people  recovered  their  health  and  strength,  they 
renewed  their  determination  to  go  on  with  the  work.  The  school  was  opened  in  the  autumn 
of  the  same  year,  in  a  private  room.  This  proving  exceedingly  inconvenient,  it  was  immedi 
ately  determined  to  erect  a  small  edifice  that  might  serve  the  double  purpose  of  chapel  and 
recitation  rooms. 

Owing  to  the  great  feebleness  of  the  community,  the  work  progressed  but  slowly,  and  the 
winter  came  on  before  it  was  possible  to  enclose  the  house.  The  snow  was  falling  fast,  and 
the  chilling  winds  were  fiercely  blowing  as  the  shingles  were  nailed  to  the  roof.  Notwithstand 
ing  all  this,  the  enclosure  was  effected,  the  floors  laid,  the  partition  put  up,  and  the  second  or 
upper  story  nearly  lathed.  The  people  were  now  looking  forward  with  fond  anticipations  to 
the  time  when  the  work  should  be  completed.  But  in  an  unsuspecting  moment  a  spark  from 
a  stove  which  it  was  found  necessary  to  use,  it  being  now  mid-winter,  communicated  the  flames 
to  the  light  materials  around,  and  in  a  few  moments,  the  labor  of  wearisome  days,  and  nights 
too,  was  a  mass  of  smouldering  ruins. 
Disheartened  and  dejected,  the  little  band  met  to  devise  plans  for  the  future.  The  question 

with  a  part    was  seriously  considered  whether  they  should  not   relinquish  the    enterprise; 

whether  it  was  not,  after  aD,  entirely  impracticable  for  so  few  to  undertake  so  great  a  work. 


567 

Having  seriously  and  prayerfully  considered  the  matter,  they  concluded  that  what  they  had 
already  done  they  could  do  again,  and  resolved  immediately  to  rebuild  upon  the  same  site.  The 
first  building  was  erected  with  the  assistance  of  the  district,  and  they  were  to  occupy  the 
lower  room,  for  school  purposes.  It  was  to  be  rebuilt  upon  the  same  plan.  This  was  com 
pleted  before  the  opening  of  the  next  fall  term  of  the  school. 

An  attempt  was  now  made  to  obtain  a  charter  for  the  Institution,  which  entirely  failed,  for 
two  reasons.  One  was,  that  the  State  at  that  time  determined  to  reserve  to  the  State  University 
the  exclusive  power  to  confer  degrees,  and  would  not  grant  that  privilege  to  any  other  institu 
tion.  The  other  was  the  opposition  felt  by  some  of  the  leading  men  in  the  Legislattire,  to  the 
manual  labor  features  of  the  Institute.  This  failure,  together  with  the  cold  indifference  mani 
fested  by  those  who  ought  to  have  been  deeply  interested  in  such  an  enterprise,  tended  to  dis 
courage  those  who  had  at  so  great  an  expense  of  not  only  money,  but  health  and  comfort,  been 
laboring  for  the  good  of  many  youth  of  the  State.  Yet  they  still  determined  to  toil  on,  so 
iong  as  there  was  any  reasonable  prospect  of  final  success. 

The  constant  increase  of  students  demanded  additional  accommodations,  and  it  was  thought 
advisable  to  erect  an  edifice  three  stories  in  height,  finished  with  rooms  in  the  upper  stories 
for  the  accommodation  of  students,  and  the  lower  story  furnishing  recitation  rooms,  &c.  To 
effect  this  required  the  united  efforts  of  all,  together  with  the  aid  that  could  be  obtained  from 
abroad. 

The  expense  of  the  edifice  has  been  about  three  thousand  dollars.  Two  years  were  spent 
in  its  erection.  The  cost  is  small,  it  is  true,  and  the  time  occupied  long,  but  when  viewed  in 
connection  with  the  fact  that  there  were  so  few  to  do  the  work,  and  they  possessed  of  but 
small  means,  the  work  accomplished  seems  a  large  one.  This  finished,  the  community  had 
hoped  for  one  year's  respite.  In  this  they  were  disappointed,  for  fire  from  a  burning  dwelling 
was  conveyed  to  the  chapel  and  in  a  few  moments  that  was  again  in  ashes. 

Another  chapel  is  now  in  the  process  of  erection,  much  larger  than  the  other,  which  it  is 
hoped  will  be  completed  this  fall. 

The  school  has  been  steadily  increasing  in  numbers  and  interest  from  its  commencement. 
The  number  of  students  in  attendance  the  past  year  was  about  one  hundred  and  fifty. 

The  present  year  has  opened  with  most  favorable  prospects.  Not  less  than  one  hundred 
students  will  be  present  during  this  term.  Many  who  are  anxious  to  avail  themselves  of  tke 
advantage  for  mental  culture  here  offered,  are  prevented  from  want  of  accommodations. 

For  several  years  past,  about  fifty  of  the  students  have  been  employed  some  part  of  the  year 
as  teachers  in  common  schools,  yet  the  demand  for  instructors  has  been  by  no  means  sup 
plied. 

The  chief  aim  of  the  trustees  he  retofore  has  been  to  prepare  teachers  thoroughly  for  their 
work,  and  to  fit  young  men  for  college  or  prepare  them  for  an  advanced  standing,  if  they 
chose.  In  their  efforts  thus  far  they  have  not  been  entirely  unsuccessful.  A  charter  was  ob 
tained  a  year  or  two  since  granting  all  privileges  save  that  of  conferring  degrees.  Under  this 
charter  the  present  board  of  trustees  was  formed. 

The  board  now  purpose  enlarging  the  operations  of  the  institution  as  there  shall  seem  to  be 
a  demand.  The  formation  of  various  departments  is  proposed,  each  of  which  shall  have  a 
course  of  instruction  complete  in  itself.  Not  that  the  studies  of  one  department  shall  be  en 
tirely  distinctive.  All  in  the  various  departments  may  for  a  time  pursue  the  same  branches, 
bxit  in  the  course  of  their  progress  one  class  shall  pursue  thoroughly  certain  branches  which 
may  fit  them  for  a  particular  occupation  in  life,  while  another  class  shall  pursue  as  thoroughly 
other  branches,  such  as  may  fit  them  for  a  different  sphero. 

For  instance,  let  there  be  a  farmers'  department.  Those  entering  that,  would  be  required  to 
master  the  branches  belonging  to  such  department,  such  as  chemistry,  botany,  geology,  min 
eralogy,  and  all  the  branches  requisite  for  a  scientific  farmer.  Then  the  :ner  chant's  depart- 


568 

uient,  m  which  thail  be  taught  those  branches  to  fit  one  for  mercantile  life;  the  mechanic:;' 
department,  and  others  which  may  be  demanded. 

The  time  of  entering  fully  upon  this  plan  mil  depeud  very  much  on  the  funds  of  the  insti 
tute.  With  the  limited  means  now  at  command,  but  little  could  be  realized.  But  with  a 
moderate  fund  a  course  of  instruction  might  be  given  which  would  be  of  great  value  to  those 
who  are  BOOH  to  become  the  business  men  in  the  State. 

The  report  for  the  year  will  be  -similar  to  the  one  forwarded  last  year.  The  whole  number 
of  students  in  attendance  during  the 

Spring  term 40 

Foil        "     10o 

Winter  "     88 

A  large  number  of  the  students  pursued  the  higher  branches  of  science,  and  several  were 
engaged  in  a  course  of  preparation  for  college.  Four  instructors  have  been  employed  during 
the  entire  year,  and  a  fifth  during  the  fall  and  winter  terms. 

The  academical  year  of  the  Institute  commences  on  the  second  Wednesday  in  April,  and  is 
divided  into  three  terms.  The  Spring  term  begins  on  the  second  Wednesday  of  April,  and 
continues  till  the  last  Wednesday  in  June.  The  Fall  term  begins  on  the  lost  Wednesday  of 
September  and  continues  fourteen  weeks.  The  Winter  term  commences  at  the  close  of  the 
Pall  term  and  continues  till  the  second  Wednesday  in  April,  at  which  time  the  public  exami 
nations  and  commencement  exercises  occur.  There  is  one  vacation,  from  the  last  Wednesday 
in  June  till  the  last  Wednesday  in  September. 

KXPENSKS. 

Tuition  in  any  department,  except  those  hereafter  specified,  is  for: 

Gentlemen,  per  annum §12  00 

Ladie*.  «        "      900 

EXTRA   CHAltGKS. 

Book-keeping,  per  quarter 1  00 

Music  on  Piano,         "          8  00 

Painting  in  Oil,          '"          7  00 

do      in  Water  Colors,  per  qr 3  00 

Drawing,  "      1  00 

Penmanship,  '•      1  00 

incidental  expenses  per  annum 1  2r> 

Room  Rent 5  00 

Library  fee,  per  terra 1  -2 

Boarding  in  families  is  from  SI  to  $1,25  per  week,  exclusive  of  fuel  and  lights.  Most  of  the 
students  defray  a  considerable  portion  of  this  expense  by  manual  labor. 

LIBRARY,  READING  ROOM  A>'D  APPARATUS. 

The  library  numbers  more  than  one  thousand  volumes.  The  reading  room  is  .supplied  with 
various  valuable  publications  from  various  States.  The  apparatus  consists  of  an  air  pump, 
electrical  machine,  galvanic  battery,  and  chemical  apparatus  sufficient  for  most  experiments  in 
this  study.  This  apparatus  wjfc  purchased  of  N.  B.  &  D.  Chamberlain,  of  Boston. 

There  is  also  belonging  to  the  Institute  a  superior  Piano,  manufactured  by  Mr.  Chickcring. 
the  celebrated  Piano  manufacturer  of  Boston. 

SOCIETIi:.>. 

There  are  three  societies  in  connection  with  the  Institute,  which  hold  regular  n«.vtiugo  du 
ring  term  time — the  Society  of  Inquiry,  the  Philoalethian,  and  the  Young  Ladies'  Literar> 
Society. 

Nerr  classes  are  formed  at  the  beginning  of  each  term,  and  also  at  the  middle  of  the  Full  and 
Winter  terms 


569 

Mtffai  of  the  boot*:?  included  in  the  course  of  .study,  are  kept  on  baud  b\  the  Teachers,  and 
supplied  to  the  i^i'.dent.«  on  low  terms. 

CARLO  REED, 
Chairman  of  the  Hoard  of  Trustees. 

E.  N.  BARTLETT, 
$t<~reton/  of  Board  of  Trustee*. 
Otrvet,  OH;.  <>,  I  •«.'!. 


ST.  MARK'S  COLLEGE. 

Ho*.  F.  W.  SHKAKMAV. 

DEAR  Six — The  following;  report  relative  to  the  history  and  condition  of  St.  Murk's  College 
aod  Schools,  I  would  respectfully  present: 

For  several  years  before  the  present  charter  was  obtained,  the  subject  of  an  institution  for 
academical,  collegiate,  and  theological  learning  had  been  brought  up  annually  at  the  conven 
tion  of  the  Episcopal  Church  in  this  Diocese.  During  the  session  of  the  legislature  for  the 
year  1850,  a  charter  was  procured  under  the  title  of  St.  Murk's  College,  to  be  located  in  the  vil 
lage  (now  the  city)  of  Grand  Rapids.  The  first  meeting  of  the  trustees  of  St.  Mark's,  was 
held  ia  Detroit,  on  the  18th  day  of  May,  1850,  at  which  time  the  charter  was  accepted.  At  the 
same  time  the  Rev.  Mr.  Cuming  was  authorized  to  put  the  preparatory  department  for  females 
into  operation.  This  he  did  by  securing  the  services  of  two  young  ladies  of  established  repu 
tation,  a&  teachers.  The  first  term  of  the  female  department  commenced  in  the  syring  of 
1850,  and  numbered  fifty  pupils. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  trustees,  in  September,  1850,  the  Rev.  Charles  C.  Taylor  was  elected 
President,  and  at  the  same  time  an  arrangement  was  made  to  have  the  male  department  go 
into  operation,  under  the  care  and  instruction  of  Mr.  D.  D.  Van  Antwerp. 

The  catalogue  which  was  published  in  November,  1850,  at  the  close  of  the  second  quarter  of 
the  female,  and  the  first  of  the  male  department,  records  the  names  of  116  pupils.  The  schools 
have  probably  averaged  about  100.  The  present  term  has  already  numbered  from  120  to  130- 
It  is  the  design  of  the  trustees  to  make  the  institution  fully  competent,  and  of  sufficient  merit 
to  meet  the  entire  educational  wants  of  the  community. 

The  courses  of  study  in  St.  Mark's,  will,  as  far  as  possible,  be  so  arranged  that  with  the  ap 
probation  of  the  Faculty,  the  guardians  of  the  pupils  may  select  the  course  which  shall  best 
qualify  the  students  for  usefulness  and  eminence,  whatever  occupation  or  profession  may  be 
chosen.  Students  are  received  for  any  portion  of  time,  and  permitted  to  pureue  the  studies  of 
such  elofews  as  shall  be  considered  most  appropriate  to  their  attainments  and  designs,  and  on 
leaving  can  receive  a  certificate  of  their  matriculation,  standing  and  acquirements.  Whenever 
any  one  shall  have  pursued  a  course  of  study  fully  equivalent  (however  it  may  differ,)  to  the 
course  of  study  in  the  University  of  Michigan,  and  shall  have  sustained  in  it  a  satisfactory  ex 
amination,  he  shall  be  entitled  to  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts;  and  when  a  student  can  sus 
tain  a  similar  examination  in  the  course  of  study  required  in  either  of  the  professions,  he 
can  receive  a  diploma  accordingly. 

The  institution  is  already  furnished  with  six  professors  and  teachers,  fire  of  whom  have 
been  cotiotantly  engaged  in  instruction.  The  trustees  think  themselves  fortunate  in  having 
secured  the  service-  of  able  teachers,  who  have  had  much  experience  in  the  instruction  of 
youth.  The  success  of  the  enterprise  has  surpassed  the  expectations  of  its  friends.  By  the 
raost  economical  management  the  income  has  nearly  met  the  expenditures.  A  committee  of 
the  trustees  during  .the  present  week  have  succeeded  in  purchasing  a  lot,  which,  of  all  others. 
;be?  In 9/1  long  regarded  as  the  most  desirable,  for  the  site  of  the  preparatory  departments: 

72 


570 

and  they  tire  now  taking  measures  to  secure  upon  it  before  another  autumn,  the  erection  of 
buildings,  not  unlike  the  plan  forwarded  to  you  -with  this  report. 

With  much  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

CHARLES  C.  TAYLOR. 
Grand  Rapids,  Feb.  6th,  1852. 


YOUNG  LADIES'  SEMINARY,  MARSHALL. 

In  compliance  with  a  request  made  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  this  brief 
report  of  the  Young  Ladies  Seminary  is  now  given. 

This  institution  was  opened  in  March,  1850,  under  the  superintendence  of  Miss  S.  Burgess, 
and  has  now  been  in  operation  nearly  two  years,  A  building  was  erected  by  the  citizens,  ca- 
pabla  of  accommodating  forty  pupils,  with  the  intention  of  enlarging  it  when  necessary. 
This  is  carpeted,  and  tastefully  furnished.  A  more  attractive  school  room  is  no  where  to  be 
found.  Its  location  is  retired,  and  one  of  the  best  in  the  village. 

The  ultimate  design  is,  to  furnish  a  school  of  the  highest  grade,  for  the  education  of  young 
ladies.  It  was  entered  upon  as  an  experiment.  The  number  of  pupils  has  varied;  yet  such 
are  the  present  prospects,  that  the  friends  and  founders  of  the  institution  are  sanguine  that 
their  hopes  will  be  realized. 

Arrangements  will  be  made  hereafter  for  the  accommodation  of  pupils  from  abroad,  and  it 
is  designed  as  soon  as  practicable  to  have  a  boarding  house  connected  with  the  school,  where 
they  may  be  under  the  immediate  supervision  of  their  teachers. 

The  course  of  instruction  pursued  embraces  the  elementary  and  higher  English  branches, 
(including  Algebra  and  Geometry,)  French,  Latin  and  Drawing.  As  soon  as  circumstances 
render  it  expedient  a  musical  department  will  be  added.  Exercises  in  composition  are  required 
weekly,  from  which  no  one  is  excused,  except  by  a  request  from  their  parents  or  guardians. 
The  scholastic  year  consists  of  two  terms,  or  four  quarters  of  eleven  weeks  each.  The  Fall 
term  commences  the  second  week  in  October.  The  Spring  term  about  the  20th  of  March. 

In  consequence  of  the  frequent  changes  in  the  school,  and  the  limited  time  for  which  many 
pupils  are  entered,  it  is  deemed  advisable  that  a  public  examination  should  be  held  at  the  close 
of  each  quarter. 

Especial  care  is  taken  that  the  instruction  given  should  be  as  thorough  as  possible  under  the 
existing  counteracting  circumstances;  and  every  effort  is  used  to  induce  habits  of  attention,  of 
thinking,  reasoning,  and  punctuality.  Pupils  are  not  allowed  to  pass  over  their  studies  su 
perficially.  The  principle  is  adopted,  that  the  quantity  learned  is  not  of  so  much  importance 
as  the  manner  in  which  it  is  learned,  and  the  character  of  the  discipline  given  to  the  mind — 
that  it  is  not  so  necessary  to  impart  knowledge  as  to  create  a  desire  for  it — to  bring  out  ideas, 
and  teach  the  pupil  how  to  learn  every  thing. 

The  practical  duties  of  life  are  ever  kept  in  view.  To  lead  young  ladies  to  feel  their  high 
responsibility  in  the  cultivation  of  their  intellectual  faculties — to  fully  tinderstand  their  rela 
tions  to  God,  to  their  fellow  creatures,  and  their  duties  to  society  at  large,  and  fit  them  for 
scenes  of  future  usefulness,  is  most  prominent  in  the  instruction  given. 

S.  BURGESS. 

Marshall,  Jan.  31,  1852. 


FAYETTE  UNION  SCHOOL— JONESVILLE. 

To  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction: 

At  a  public  school  meeting,  held  May  28th,  1844,  the  expediency  and  feasibility  of  establish 
ing  and  sustaining  a  union  school,  of  a  character  to  meet  the  entire  wants  of  our  community 
in  that  regard,  were  fully  discussed,  It  was  finally  resolved  by  a  large  majority  to  be  both 


571 

feasible  and  expedient,  and  that  no  time  .should  be  lost  in  making  the  necessary  preparations. 
A  suitable  house  must  be  erected.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  plans,  and  submit 
estimates.  At  a  subsequent  meeting  this  committee  submitted  several  plans:  one  of  which 
was  adopted;  and  a  brick  hoiise,  32  by  60  feet,  two  stories  high,  was  erected,  at  a  cost  of 
$2,100,  a  plan  of  which  is  hereto  attached. 

The  house  was  completed  January  1st,  1848,  and  the  school  opened  viner  the  auspices  of  A- 
S.  Welch,  A.  M.,  as  principal,  with  two  competent  assistants.  The  year  was  divided  into  two 
terms,  of  twenty-two  weeks  each,  the  first  term  commencing  the  1st  of  September,  with  a 
short  vacation  of  two  weeks  at  its  close,  and  a  vacation  of  six  weeks  at  the  close  of  the  sum 
mer  term.  The  amount  paid  teachers  the  first  year,  was  $900.  The  number  of  scholars  in 
attendance,  was  two  hundred  and  twenty-two;  the  whole  number  of  persons  in  the  district 
betwen  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen,  being  only  two  hundred  and  twenty. 

At  the  close  of  the  first  year  the  experiment  of  employing  experienced  and  highly  educated 
teachers,  though  at  an  expense  far  exceeding  the  amount  the  people  had  been  accustomed  to 
regard  as  a  liberal  compensation  to  teachers  of  district  schools,  had  proved  so  eminently  suc 
cessful,  that  the  district  with  great  unanimity,  determined  to  continue  the  school  under  the 
same  auspices,  with  an  increased  salary  to  the  principal,  and  an  additional  number  of  assist 
ant  teachers:  Mr.  Welch  continued  in  charge  of  the  school  until  the  summer  of  1849,  when 
he  was  compelled  by  the  state  of  his  health,  to  relinquish  it;  and  Rev.  C.  S.  Kingsley,  A.  M., 
was  employed  to  succeed  him.  The  sum  of  $000  was  paid  to  teachers  for  the  first  term  of 
1849,  and  yet  cost  of  tuition  was  only  from  $1  to  $1,50  to  each  scholar,  for  the  term.  Mr. 
Kingsley  continued  in  charge  of  the  school  until  the  fall  of  1850,  with  from  two  to  four  as 
sistant  teachers,  at  a  cost  to  the  district  of  between  31,000  and  $1,100  per  year.  The  cost  to 
each  scholar  during  this  time  ranged  from  $1,50  to  $3  per  term. 

In  the  fall  of  1850,  the  Rev.  S.  C.  Hickok,  A.  M.,  was  employed  to  take  charge  of  the  school, 
at  a  salary  of  $600  per  year,  with  authority  to  employ  such  assistants  as  he  might  require,  at 
an  expense  not  exceeding  §500,  in  addition  to  his  own  salary.  Mr.  Hickok  was  shortly  after 
ward  taken  sick,  and  after  an  ilness  of  some  weeks,  died.  It  was  then  too  late  for  the  district 
board  to  secure  the  services  of  such  a  teacher  as  W.MS  desired,  and  they  were  compelled  to 
employ  for  a  short  time,  a  person  capable  of  teaching  only  the  common  branches  of  an  Eng 
lish  education.  The  principal  received  $35  per  month,  and  was  furnished  with  two  compe 
tent  assistants;  but  owing  to  the  fact  that  only  the  common  branches  were  taught,  the  school 
was  not  so  fully  attended,  and  the  cost  of  tuition  per  scholar  was  much  greater  than  when 
teachers  had  been  paid  at  the  rate  of  $1,200  per  year. 

The  division  of  the  year  into  two  terms,  being  found  inconvenient,  a  change  was  made  in 
the  spring  of  1851,  and  the  year  divided  into  three  terms,  two  of  sixteen  weeks  each,  and  one 
cf  twelve  weeks.  Mr.  Welch  having  fully  recovered  his  health,  was  again  induced  to  take 
charge  of  the  school,  at  a  salary  of  $700  per  year.  During  the  summer  term  he  had  three 
assistant  teachers,  who  were  paid  at  the  rate  ef  $600  per  year,  and  yet  the  cost  of  tuition  per 
scholar  was  only  $1,20  for  the  term. 

The  fall  term  has  just  commenced,  and  the  number  in  attendance  is  so  large  that  four  as 
sistant  teachers  have  already  been  employed,  and  it  is  probable  that  some  classes  will  still  be 
placed  under  the  tuition  of  advanced  scholars,  who  are  pursuing  a  course  of  study  with  es 
pecial  reference  to  the  profession  of  teaching.  Though  so  large  an  amount  is  paid  for  teach 
ers,  it  is  confidently  believed  by  the  school  board  that  the  cost  per  scholar  will  be  less  than 
for  any  previous  year. 

It  has  been  the  aim  of  the  board  and  the  district,  to  afford  facilities  for  education  in  this 
district  school,  equal  to  those  afforded  by  the  best  academies  and  grammar  schools  of  the 
country.  Especial  attention  has  been  paid  to  those  preparing  themselves  for  teachers.  Classes 
in  Latin,  Greek,  Spamhh,  Chemistry,  Algebra,  Geometry,  &c.,  have  been  advanced  considera 
bly  beyond  what  is  usxmliy  required  for  admission  into  even  an  advanced  class  in  college;  and 


572 

•yet  there  ka.i  been  no  want  of  attention  to  the  minor  and  rudimentol  branches.  Indeed,  it 
has  been  found  that  much  greater  thoroughness  has  been  secured  in  elementary  studies  than 
is  usually  attained  in  schools  where  these  studies  are  alone  pursued,  and  the  general  effect  has 
been  to  secure  an  unusual  degree  of  thought,  attention  and  mental  development. 

The  experience  of  this  school  has  shown  that  as  n  matter  of  economy  alone,  it  is  poor  pol 
icy  to  employ  cheap  teachers — that  when  the  district  has  paid  the  highest  wages,  and  secured 
experienced  and  highly  educated  teachers,  the  cost  of  tuition  per  saholar  has  been  least. 

It  has  shown,  too,  the  practicability  and  the  policy  of  affording  facilities  for  the  study  of  the 
classics,  and  the  higher  branches  of  English,  in  our  district  schools.  A  large  proportion  of 
the  youth  of  our  country  have  access  to  no  other  schools;  and  though  their  parents  or  guar 
dians  could  not  be  induced  to  send  them  to  academies  or  colleges,  they  are  ever  ready  to 
afford  them  facilities  for  the  attainment  of  all  the  knowledge  to  be  obtained  hi  the  district 
school.  L«t  these  be  made  what  they  should,  and  what  they  may,  without  any  greatly  in 
creased  expense,  and  we  shall  have  no  need  of  academies  and  grammar  schools. 

W.J.BAXTER. 


UNION  SCHOOL  AT  BATTLE  CREEK. 

To  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction: 

The  district  board  of  the  Union  School  at  Battle  Creek,  would  respectfully  report,  that  the 
first  term  of  the  Union  School,  since  the  completion  of  the  school  buildings,  closed  December 
24th.  Four  hundred  and  thirty-six  scholars  were  in  attendance  during  the  term.  Twenty - 
•fjeveu  non-resident  scholars  have  been  admitted  into  the  school. 

Instruction  was  given  during  the  term  in  the  highest  branches  of  mathematics,  French  and 
Latin,  and  weekly  exercises  in  composition  and  declamation.  The  school  is  separated  into 
three  departments,  two  teachers  in  each  under  the  superintendence  of  the  principal.  Teach 
er's  wages  per  term,  $511  00.  The  year  is  divided  into  three  terms  of  fifteen  weeks  each. 
There  are  six  hundred  and  one  children  in  the  district,  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen. 

The  Union  School  House  is  constructed  of  brick,  three  stories  in  heighth,  forty  by  sixty, 
containing  three  large  rooms  and  three  convenient  rooms  for  recitation.  The  house  is  situated 
on  a  beautiful  eminence,  with  two  acres  of  land  attached  to  it,  which  will  be  filled  with  forest 
and  ornamental  trees  the  coining  spring.  The  first  school  district  in  this  place  was  organized 
in  June,  1834,  with  a  sparse  population,  embracing  twelve  sections,  known  as  school  district 
No.  3,  township  of  Milton.  A  tax  of  $60  was  raised,  for  which  a  school  house  was  erected, 
which  answered  the  demands  of  the  district  until  1837-  During  the  years  1837  and  1838,  $500 
were  raised  to  prepare  a  more  commodious  building.  In  1840  a  library  was  attached  to  the 
school,  and  a  resolution  adopted  to  support  the  school  through  the  academic  year.  In  the  year 
1844,  the  friends  of  universal  education  started  the  project  of  a  Union  School,  and  were  encoun 
tered  by  strong  opponents  who  were  unceasing  in  their  efforts  to  defeat  the  raising  of  a  suffi 
cient  tax  to  execute  their  plans,  and  were  successful  for  a  time.  The  board  of  inspectors  in 
the  year  1845,  not  favoring  the  principles  of  Union  Schools,  attempted  to  divide  the  district 
into  several,  but  were  checked  by  the  active  exertions  of  those  who  believed  such  an  act  would 
prove  injurious  to  the  cause  of  popular  education.  Public  meetings  were  called,  and  the  ques 
tion  discussed  for  some  months  with  a  beneficial  result. 

In  1847,  the  inspectors  of  Emmet,  Battle  Creek  and  Bedford  formed  a  Union  school  district, 
composed  of  fractional  parts  of  said  townships,  including  a  territory  equal  to  five  and  five- 
eighths  sections.  At  the  annual  meeting  of  1848,  a  resolution  passed  to  raise  $2,000  to  pur 
chase  a  site  and  build  a  house  suitable  for  the  Union  school.  The  tax  was  duly  assessed  and 
mostly  collected;  a  site  had  been  secured  and  arrangements  were  being  made  for  the  erection 
of  an  edifice  suitable  for  the  district;  but  by  the  ingenuity  of  the  enemies  of  the  investment  of  a 
^capital  for  the  benefit  of  thf  rising  generation,  an  injunction  was  placed  upon  the  treasurer 


573 

and  the  amount  which  had  beeu  collected  was  refunded;  the  district  was  obliged  to  relinquish; 
their  claims  on  an  enviable  site  and  await  a  proper  time  for  another  effort,  suffering  much 
from  an  unnecessary  expense  and  delay.  In  1849'  they  succeeded  in  passing  a  resolution  to 
raise  another  tax,  and  were  successful  in  collecting  it.  A  site  was  procured  and  the  building^ 
commenced.  In  1850,  men  were  selected  to  fill  the  offices  of  the  district  with  perseverenee 
sufficient  to  overcome  all  obstacles  which  were  presented  in  their  way,  and  the  speedy  com 
pletion  of  the  building  was  the  result;  and  we  are  happy  to  report  the  present  prospects  of 
the  school  encouraging.  The  building  and  site  has  been  obtained  at  an  expense  of  -$5,500. 
The  board  feel  determined  to  do  all  in  their  power  to  make  this  school  worthy  the  patronage 
so  liberally  bestowed.  The  district  is  in  much  need  of  apparatus  and  a  district  library,  and 
we  believe  if  the  Union  schools  could  have  their  share  of  the  township  libraries  and  of  the- 
library  fund,  much  more  benefit  might  be  derived  than  is  now  obtained. 

S.  WRIGHT, 
.^ci-retary  of  the  Board- 
Bartle  Oeek,  Jan.  3,  lKr>2. 


VPSJLANTI  UNION  SCHOOL. 

Ypsn.A-vri,  April  30,  185?. 
HON.  FRANCIS  W.  SHF:AKMA>-,  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction: 

DEAR  SIR — The  directors  of  Ypsilanti  Union  School  respectfully  transmit,  subject  to  year 
disposal,  the  following  brief  report  of  the  rise,  progress  and  present  condition  of  this  instuit- 
tion. 

This  school  was  organized  in  October,  1849,  under  a  special  aei  of  legislation  authorizing 
the  directors  to  adopt  any  system  which  would  not  conflict  with  the  general  school  law. 

It  was  a  bold  and  in  many  respects  an  unprecedented  experiment,  undertaken  by  one  die- 
trict  alone,  and  involving  an  amount  of  pecuniary  responsibility  which  nothing  but  zeal  in 
the  cause  of  education  could  have  induced  its  projectors  to  assume,  and  which  nothing  but 
great  faith  in  the  feasibility  of  their  enterprise  could  have  justified  them  in  assuming. 

In  October  1851,  two  years  from  the  time  the  school  was  organized,  a  second  district  united 
with  the  first,  and  since  then  it  has  been  sustained  by  the  united  efforts  of  the  two  districte— 
still  leaving  two  others  in  our  village  which  have  not  seen  fit  to  unite  with  us.  While  under 
the  control  of  a  single  district  it  was  known  as  a  model  school,  but  soon  after  the  union  of  the 
two,  there  then  being  no  school  in  this  part  of  the  country  which  afforded  advantages  supe 
rior  to  those  of  the  common  district  school,  it  was  deemed  advisabie  to  extend  the  course  of 
instruction,  not  only  that  our  own  children  might  receive  a  finished  as  well  as  a  thorough 
and  practical  education  at  home,  and  under  the  parents'  immediate  protection,  but  also  as  an 
inducement  for  pupils  from  abroad  to  become  connected  with  the  institution.  In  this  respect 
it  is  believed  we  have  gone  beyond  most  institutions  in  this  and  other  States. 

In  a  large  majority  of  the  Union  Schools  in  the  State  of  Xew  York,  the  course  of  instruction 
is  limited  to  that  of  the  common  district  school,  while  but  few  give  advantages  of  a  classic  or 
even  an  extended  English  course.  Owing  to  this  deficiency,  they  are  in  many  instances  com 
pelled  to  support  as  separate  schools,  both  an  Academic  and  a  Union  School.  We  have  aim 
ed  to  unite  both  of  these  in  one;  and  how  far  we  have  succeeded,  the  present  condition  of 
the  school  will  show.  From  its  character,  the  privileges  it  afforded  and  the  large  and  compre 
hensive  course  of  study  then  adopted,  it  insensibly,  and  by  a  kind  of  common  consent,  became 
known  as  Union  Seminary,  which  name  it  has  since  borne,  without,  it  is  believed,  giving  of 
fence  to  other  seminaries,  or  bringing  discredit  upon  the  name. 

If  it  is  the  first  institution  of  the  kind\ which  has  assumed  this  well  merited  distinction,  it  is 
to  be  hopod  it  will  not  be  the  la?t,  for  surely  such  schools  taking  th?  rank  and  doing  the  labor 


574 

of  seminaries,  in  our  populous  and  enterprising  villages,  are  the  hope  of  the  State,  not  only  as 
seats  of  academical  learning,  but  as  preparatory  schools  for  our  University;  and  there  can  be 
no  good  reason  why  they  should  not  take  title  and  position  in  keeping  with  their  real  rank' 
and  importance. 

The  buildings  belonging  to  the  district  are  valued  at  $8,000;  the  annual  expense  of  school 
$2,300;  the  average  attendance  of  pupils,  250;  the  average  amount  raised  by  tax  for  payment 
of  teachers'  salaries,  200;  and  the  expenses  per  scholar  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  district,  for 
common  school  privileges,  $5. 

This  average  per  district  scholar,  though  no  higher  than  in  many  common  district  schools, 
we  are  in  hopes  soon  to  reduce  at  least  one  half. 

The  following  course  of  studies  have  been  adopted,  and  is  now  pursued  by  the  classes  in 
the  school.  Some  will  have  completed  the  course  at  the  expiration  of  the  present  term: 

COURSE  OF  STUDIES — PREPARATORY. 

Orthography,  Reading,  Penmanship,  Modern  Geogr  aphy,  Grammar,  Arithmetic  written  and 
mental,  Geography  of  the  Heavens,  History  of  the  United  States  and  Analysis. 

FIRST    YEAR. 

First — Higher  Arithmetic,  Advanced  Grammar,  Ancient  Geography- 
Second — Algebra  begun,  Higher  Arithmetic,  Advanced  Grammar. 
Third — Book  Keeping,  Algebra  finished,  Syntax  and  Prosody. 
Fourth — Bourdon  begun,  Physiology,  Botany. 
Composition  during  the  year — Parker's  Aid. 

SECOND    YEAR. 

First — Bourdon  finished,  Botany,  Geometry. 
Second — 'Geometry  finished,  History,  Rhetoric. 
Third — Trigonometry,  History,  Rhetoric. 
Fourth — Calculus,  History,  Logic. 
Composition  during  the  year — Parker's  Aid. 

THIRD    YEAK. 

First — Surveying,  Geology  and  Mineralogy,  Mental  Philosophy . 
Second— Chemistry,  Mental  Philosophy,  Natural  Philosophy. 
Third — Natural  Philosophy,  Mental  Philosophy,  Agricultural  Chemistry. 
Fourth — Astronomy,  Moral  Science,  Elements  of  Criticism. 
Composition  during  the  year. 

There  are  t\vo  Primary  departments  for  youEg  pupils,  and  a  Prepuratory,  which  students 
are  required  to  pass  through  before  entering  upon  the  other  course. 

TF.RMS  OF  TUITION  PER  QUARTER  FOR  FOREIGN  PUPILS. 

Primary  Department, $2  00 

Common  English  branches, 2  50 

Common  English,  with  one  high  English, 3  00 

Common,  with  one  or  two  high  English, 4  00 

Languages, 4  50 

Music,  with  use  of  Piano  extra, 9  00 

Painting  and  Drawing,  Extra, 2  00 

It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  the  course  of  study  is  as  thorough  and  extensive  as  in  any  other 
institution  in  the  State,  and  that  the  rates  of  tuition  are  lower  than  in  most. 

In  addition  to  the  English  course,  just  attention  is  paid  in  preparing  young  men  for  college, 
and  much  time  and  labor  devoted  to  instruction  in  the  modern  languages.  During  the  past 
year  there  have  been  large  classes  in  French,  German,  Music,  Painting  and  Drawing. 

A  philosophical,  chemical  and  mathematical  apparatus  of  considerable  value,  belongs  to  the 
.Seminary,  and  the  town  library,  containing  over  one  thousand  volumes,  is  kept  in  the  build- 


575 

iag.  The  Encyclopedia  Americana,  and  several  other  valuable  books  for  reference  have  been 
recently  added,  and  are  accessible  to  the  members  of  the  school.  There  are  now  in  the  Uni 
versity  at  Ann  Arbor,  a  number  of  students  from  this  school,  several  of  whom  entered  one 
year  in  advance. 

The  number  of  foreign  pupils  connected  with  the  school  has  increased  very  much  since  it 
was  first  opened;  and  during  the  past  year,  as  eur  catalogue  will  show,  a  large  number  have 
been  in  attendance  from  different  parts  of  this  State,  and  some  few  from  other  States.  Our 
building,  which  will  accommodate  from  sixty  to  seventy  with  rooms  for  study,  has  usually  been 
full,  and  during  the  fall  and  winter  quarter,  several  applications  for  admission  have  been  re 
fused,  for  want  of  additional  room  accommodations  in  the  building.  This  large  number  of 
foreign  pupils  who  have  been  united  with  the  school,  and  without  any  special  effort  or  solici 
tation  on  our  part,  plainly  shows  that  our  course  of  instruction,  the  method  of  teaching 
pursued  by  our  teachers,  and  the  management  of  the  school,  are  appreciated,  and  that  a 
school  based  upon  the  Union  System  may  compete  with  the  best  institutions  of  our  land. 

Our  school  year  is  divided  into  two  terms  of  twenty-two  weeks  each,  and  each  term  into 
two  quarters  of  eleven  weeks. 

At  the  close  of  each  term  there  is  an  examination,  at  which  time  the  classes  are  publicly 
examined  in  the  branches  they  have  pursued,  and  at  the  close  of  the  third  quarter  there  is  a 
public  examination  and  exhibition. 

There  are  two  literary  societies  connected  with  the  school,  which  have  regular  monthly  pub 
lic  exercises,  and  before  one  of  which,  during  the  past  winter,  public  lectures  on  different 
subjects  pertaining  to  popular  education  have  been  delivered. 

It  has  been  an  object  in  this  sketch  to  state  as  briefly  as  possible,  the  most  important  fea 
tures  of  our  school,  that  the  public  generally  may  know  what  we  have  accomplished  in  so 
short  a  space  as  two  and  a  half  years,  and  what  may  be  accomplished  in  almost  every  village 
in  our  State  in  the  same  laudable  enterprise.  What  public  spirit  has  done  in  Ypsilanti  it 
will  do  elsewhere;  and  if  others  see  anything  commendable  in  our  example  we  trust  it  will 
be  speedily  followed  in  other  places,  and  the  advantages  of  a  liberal  and  through  English  and 
classical  education  be  placed  within  the  reach  of  numbers  by  whom  it  cannot  now  be  ob 
tained. 

From  the  success  which  has  crowned  our  efforts,  and  the  high  position  which  our  school 
has  attained  in  so  short  a  period,  we  cannot  bring  this  report  to  a  close  without  urging  the 
friends  of  education  in  other  places  to  hazard  at  least  an  experiment  in  the  union  system; 
neither  do  we  hesitate  to  express  an  opinion  that  although  much  our  colleges  and  universities 
may  do  in  the  cause  of  education,  the  great  work  of  educatnig  the  rapidly  increasing  popula 
tion  of  this  commonwealth  must  be  performed  in  and  through  the  influence  of  union  schools 
or  seminaries.  Upon  these  the  safety  and  perpetuity  of  our  national  superstructure  will  most 
ly  depesd. 

C-  JOSLIN,  Sec.  District  Board. 


LANSING  UNION  SCHOOL. 

LAPSING,  May,  1852. 
To  the  Hon.  FRANCIS  W.  SHEAK.MA.V,  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction,  fyc.: 

DEAR  SIR — Having  the  cause  of  popular  education  at  heart,  and  regarding  as  I  do  with  deep 
interest  the  efforts  which  are  being  made  from  time  to  time,  not  only  in  our  own  State  but 
also  in  many  others,  to  bring  within  the  reach  of  every  youth  the  means  of  acquiring  a  thor 
oughly  practical  if  not  liberal  education,  thereby  placing  each  individual  member  of  the  ri- 
siag  generation  on  the  same  great  democratic  platform  of  equality  and  intelligence,  which  is 


576 

tke  basis  of  our  republican  institutions,  giving  to  them  greater  permanency  and  inciting  to  a 
healthy  advancement  in  the  cause  of  human  progress,  do  I  most  gladly  comply  with  your  very 
reasonable  request  in  transmitting  you  a  brief  history  of  the  origin,  rise  and  present  prospects 
of  the  "LANSING  UNION  SCHOOL,"  located  in  the  northern,  or  as  it  is  termed,  the  "lower  town" 
portion  of  this' village.  School  District  No.  2,  in  the  township  of  Lansing,  Michigan,  was  first 
organized  in  1817,  comprising  at  that  time  five  sections  of  land,  (the  greater  portion,  however, 
covered  with  dense  forest,)  including  the  north  one-third  part  of  this  village;  a  school  house  of 
ordinary  capacity  was  erected,  in  which  a  school  has  been  kept  up  on  an  average  of  six  months 
each  year.  But  owing  to  the  rapid  influx  of  population,  the  school  building  soon  proved  in 
adequate  to  the  wants  of  the  district,  and,  as  a  legitimate  result,  petty  select  schools  sprung 
into  existence,  drawing  from  the  people's  school  its  most  effectual  aid  and  care,  and  finally  its 
influence  and  character  in  community. 

This  state  of  things  could  not  long  remain  unnoticed  and  without  correction,  while  healthier 
influences  were  exerted  all  about  us.  The  beneficial  workings  of  the  Union  School  system,  as 
put  into  operation  at  Marshall,  Battle  Creek,  Jonesville,  and  other  places,  had  attracted  the  at 
tention  of  many  of  the  most  active  and  influential  citizens  of  the  district,  and  not  unfrequently 
was  it  made  the  topic  of  conversation;  its  applicability  to  the  existing  wants  of  the  district 
was  divscussed,  and  its  happy  effects  on  community  made  known.  The  examination  of  the 
merits  and  feasibility  of  the  plan  strengthened  the  conviction  that  in  every  respect  it  was  well 
calculated  to  afford  to  the  community  at  once,  an  economical  and  yet  thorough  system,  and 
means  of  education,  yielding  them  every  advantage  to  be  derived  from  the  best  conducted 
High  Schools  and  Academies,  without  their  attendant  evils  and  expense,  fully  commensurate 
with  their  wants,  open  alike  to  all,  and  within  the  reach  of  all. 

Such  being  the  light  in  which  the  Union  School  system  of  education  was  regarded  here,  that 
at  the  Annual  School  meeting  on  the  30th  September,  1850,  the  practicability  and  expediency 
of  erecting  a  suitable  building  and  sustaining  a  "Union  School,"  was  fully  and  ably  discussed, 
and  resolutions  to  purchase  a  site,  to  raise  the  necessary  funds,  and  to  enter  at  once  in  right 
good  earnest  into  the  work  of  erecting  a  large  and  commodious  building,  with  a  suitable  bell 
and  school  apparatus,  were  almost  unanimously  agreed  to.  A  committee  was  appointed  to 
prepare  plans,  and  estimates  of  costs,  &c.,  and  to  report  the  same  at  an  adjourned  meeting  in 
January,  then  following. 

The  committee  deserve  great  credit  for  their  earnest  endeavors  to  make  the  building  what  it, 
should  be,  and  yet  avoid  unnecessary  expense  and  outlay  of  funds,  as  appears  from  the  plans 
and  estimates  submitted  at  the  January  meeting,  as  also  have  the  building  committee  exhibited 
much  good  sense  and  faithfulness  in  the  carrying  of  those  plans  into  execution,  as  the  building 
itself  will  most  clearly  evidence.  The  work  has  advanced  so  nearly  to  completion  that  the 
district  board  have  decided  to  open  the  school  tor  the  feception  of  pupils  about  the  7th  of 
June  next.  The  effort  is  indeed  as  praiseworthy  as  the  building  is  beautiful.  Erected  at  an 
expense  (including  site,  etc.,)  of  about  $5,000,  on  a  most  delightful  elevation,  retired  from  the 
business  portion  of  the  village,  commanding  a  distinct  view  of  almost  the  entire  village,  it  is 
being  fitted  up  with  especial  reference  to  health,  comfort  and  convenience,  and  is  sufficiently 
large  to  accommodate  from  250  to  300  pupils.  The  building  is  constructed  of  brick,  two  sto 
ries  high  and  basement  beneath,  standing  thirty-six  by  sixty  feet  on  the  ground. 

The  basement  will  contain  the  fuel  and  (in  case  the  original  design  is  carried  out)  also  the 
apparatus  for  warming  the  various  rooms  by  means  of  heated  air  conveyed  to  them  in  pipes. 
The  first  story,  twelve  feet  high,  is  separated  by  a  hall  in  the  centre  into  two  rooms  of  equal 
size.  The  second  story  is  mainly  occupied  by  one  general  school  room,  which  will  serve  also 
for  an  assembly  room.  The  north  end  of  this  story  is  divided  into  two  small  rooms,  one  to 
contain  the  literary  and  school  apparatus,  the  other  will  be  devoted  to  the  wishes  of  the  prin 
cipal  either  as  a  private  apartment  or  recitation  room.  The  windows  are  large  and  high,  and 
will  admit  of  every  requisite  ventilation,  clearly  indicating  that  physical  education  has  not 


577 

keen  lost  .sight  of  by  those  having  its  erection  in  charge.  Another  feature,  too  often  regarded 
of  little  moment,  is  the  arrangement  and  division  of  the  play  grounds;  these  are  entered  by 
separate  dqors  from  the  rear  of  the  hall,  and  each  surrounded  by  a  high,  close  board  fence,  and 
furnished  with  suitable  out-buildings. 

The  Board  have  secured  the  services  of  Mr.  John  S.  Dixon,  as  principal,  whose  acknowl 
edged  ability  and  ripe  scholarship,  together  with  his  long  experience  and  success  in  conduct 
ing  schools  of  this  character,  have  gained  for  him  an  enviable  reputation.  They  mil  also 
employ  such  number  of  competent  assistant  teachers  as  the  wants  of  the  school  may  indicate, 
It  is  earnestly  hoped  and  expected  that  the  institution  may  in  no  degree  disappoint  the  expec 
tations  of  those  who  have  so  nobly  cared  for  our  village  youth,  who,  as  past  experience  shows, 
must  receive  an  education  somewhere,  either  at  some  well  conducted  school,  or  amid  the 
haunts  of  vice  and  folly. 

The  course  of  education  will  comprise  a  primary,  middle,  and  classical  department,  and  the 
Board  express  the  determination  that  no  effort  on  their  part  shall  be  wanting  to  secure  com 
petent  teachers,  and  suitable  apparatus  to  make  the  school  one  of  the  very  best  in  the  State; 
so  that  the  various  branches  from  the  primary  lessons  of  childhood,  up  to  the  higher  and 
more  abstruse  branches  of  a  classical  education,  can  be  pursued  in  it,  with  profit  and  success. 

In  conclusion,  permit  me  to  add  that  the  establishment  of  such  a  school  in  this  section  of  the 
State  is  peculiarly  gratifying  to  all  who  feel  a  lively  interest  in  the  progress  of  the  educational 
cause.  May  this  system  of  schools,  of  which  we  have  good  reason  to  be  proud,  raise  its  stan 
dard  still  higher,  until  there  is  afforded  to  the  youth  of  every  community  throughout  the  entire 
State — and  all  have  a  moral  right  to  exercise  their  minds  in  contemplating  all  that  is  grand 
and  beautiful  in  the  vast  creation  of  thought — that  intellectual  culture  and  social  improvement 
which  will  enable  them  to  act  well  their  part  in  the  great  drama  of  life;  that  as  they  look 
abroad  on  the  rich  splendors  of  God's  material  universe,  and  investigate  more  truly  the  laws 
which  govern  matter  and  mind,  they  may  be  only  the  better  prepared  to  disseminate  and 
make  known  the  rich  rewards  of  a  TRUE  KDCCATIO.V  over  the  State — the  nation  and  the  wide 
world. 

Very  respectfully  and  truly  yours, 

S.  S.  CORYELL, 


DETROIT  LADIES'  ACADEMY. 

This  institution,  organized  but  a  few  months  since,  has  met  with  the  most  liberal  encourage 
ment,  and  it  is  confidently  hoped  that  the  anticipations  of  those  who  have  manifested  so 
friendly  an  interest  in  its  success  may  be  realized  in  its  future  usefulness  and  prosperity. 

It  is  the  determination  of  those  engaged  in  the  enterprise,  to  make  the  Academy,  in  all  re 
spects,  a  school  of  the  highest  order.  That  they  may,  by  rendering  its  establishment  perma 
nent,  the  more  effectually  secure  this  object,  the  large  and  commodious  mansion  of  Dr.  Russel, 
on  Fort  street,  has  been  purchased,  and  will  be  fitted  up  expressly  for  this  purpose.  A  com 
petent  board  of  instructors,  carefully  selected  with  reference  to  their  experience  and  ability 
bo  teach,  will  be  employed,  and  the  most  thorough  instruction  in  all  the  useful  and  ornamen 
tal  branches  of  education,  will  be  furnished,  while,  at  the  same  time,  the  morals,  deportment 
and  social  habits  of  the  pnpils  will  receive  unwearied  attention.  All  Sectarian  views  will  be 
studiously  avoided  in  the  influence  exerted  by  the  Teachers  over  those  committed  to  their 
care.  The  young  Ladies  who  are  members  with  the  family,  will  l)e  expected  to  attend  such 
places  of  Religious  Worship  as  their  friends  may  specify . 

In  the  Government  of  the  School  no  more  rules  are  enjoined  than  are  indispensably  neces 
sary,  but  with  these  a  strict  and  uniform  compliance  will  be  required.  A  faithful  record  witt 

73 


578 

be  kept,  showing  the  punctuality,  conduct  and  standing  of  each  pupil  in  every  class,  which 
\vill  be  transmitted  to  her  parents  or  guardian  at  the  close  of  every  term. 

The  Academic  Year  is  divided  into  three  Terms  of  fourteen  weeks  each. 

The  First  Term  commences  on  the  second  Monday  in  September;  the  second  on  the  first 
Monday  hi  January;  and  the  third  on  the  fourth  Monday  in  April — giving  two  weeks  vacation 
at  the  close  of  the  Spring  and  Fall  terms. 

There  will  be  an  examination  of  the  Academic  Department  at  the  close  of  each  term,  and 
a  public  examination  of  the  whole  School  at  the  close  of  the  Scholastic  Year,  during  the  last 
week  of  July;  at  which  time  Diplomas  will  be  granted  to  all  who  have  completed  the  entire 
course  of  study,  and  sustained  a  satisfactory  examination  in  each  department. 

DEPARTMEJfTS  AXO  COURSE  OF  STUDY — PRIMARY  DEPARTMENT. 

Eoibouc  Primer,  Eclectic  Spelling  Book,  Eclectic  Readers,  1st  and  2d,  Mitchell's  Srmll 
Geography,  Arithmetic,  Thompson's  First  Lessons,  Exercises  on  Slates  and  Blackboards. 

PREPARATORY. 

Town's  Fourth  Reader,  Eclectic  Speller,  Mental  Arithmetic — Col  burn.  Young  Analyzer, 
McEiiigot,  Geography — Mitchell,  Grammar — Smith,  History  United  States — Wilson,  Arith 
metic — Thompson's  2d  Book,  Botany  for  Beginners,  Parker's  Exercises  in  Compositions. 

ACADEMIC   COURSE — FIRST  YEAR. 

Manual  of  Orthography  to  Definition — McElligott,  Grammar — Brown,  Higher  Arithme 
tic — Thompson,  Ancient  Geography — Mitchell's,  Mental  Algebra — Tower,  Natural  Philoso  • 
phy— Parker,  General  History— Willard. 

Parker's  Exercises,  Reading  and  Writing. 

SECOXD    YEAR. 

Algebra — Davie's  1st  Lessons,  Physiology — Lambert's  3d  Book,  Chemistry — Johnson,  Bot 
any — Wood,  Book-Keeping — May  hew,  Domestic  Economy — Beecher,  Natural  Theology — Pa- 
ley,  Astronomy — Mitchell's  Burritt,  Mental  Philosophy — Upham,  Logic — Hedges. 

Parker's  Aids  to  Composition. 

THIKD    YEAR. 

Geometry — Davies'  Legendre,  Geoiogy — Ruschenberger,  Algebra — Davies'  Bourdon,  Para 
dise  Lost — Milton,  Rhetoric — Newman,  Moral  Science — Wayland,  Evidences  of  Christianity, 
Paley,  General  Review. 

Particular  atten  :ion  given  to  Reading,  Orthography.  Pronunciation.  Composition  and  Pen 
manship,  throughout  the  entire  course. 


Tuition  iu  Primary  Department,  per  term  of  fourteen  weeks, $ 4  00 

"          Preparatory        "  "  6  00 

Academic  Course — 1st  year's  studies, 8  00 

"  "       — 2d  and  3d  year's  studies, 10  00 

Languages,  (Extra,)  each, 500 

"          Music—Piano  or   Guitar, 12  00 

"          Drawing  or  Painting  in  Water  Colors, 600 

Use  of  Piano  for  Practice, 3  00 

Board,  together  with  Fuel,  Lights,  Washing,  Furnished  Rooms,  and  Tuition  in 

Preparatory  Department,  per  year, 150  00 

"  "        with  Academic  Course— 1st  year, 156  00 

"  "  "  "       — 2d  and  3d  years,  each, 162  00 


579 

Payment  each  term  iu  advance.  No  deduction  made  for  studeiitd  who  enter  at  auy  tiuv? 
after  the  commencement  of  the  term,  nor  for  absence  after  they  have  entered,  unless  on  ac 
count  of  protracted  illness. 

MISS  S.  HUNT. 


GREGORY'S  COMMERCIAL  COLLEGE. 

DETROIT,  October  6.  1851 . 
To  FRANCIS  "W.  SHEARMAN, 

Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction  of  the  State  of  Michigan: 

DKAR  SIR — Your  letter  with  a  copy  of  your  annual  report,  came  to  hand  to-day.  Agreea 
ble  with  your  request,  I  send  the  following  report,  also  one  of  my  circulars. 

In  May,  1850,  with  the  encouragement  of  a  number  of  the  first  business  men  of  this  city, 
I  organized  a  school  to  be  known  by  the  name  and  style  of  Gregory's  Commercial  College, 
myself  acting  as  principal  of  said^institution,  with  E.  C.  Walker,  Esq.,  as  lecturer  on  Com 
mercial  Law.  The  object  of  which  is  to  secure  to  young  men  (who  never  have  had  the  expe, 
rience  of  the  diversified  functions  of  the  counting-room,)  a  thorough  and  practical  commercial 
education.  The  course  of  study  proposed  embraces  penmanship,  book-keeping  by  double- 
entry,  commercial  calculations,  and  commercial  law.  The  system  of  teaching  in  said  institu 
tion  discards  the  use  of  text-books,  and  relies  upon  oral  and  black-board  instruction.  Pupils 
are  instructed  individually  and  not  in  classes,  so  that  they  may  enter  at  any  time  and  proceed 
in  ratio  of  their  capacity  and  assiduity.  The  school,  though  small  at  first,  has  from  month  to 
month  gradually  increased  until  we  havo  found  it  necessary  to  procure  assistant  teachers. 
The  first  year  ending  June  1st,  1351,  the  number  of  students  that  entered  the  college  was  63. 
It  usually  takes  young  men  of  ordinary  capacity  three  months  to  complete  the  course  of  in 
struction  as  arranged  for  this  class  of  institutions. 

The  Commercial  College  serves  as  a  connecting  link  between  the  academic  institution  and 
the  counting-house  of  the  merchant.  The  literary  and  scientific  institution  contributes  to  the 
discipline  and  general  information  of  the  mind,  breadth  and  comprehensiveness  of  view,  and 
the  enlargement  of  the  understanding.  While  the  discipline  of  the  Commercial  College  con 
tributes  directly  and  largely  to  these  ends,  it  also  enables  the  possessor  of  these  attainments  to 
apply  them  to  the  practical  details  of  business,  in  one  of  the  most  important  pursuits  of  life. 
Occupying  this  vantage  ground,  the  beginner  in  a  mercantile  career  is  not  appalled  or  embar 
rassed  by  the  difficulties  which  inevitably  beset  the  man  who  is  destitute  of  a  commercial  ed 
ucation.  A  man  may  have  natural  sagacity,  but  without  this  discipline,  or  the  information 
which  is  more  speedily  obtained  by  this  discipline  than  is  usually  obtained  by  years  of  expe 
rience,  he  can  hardly  expect  success  in  business,  or  an  eminent  standing  in  his  profession. 

In  conclusion,  the  undersigned  feels  confident,  from  his  experience  both  in  the  practice  and 
theory  of  the  subjects  of  instruction,  and  with  the  aid  of  such  assistants  as  may  be  required, 
that  he  will  be  enabled  to  advance  those  who  avail  themselves  of  the  advantage  offered  to  the 
rank  of  thorough  and  accomplished  accountants. 

Respectfully  yours, 

URIAH  GREGORY. 


METEOROLOGY. 

Under  article  XI.  of  the  revised  constitution,  relating  to  Education,  it  is  made  the  duty  of 
the  legislature  to  encourage  the  promotion  of  intellectual,  scientific,  and  agricultural  improre  - 
ment  It  would  seem  to  be  the  province  of  the  department  of  Public  Instruction  to  r<H>og- 


580 

nize  as  a  legitimate  field  of  reflection,  the  efforts  which  have  been  made  by  the  national  gor- 
ernment  to  reduce  to  a  system  the  important  science  of  meteorology.  The  legislature  of 
Michigan  has  .already  made  an  appropriation  for  the  requisite  instruments,  and  provided  by 
law  for  the  keeping  of  the  proper  tables,  under  the  forms  adopted  by  the  Smithsonian  Institu 
tion,  at  Washington.  It  is  also  made  the  duty  of  the  Regents  to  provide  for  keeping  meteoro 
logical  records,  which  arc  to  be  hereafter  published  with  the  report  of  the  Superintendent  cf 
Public  Instruction. 


Arm  ARBOR,  27th  April,  1862. 
HON.  FRANCIS  W.  SHERMAN,  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction: 

DEAR  SIK — I  accede  with  pleasure  to  your  request  for  a  copy  of  the  table  communicated  by 
me  to  the  Smithsonian  Institute,  exhibiting  in  inches  and  decimals  of  an  inch,  the  monthly 
fall  of  RAIN  in  this  city,  for  the  three  years  named. 

The  instrument  which  I  use  is  De  Witt's  nine  inch  Conical  Rain  Gage,  the  principle  and  con 
struction  of  which  you  may  find  described  in  Silliman's  Journal  of  Science,  Vol.  XXII.,  page 
321.  Tables  like  the  following,  sometimes  in«  hide  with  the  rain,  an  account  also  of  the  water 
of  melted  snow.  It  should  be  observed  tliat  this  does  not. 

1861. 
,99. 

2,48. 

1,02. 

3,90. 

5,85. 

2,41. 

5,04. 

4,18. 

2,08. 

2,94. 

2,48. 


1849. 
63. 

1850. 
,66. 

...      M 

80 

March  

1,69. 

2,47. 

April 

2  13 

95. 

May  .  . 

3,59. 

,30. 

.  .     .   3  46 

3,44 

July  - 

....  3  27 

2,15. 

3  10 

6  52 

September 

3  90 

I  86. 

.  .     ,  338. 

1,09. 

1,66. 

1,73. 

37 

93. 

A/*- 

Total.  . 

.     27.33. 

22.90. 

35,64. 

Prom  this  table  it  would  appear  that  the  variation  in  the  annual  amount  of  rain  which  falls 
here  is  large.  The  quantity  which  fell  the  Inet  year  exceeded  that  of  1850  by  nearly  thirteen 
inches.  Is  the  rise  and  fall  of  the  waters  in  our  gre<it  lakes  due  to  the  varying  quantity  of  rain 
which  falls  in  different  years,  in  the  region  which  they  occupy? 

The  annual  average  in  this  place,  for  th?  three  years  above  named,  is  28.62  inches.  The 
annual  average  in  Boston  is  stated  to  be  39  inches;  in  the  States  of  New  York  and  Ohio,  36;  in 
Rome,  39;  in  England,  32;  in  Paris,  22;  in  St.  Petersburgh,  16;  in  Calcutta,  81;  in  Vera  Cruz, 
278;  and  in  San  Luis,  S.  A.,  280. 

The  peculiar  situation  of  our  State  in  relation  to  the  great  lakes,  in  addition  to  those  reasons 
which  are  common  to  us  with  otiier  States,  urges  to  the  establishment  of  a  well  appointed 
system  of  meteorological  observations.  It  cannot  be  doubted  that  the  faithful  prosecution  of 
such  a  system  for  a  few  years,  would  result  not  only  in  a  valuable  contribution  to  science,  but 
in  the  developement  of  facts  and  principles  of  much  importance  to  the  agricultural  interests 
of  our  State. 

I  am  happy  to  know  that  the  subject  has  strongly  attracted  your  attention,  and  can  but  hop* 
that  you  may  be  completely  successful  in  the  accomplish uient  of  your  utmost  desires  in  re 
gard  to  it. 

Very  respectfully  your*, 

L.  SMITE  KOBART. 


RULES 

FOR  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  TOWNSHIP  LIBRARIES,  &c. 


NOTE  By  section  Ml,  the  township  board  have  power  to  suspend  the  operations  of  section 
116  of  the  school  law,  which  provides  for  the  distnburion  of  the  books  once  in  three  months, 
and  to  restore  the  same.  See  sections  115  and  144.  The  following  rules  are  taken  from  the 
pamphlet  edition  of  the  school  Inws  of  1848: 

DUTIES    OF   LIBRARIAN. 

1.  The  township  librarian  shall  keep  a  catalogue  of  ail  the  books  belonging  to  the  township 
library,  in  a  blank  book  to  be  provided  for  that  purpose,  and  he  sliall  be  accountable  to  the 
township  for  their  safe  keeping.    In  said  book  he  sliall  enter  in  a  legible  hand,  the  title  and 
mtmber  of  each  book  belonging  to  the  library,  with  such  additions  as  may  from  time  to  time 
be  made  thereto. 

2.  He  shall  label  each  book  belonging  to  the  township  library,  before  it  is  drawn  therefrom, 
thus. 

" Township  Library.  ffo. . 

"This  book  is  returnable  to  the  director  the  last  Saturday  of  every  month.  The  drawer 
is  responsible  for  all  damages  done  to  it  while  in  his  possession." 

The  preceding  label  should,  if  practicable,  be  neatly  printed,  and  snugly  pasted  on  the  inner 
side  of  the  cover.  The  name  of  the  township  to  which  the  library  belongs  should  be  inserted 
in  the  first  blank.  The  number  of  the  several  volumes  should  be  filled  with  a  pen,  commenc 
ing  with  No.  1. 

3.  Section  51  provides  that   "the  director  shall  draw  from  the  township  library,  the  propor 
tion  of  books  to  which  the  district  may  be  entitled,  and  return  the  same  to  the  township  li 
brary  at  the  expiration  of  every  three  months."     The  times  for  drawing  books  from  the  town 
ship  library,  and  returning  the  same,  shall  be  the  first  Saturday  of  January,   April,  July  and 
October,  between  the  hours  of  12  o'clock  M.  and  3  o'clock  P.  M. 

According  to  section  1 15,  the  books  of  the  township  library  are  to  be  distributed  by  the 
township  librarian  among  the  several  districts  of  the  township,  in  proportion  to  the  number 
of  children  in  each  between  the  ages  of  four  and  eighteen  years,  as  the  same  shall  appear  by 
the  last  report  of  the  director  thereof.  But  all  maps,  charts,  engravings  and  lexicons,  belong 
ing  to  the  library,  shall  remain  therein,  and  at  all  proper  times  be  open  to  inspection  by  the 
citizens  of  the  township.  [See  section  144.] 

4.  The  librarian  shall,  in  a  book  to  be  provided  for  that  purpose,  charge  every  director  with 
the  books  he   may  draw  from  the  township  library,  by  their  numbers;  and  in  like  manner 
credit  the  same  when  they  shall  be  returned. 

5.  He  shall  make  a  written  report  to  the  school  inspectors,  between  the  25th  and  31st  days 
of  March  in  each  year,  setting  forth  the  number  of  books  in  the  library,  and  their  condition. 
The  report  shall  also  state  what  books  have  been  added  to  the  library  during  the  year,  what 
books  have  been  lost,  if  any;  what  injured;  and  what  amount  of  tines  have  been  imposed  and 
collected;  together  with  such  other  particulars  as  the  inspectors  shall  direct;  which  report  shall 
be  placed  on  file  with  papers  of  their  office. 

DRAWING    BOOKS, 

L  No  person,  except  directors  of  school  districts,  shall  be  permitted  to  draw  books  from  the 
township  library;  nor  shall  tkey  be  entitled  to  draw  at  any  other  times  than  specified  above, 


582 

Nevertheless  the  librarian  may  allow  directors  who  have  not  drawn  books  for  any  quarter,  to 
receive  them  at  other  times. 

2.  None  but  inhabitants  of  school  districts  shall  be  entitled  to  draw  books  from  the  direc 
tors;  and  no  director  shall  loan  a  book  to  any  person  who  is  not  a  resident  of  his  district. 

3.  No  person  shall  be  permitted  to  draw  more  than  one  book  at  a  time,  unless  there  ore 
books  enough  in  the  library  to  accommodate  all  persons  that  are  entitled  to  draw  therefrom. 
And  in  no  case  shall  any  person  be  permitted  to  draw,  at  one  time,  more  than  one  book  for 
himself,  and  one  for  each  member  of  his  family  that  is  able  to  read. 

4.  The  library  shall  be  open  for  drawing  and  returning  books,  every  Saturday,  (except  those 
days  when  the  director  returns  books  to  the  township  library,  and  draws  anew,)  from  12  o' 
clock  M.  until  2  o'clock  P.  M.,  unless  the  director,  with  the  consent  of  the  district  board,  shall 
change  the  time,  in  which  case  he  shall  give  due  notice  thereof.     The  director  may,  at  his  dis 
cretion,  allow  persons  entitled  to  receive  books,  to  draw  them  at  other  times,  as  may  suit  the 
convenience  of  the  parties.    But  all  books,  whenever  drawn,  shall  be  returned  to  the  director 
the  last  Saturday  of  every  month. 

5.  Different  persons  wishing  any  book  or  books,  shall  be  entitled  to  draw  the  same  according 
to  the  priority  of  their  applications. 

FIXES  AND  DAMAGES. 

1.  For  every  volume  retained  beyond  the  time  established  by  these  rules,  a  fine  of  five  cents, 
shall  be  imposed  for  the  first  day,  and  a  fine  of  ten  cents  per  week  thereafter,  until  the  book 
shall  be  returned. 

2.  For  turning  down  leaves,  tearing,  greasing,  or  in  any  way  mutilating  or  injuring  books 
beyond  their  natural  wear,  the   director  is  authorized  to  impose  a  fine  of  not  less  than  five 
cents,  nor  more  than  twenty,  for  each  and  every  offence.    No  person,  against  whom  fines 
stand  unpaid,  shall  be  entitled  to  draw  books.    But  any  person  dissatisfied  with  fines  imposed 
by  a  director,  shall  be  entitled  to  appeal  to   the  township  librarian,  whose  decision  shall  be 
final. 

3.  Any  person  losing  a  book  belonging  to  the  township  library,  shall  pay  therefor  not  less 
than  the  first  cost  of  the  same,  and  not  more  than  twice  that  amount,  to  be  determined  by  the 
director;  or,  if  lost  by  a  director,  to  be  determined  by  the  librarian;  and  if  lost  by  a  librarian,. 
to  be  determined  by  the  board  of  school  inspectors. 

4.  All  fines  received  by  directors  shall  be  paid  to  the  township  librarian,  who  shall  pay  the' 
same  into  the  township  treasury  for  the  benefit  of  the  township  library. 


RULES  FOR  THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  MEDICAL  COLLEGE  IN  THE  UNIVERSI 
TY  OF  MICHIGAN,  ADOPTED  BY  THE  BOARD  OF  REGENTS  OF  THE  UNIVERSI 
TY,  JULY,  1850. 

CATALOGUE  OP  MEDICAL  FACULTY. 

Abram  Sager,  M.  D., — Professor  of  Obstetrics  and  Diseases  of  Women  and  Children. 
8.  H.  Douglass,  M.  D.,— Professor  of  Medical  Jurisprudence  and  Pharmaceutical  Chemistry. 
Samuel  Denton,  M.  D., — Professor  of  Theory  and  Practice  of  Physic  snd  Pathology. 
Moses  Gunn,  M.  D.,— Professor  of  Anatomy  and  Lecturer  on  Surgery,  &c. 
J.  Adams  Allen,  M.  D., — Professor  of  Materia  Medica  and  Physiology. 

OF  THE  FACULTY  AND  THEIR  DUTIES. 

1st.  This  department  of  the  University  shall  be  styled  the  "  Department  of  Medicine  and 
Surgery  in  the  University  of  Michigan." 

2d.  The  Professors  now  or  hereafter  to  be  appointed,  shall  constitute  the  Faculty  of  this 
Department,  who  shall  be  styled  the  "Faculty  of  Medicine  and  Surgery." 


583 

3d.  The  immediate  government  of  this  department  shall  be  vested  in  the  Faculty,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  instruct  the  students  in  the  several  branches  of  Warning  taught  in  this  de 
partment  of  the  University. 

4th.  One  of  the  Professors  appointed  annually  by  the  Faculty,  as  President  thereof,  shall 
preside  at  stated  meetings  of  the  Faculty,  and  be  empowered  to  call  special  meetings  when 
ever  in  his  judgment  necessary,  or  upon  application  of  any  two  Professors. 

5th.  At  all  meetings  of  the  Faculty  a  majority  shall  constitute  a  quorum.  In  the  absence 
of  the  President,  a  President  pro  tern,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Faculty,  who  shall  discharge 
the  duties  of  the  President.  The  presiding  officer  shall  be  always  entitled  to  a  vote. 

6th.  The  Faculty  shall  annually  appoint  one  of  their  number  Secretary,  who  shall  keep  a 
record  of  all  their  proceedings  and  submit  the  same  to  the  Regents  at  the  annual  meeting,  for 
inspection. 

7th.  The  President  of  the  Faculty  shall  keep  a  book  in  which  shall  be  registered  the  time 
of  entrance,  name,  and  age  of  each  student,  with  his  place  of  residence. 

8th.  The  Faculty  shall  present  at  the  annual  meetings  of  the  Regents,  a  report  on  such  mat 
ters  touching  the  interests  of  the  department,  as  in  their  view  call  for  the  action  of  the 
Board. 

OF   ADMISSION. 

1st.  Every  candidate  for  admission  shaJl  present  satisfactory  evidence  of  good  moral  char 
acter,  shall  exhibit  evidence  of  a  good  English  education,  the  knowledge  of  Natural  Philoso 
phy,  the  Elementary  Mathematical  Sciences,  and  such  an  acquaintance  with  the  Latin  and 
Greek  languages  as  will  enable  him  to  appreciate  the  technical  language  of  medicine,  and  read 
and  write  prescriptions. 

Provided,  these  literary  requirements  shall  not  be  insisted  upon  for  the  two  first  years,  until 
the  student  becomes  a  candidate  for  the  degree  of  M  D. 

TERMS  OF  STUDY — SYSTEM  OF  INSTRUCTION,  &C. 

1st.  The  course  of  study  in  this  department  shall  commence  the  first  Wednesday  in  Octo 
ber,  and  continue  until  the  first  Wednesday  in  April. 

2d.  There  shall  be  four  Lectures  daily,  (Saturdays  exceptcd.) 

3d.  Each  Professor  shall  daily  examine  the  class  upon  the  subject  of  the  lecture  of  the  pre 
vious  day. 

4th.  All  text  books  used  shall  be  selected  by  the  Faculty,  subject  to  the  revision  of  the 
Board  of  Regents. 

5th.  Candidates  for  graduation  shall  announce  themselves  as  such  at  the  close  of  their  first 
course,  or  the  commencement  of  their  second,  and  shall  be  examined  upon  the  subjects  of 
Anatomy,  Physiology,  Materia  Medica,  and  chemistry. 

6th.  Candidates  for  graduation  shall  be  required  to  write  a  thesis  upon  seme  Medical  or 
Surgical  subject,  once  in  two  weeks,  which  thesis  shall  be  read  and  defended  before  the  class, 
on  SHch  Saturdays  as  may  be  appointed  by  the  Faculty. 

OF  INITIATION  FEES. 

1st.  Every  student  on  entering  shall  pay  the  sum  of  ten  dollars,  as  an  initiaton  fee,  which 
money  is  to  be  appropriated  to  the  increase  of  the  Library,  Museum,  and  other  means  of  il 
lustration. 

2d.  Clergymen,  members  of  the  legal  profession,  and  graduates  of  other  respectable  medi 
cal  institutions,  may  be  permitted  to  attend  the  coiirse  of  instruction,  as  honorary  members. 
of  the  Medical  Department. 

DEGREES. 

1st.  All  degrees  shall  be  conferred  by  the  Board  of  Regents,  upon  the  recommendation  of 
the  Medical  Faculty. 


584 

2d.  lu  order  that  u  student  may  be  recommended  for  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Medicine,  he 
shall  exhibit  evidence  of  having  pursued  the  study  of  Medicine  and  Surgery  for  three  years, 
with  some  respectable  practitioner  of  Medicine;  must  have  attended  two  courses  of  lectures, 
the  last  in  the  Medical  Department  of  the  University  of  Michigan;  must  have  submitted  to  the 
Faculty  an  original  thesis  on  some  Medical  subject,  and  have  passed  an  examination,  held  at 
the  close  of  the  second  course,  satisfactory  to  the  Faculty. 

3d.  An  allowance  of  oue  year  from  the  term  of  study  may  be  made  in  favor  of  graduate* 
of  the  departments  of  Science  and  Arts,  and  of  other  respectable  literary  colleges,  and  respect 
able  practitioners,  of  four  years'  standing,  may  be  admited  to  the  degree  of  M.  D.,  by  attend 
ance  upon  one  course  of  lectures,  on  passing  the  requisite  examination. 

Adopted  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Board,  July,  1850. 

E.  N.  WILCOX,  Secretary. 

As  an  incentive  to  effort  on  the  part  of  the  student,  a  regulation  to  conform  to  the  following 
has  been  authorized  by  the  Board  of  Regents. 

The  Medical  Faculty  transmitted  the  following  communication  which  was  read,  and  th*» 
Faculty  authorized  to  make  the  regulation  recommended: 

The  Medical  Faculty  beg  leave  to  add  to  their  report  as;  presented,  the  following  recom 
mendation,  viz:  to  provide  for  the  publication  of  one  or  more  such  thesis  as  may  be  selected 
by  the  Faculty,  at  each  annual  commencement  of  this  Department. 

Adopted  July,  1851. 


TEXT  BOOKS. 

The  law  does  not  make  the  recommendation  of  the  Superintendent  imperative  upon  school 
officers  to  adopt  the  books.  Nor  is  it  believed  that  good  policy  would  require  it  to  be  so,  for 
evil  might  ensue,  by  its  arbitrary  force  upon  those  who  are  indeed  good  judges  and  good 
teachers,  but  who  might  be  of  opinion  that  they  could  be  more  successful  in  adopting  and 
teaching  from  books  other  than  those  recommended.  "Without  the  cordial  co-operation  of 
school  officers,  teachers  and  parents,  neither  the  law  nor  the  recommendation  would  result  in 
any  practical  good.  It  cannot  be  expected,  however  much  it  might  be  desired,  that  all  can 
agree  upon  the  merits  of  the  same  book  or  books,  any  more  than  all  can  agree  upon  one  sys 
tem  of  belief  in  matters  of  faith,  or  upon  the  merits  of  an  agricultural  implement.  The  best 
book,  like  the  best  farming  utensil,  eventually  gains  its  way  into  use,  recommendation  or  no 
recommendation.  The  examination  and  recommendation  of  a  person  whom  the  legislature 
deems  to  be  competent,  it  was  supposed,  would  not  be  without  its  benefits,  in  facilitating  in 
formation  and  presenting  useful  books  to  the  view  of  teachers  and  others,  thus  making  way 
for  their  gradual  introduction  into  schools,  not  in  a  forced,  imperative  manner,  but  by  elicit 
ing  the  examination  and  investigation  of  all  interested.  Nor  can  this  be  viewed  in  n.ny  other 
light  than  the  requirement  of  a  good  policy,  which  ensures  improvement  and  progression. 
For,  if  it  be  urged  that  each  successive  officer  is  to  recommend  the  same  series,  without  ref 
erence  to  his  own  judgment,  or  that  the  same  officer  is  to  perpetuate  his  own  recommenda 
tions,  there  is  an  end  to  all  farther  advancement.  Our  scholars  and  our  schools,  in  the  next 
quarter  of  a  century,  would  be  found  far  back  in  the  path  of  retrogression  and  behind  the 
light  of  the  age. 

It  docs  not  follow,  that  in  consequence  of  the  recommendation  of  a  list  or  series  of  books, 
different  from  those  which  may  lmve  been  recommended,  that  the  books  which  are  in  our 
schools  are  to  be  thrown  promiscuously  out  of  the  doors  of  our  school  houses — that  parents 
are  forced  to  the  necessity  awd  expense  of  furnishing  new  books — that  teachers  are  to  close 
their  lessons  from  before  the  eyes  of  their  pupils;  all  this  would  be  confusion,  and  far  from 
the  object  intended  by  the  law.  The  useful  results  anticipated,  will  be  found  in  throwing  on* 


585 

before  the  public,  before  teachers  and  .school  officers,  a  list  of  books  from  time  to  time,  xvbich 
have  been  examined  and  compared  with  those  in  use,  and  which,  like  all  other  lisls  tkey  Lave 
hod  before  them,  it  may  be  hoped,  might  afford  some  facility  to  them  in  their  own  good  work 
of  investigation;  leaving  such  books,  afcer  announcing  thy  result  of  such  examine  ion  by  this 
office,  where  the  law  itself  leaves  them— subject  to  adoption  or  rejection,  to  change  or  other 
wise,  as  the  best  juigment  of  school  officers  and  teachers,  and  their  knowledge  oi'  Ihe  local 
wanes  of  the  schools  or  districts,  shall  afterwards  dictate,— Superintendent's  Report,  !Sr>D. 
*  *  *  * 

There  certainly  can  be  no  serious  objection  to  the  recommeudatiou  of  works  wbi(-h,  in  the 
judgment  of  this  department,  senna  best  adapted  to  the  purposes  and  uses  of  teachers;  leaving 
such  works  to  find  their  way  into  our  schools  upon  their  actual  merits,  and  bofh  teachers  and 
scholars  free  to  avail  themselves  of  such  authorities  as  in  their  opinion  might  most  effectually 
aid  their  investigations.  It  is  not  contemplated,  either  in  the  law  or  by  this  department,  to 
make  such  recommendations  imperative.  The  great  object  of  this  requirement  would  seem 
to  be  that  n  list  of  suitable  books,  properly  and  carefully  examined,  should  be  thrown  before 
teachers  and  school  officers,  in  the  hope  of  facilitating  their  own  examinations,  and  by  some 
unity  of  action,  that  something  useful  may  be  accomplished  towards  a  desirable  uniformity. 
No  reason  has  vet  occurred  to  this  office,  to  modify  or  change  the  ground  assumed  npon  this 
subject,  in  its  last  communication  to  the  Legislature. 

The  organization  of  schools  and  academics,  the  establishment  of  Universities,  liberal  en 
dowments  and  appropriations  for  teachers,  are  but  first  steps.  They  are  all  preparatory  to 
that  system  of  training  and  development  which  is  called  education.  This  system  does  not 
consist  iu  the  acquisition  of  mere  facts,  learned  without  order,  and  remembered  without  ar 
rangement,  but  in  that  orderly  training  which  develops  in  their  right  direction,  the  whole 
physical,  intellectual  and  moral  nature.  Education,  therefore,  demands  system  and  ortler. 
There  must  be  correspondence  and  unity  in  all  its  parts. 

In  a  perfect  system,  each  branch  has  its  appropriate  ideas,  properly  classified  and  arranged. 
For  this,  much  study  and  much  experience  in  teaching  are  indispensable.  The  mechanic  or 
farmer  learns  his  business  only  by  labor  and  toil,  continued  through  many  years.  Systems  of 
instruction  for  the  young,  that  are  to  furnish  food  for  the  mind  and  give  character  to  our 
schools,  can  only  be  contstructed  by  varied  knowledge,  aided  by  long  experience.  They 
can  be  formed  only  from  ripe  knowledge,  made  practical  by  much  experience  in  teaching, 
and  become  well  known  only  by  the  fruits  they  bear.  Under  such  imprea.sions,  the  attention 
of  this  office  was  directed  at  an  early  season  to  the  subject  of  text  books.  Our  schools  were 
filled  with  multifarious  systems,  having  no  connection  with  each  other,  and  consequently 
carrying  forward  no  common  system  of  education.  In  mathematics,  where  uniformity  of 
system  is  most  necessary,  and  most  easily  attainable,  various  systems,  differing  from  each 
other  in  their  organic  structure,  were  often  to  be  found  in  the  same  school,  and  frequently  in 
the  same  class.  Systematical  instruction  in  the  exact  sciences,  based  upon  uniform  and  set 
tled  principles,  could  not  thus  be  given.  Under  this  state  of  things,  it  seemed  to  be  necessary 
to  make  selections  and  recommendations  whkh  would  secure  at  least  a  uniformity  in  the 
same  school,  and  if  possible,  in  the  same  district.  In  accomplishing  this,  it  was  io  be  expect 
ed  that  differences  of  judgment  arid  opinion  would  arise,  noi  only  among  practical  educators 
and  teachers,  but  among  various  authors  and  publishers,  whose  interests  were  more  or  less 
affected.  It  is  perhaps  due  to  the  interests  of  our  schools  that  the  reason  for  some  of  the 
principal  selections  made  and  recommended  by  this  oliico,  should  be  given. 

The  works  of  Professor  Davi.es,  on  the  subject  of  mathematics,  and  which  were  much  in  use  iu 
our  schools,  were  greatly  preferred,  because  of  their  scienritic  arrangement,  the  clearness  and 
precision  of  their  rules,  and  their  eminently  practical  character.  The  author  of  these  works 
had  long  been  at  the  head  of  the  mathematical  department  in  the  military  school  at  West 
Point,  had  propei-ed  a  course  of  mathematical  text  books  long  since  adopted  and  used  in  that 

74 


586 

institution,  and  in  whole  or  in  part,  in  most  of  the  collegiate  institutions  of  the  country.  A 
second  series^was  also  prepared,  on  the  same  general  plan,  for  academies,  and  a  third,  em 
bracing  an  arithmetical  course,  for  schools.  Our  University  had  adopted,  and  now  use  the 
higher  course.  To  have  the  same  system  in  the  schools,  the  preparatory  institutions  and  the 
University,  appeared  to  be  of  the  first  importance.  The  principles  of  exact  science  are  the 
same  in  arithmetic,  in  algebra,  and  in  the  higher  branches  of  mathematics,  and  should  be 
taught  and  explained  in  the  same  manner,  so  that  a  pupil  who  has  thoroughly  learned  his 
arithmetic,  will  have  acquired  those  habits  of  thought  which  prepare  him  for  the  study  of  the 
advanced  course.  The  course  of  Professor  Davies  is  the  only  complete  one  now  before  the 
public,  in  which  all  the  subjects  forming  a  full  course  of  mathematical  instruction  are  taught 
according  to  one  general  method.  This  course  has  been  rendered  of  still  greater  value  as  a 
system  of  education,  by  a  recent  publication  entitled  the  "Logic  and  Utility  of  mathematics." 
This  work  gives  a  full  analysis  of  mathematics  as  a  subject  of  knowledge,  explains  the  mental 
processes  which  the  study  develops,  the  nature  of  the  reasoning  employed,  and  the  best 
method  of  imparting  instruction.  It  is  a  work  which  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  practi 
cal  teacher,  and  its  superior  merit  entitles  it  to  a  place  in  every  district  library  of  the  State. 

In  the  selection  of  text  books  for  history,  the  same  considerations  governed.  The  series  of 
Mrs.  YTillard  embraces  a  school  history  of  the  United  States,  a  larger  history  for  advanced 
classes,  and  a  general  history,  ancient  arid  modern,  all  constructed  upon  the  same  general  plan. 
This  series,  more  than  any  other,  seems  tq  connect  chronology,  geography  and  the  physical 
development  and  growth  of  our  comitry,  with  the  rise  and  fall  of  nations  and  the  progress  of 
civilization.  They  are  marked  by  a  wide  range  of  thought,  a  pure  and  ardent  spirit,  a  warm 
patriotism,  and  a  methodical  arrangement  particularly  adapted  to  instruction. 

For  the  work  on  natural  philosophy,  we  are  indebted  to  the  system  of  public  instruction 
established  in  the  schools  of  Boston.  Mr.  Parker,  whose  philosophical  works  are  recom 
mended,  has  been  long  known  as  the  head  of  the  public  schools  of  that  city.  His  works  have 
passed  the  ordeal  of  adoption  and  use,  not  only  in  that  city,  but  in  other  places  equally  distin 
guished  for  good  schools  and  general  intelligence.  Their  peculiarity  consists  particularly  in 
clearness  of  style,  correct  arrangement  and  copiousness  of  matter. 

Grammar,  it  has  been  known  from  long  experience,  has  been  taught  mechanically.  To  break 
up  this  false  system,  the  author  of  the  work  recommended  for  use  in  our  schools,  has  adopted 
a  method  which  subjects  every  step  to  careful  analysis,  obliges  the  pupil  to  chalk  out  on  the 
black  board  the  results  of  every  lesson,  and  compare  every  principle  with  those  which  have 
preceded.  Thus  was  substituted  a  series  of  connected  principles,  for  a  set  of  arbitrary  rules, 
making  Grammar  a  science,  enlightening  and  expanding  the  mind,  instead  of  a  dubious  art, 
loading  and  clogging  the  memory. 

No  reason  need  be  assigned  for  recommending  a  return  to  the  elementary  works  of  Dr. 
Webster.  Although  perhaps  subject  to  objection,  others  in  some  respects  are  no  more  per 
fect.  Besides,  his  dictionary  is  the  standard  of  our  language,  and  has  become  a  national  treas 
ure,  as  well  as  the  monument  of  his  industry  and  genius.  To  discard  his  elementary  works 
from  schools,  while  we  adopt  the  higher  as  the  basis  of  our  literature,  would  seem  to  be  un 
wise.  Connection  and  uniformity  in  systems  of  instruction,  will  alone  raise  the  mind  to  clear 
and  connected  trains  of  thought,  while  different  and  conflicting  systems,  like  opposite  winds 
and  opposing  currents,  only  produce  agitation  and  froth. 

Having  thus  explained  the  general  principles  which  have  governed  this  department  in  the 
recommendation  of  text  books,  it  is  a  cause  of  much  satisfaction  that  distinguished  and  able 
educators  of  our  own  State  have  so  efficiently  aided  in  giving  the  right  tone  to  an  already  en 
lightened  public  sentiment  on  this  subject. 


587 

LIST  OF  TEXT  BOOKS. 

Webster's  Elementary  Speller. 

Swan's  Spelling  Book,  for  advanced  classes. 

MoGuffey's  1st,  M  and  Ikl  Readers. 

Parker's  Rhetorical  Reader,  and  series  of  Readers. 

Instructive  Reader. 

McElligott's  Young  Analyzer. 

do          Analytical  Manual. 
Davies'  First  Lessons  in  Arithmetic. 

do     School  Arithmetic. 

do      University  Arithmetic. 

do     Elementary  Algebra. 

do      Elementary  Geometry. 

do      Drawing  and  Mensuration. 

do     Bourdon's  Algebra. 

do      Legendre's  Geometry. 

do     Elements  of  Surveying. 

do      Analytical  Geometry. 

do     DifF.  and  Integral  Calculus. 

do     Descriptive  Geometry. 

do      Shades  and  Shadows. 
Willard's  School  History. 

do      History  of  the  United  States. 

do       Universal  History,  perspective. 

do       American  Chirographer,  a  chart  to  aid  in  the  study  of  Willard's  U.  S. 

do       English  Chronographer. 

do      Temple  of  Time — a  chronological  chart  of  Universal  History. 

do      Historical  Guide  for  Schools. 
The  first  Book  of  History,  by  Peter  Parley. 
Robbins'  Outlines  of  History. 

Mitchell's  series  of  Geographies  and  Atlases — Ancient  and  Modern. 
Clark's  New  English  Grammar. 

Parker's  Progressive  exercises  in  English  composition. 
Parker's  Aid  to  English  Composition. 
Northend's  Little  Speaker, 
do        School  Dialogues, 
do        Am.  Speaker. 
Dr.  Watt's  Improvement  of  the  Mind. 
Parker's  First  Lessons  in  Philosophy. 

do      Natural  Philosophy. 

Smith's  Illustrated  Astronomy,  for  Districts  and  Schools. 
Mclntyre's  Astronomy  and  Treatise  on  the  Globes. 
Olmstead's  large  Philosophy,  for  advanced  classes. 
Ol  in  stead's  Astronomy,  for  advanced  classes. 
Reid  &  Bain's  Chemistry  and  Electricity. 
Page's  Geology. 
Hamilton's  Physiology. 
Clark's  elements  of  Drawing. 
Wood's  Botany. 

Liebeig's  Chemistry,  in  its  application  to  Agriculture  and  Physiology. 
Sherwood  &  Britton's  School  Song  and  Hymn  Book. 
Kingsley's  Juvenile  Choir — for  teaching  vocal  music. 
Fulton  &  Eastman's  Chirographic  charts, 
do  Key  to  " 

do  Writing  Books, 

do  Copy  Books, 

do  Penmanship, 

do  Book-Keeping. 

do  Blank  Account  Books  for  Merchants, 

do  Blank  Account  Books  for  Farmers  and  Mechanics. 


LIBRARY  BOOKS. 

DICTIONARIES,  BOOKS   OF  REFERENCE,  &C. 

Vote. 

Penny  Cyclopedia; 27 

Encyclopedia  Americana, 14 

Webster's  dictionary, * ,  . 

Worcester's  dictionary, 

Crabb's  Synonymes, 

Liddel]  &  Scott's  Greek  Lexicon;  or  Pickering's 

Leverett's  Latin  Lexicon 

Anthon's  Greek  and  Roman  antiquities, , 

Fisk's  Manual  of  classical  literature 


588 

Authon's  classical  dictionar  v, 1 

Braude's  Encyclopedia  of  science,  art  and  literature, 1 

MeCulioch's  Universal  Gazetteer, 2 

Murray's  Encyclopedia  of  Geography, 3 

McCuJloch's  Commercial  Dictionary, 2 

Cyclopedia  of  Biography, " •  •  • 1 

Chambers'  Cyclopedia  of  English  Literature, 2 

Chambers'  Informal  ion  for  the  People, 2 

Baldwin's  Pronouncing  Gazeteer, 1 

Encyclopedia  of  Agriculture, 1 

lire's  Diciionary  of'Arts  and  Science, 2 

Webster's    Encyclopedia  of  Domestic  Economy, 1 

Morse's  North  American  Atlas 1 

Universal  Arias, 1 

Butler's  Ancient  Geography, 1 

Potter's  Hand-Book  for  Headers 1 

Pycroft's  Course  of  Reading, 1 

RELIGION,  NATURAL  AND  REVEALED. 

Kitto's  Cyclopedia  of  Biblical  Literature, 1 

The  obligations  of  the  world  to  the  Bible,  by  Dr.  Spring, 1 

Home's  introduction  to  the  study  of  the  Bible, 1 

Butler's  analogy  of  natural  and   revealed  Religion, 1 

Patey's  natural  theology,  with  Lord  Brougham's  notes, 2 

Wiseman  on  the  connection  of  science  and  religion, 1 

Paley's  evidences  of  Christianity, 1 

Turner's  sacred  history  of  the  world  philosophically  considered, 3 

Bibilical  legends  of  the  Mussulman, 1 

Miluian's  history  of  the  Jews, 1 

Milman's  history  of  Christianity, . 1 

Ranke's  history  of  the  Popes, , 1 

History  of  Missions, 1 

Historv  of  the  different  religious  denominations  in  the  U.  States  by  members  of  the  re 
spective  denominations, 1 

Imitation  of  the  life  of  Christ, 1 

LAW  AND  GOVERNMENT. 

The  Constitution— published  by  order  of  U.  S.  Senate, 1 

Wheaton  on  the  law  of  Nations, 1 

Gardner  on  the  moral  law  of  nations  and  American  policy, •„ 1 

Blackstone's  commentaries  on  the  common  law  of  England, 4 

Hallam's  constitutional  history  of  England, 3 

Constitutions  of  the  several  States, 1 

Story  on  the  constitution  of  the  United  States, I 

The  Federalist,  by  Madison,  Jay  and  Hamilton, 1 

Kent's  commentaries  on  the  consli  titiou  and  American  law, 4 

Messages  (annual  and  special)  of  the  several  Presidents  of  the  United  States  to  Congress.  .  .2 

Marshall's  decisions  of  cases  of  constitutional  law 1 

Class  book  on  the  constitution  of  the  United  States,  by  Hart, 1 

Democracy  in  America,  by  De   Tocqueville, 2 

Democracy  in  France,  by  Dumas, 1 

The  people  in   France,  by  Michelet, 1 

The  legal  rights  of  Woman,  by  Mansfield, 1 

The  citizen  of  a  republic, 1 

Gushing  manual  of  Parliamentary  practice, 1 

Statutes  of  Michigan, 1 

EDUCATION.  ,  » 

Schools  and  School  systems. 

Connecticut^  common  school  journal,  1838— '42, 

Connecticutt  common  school  manual,  184(i — '7, 

Massachusetts  common  school  journal,  1839 — '47, 

New  York  district  school  journal,  Ib44— '45, 

Journal  of  the  Rhode-Island  institute  of  instruction, 

Pennsylvania  common  school  journal,  1844, 

Common  school  system  of  Now   York.     A1.  IS.  Randall, 

School  laws  and  returns  of  school  committees  of  Massachusetts. 

lieports  jvladng'to  the  public  schools  of  Providence, 

Barnard's  report  on  the  public  schools  of  Rhode  Island, 

Annals  of  education  for  1»36 — '37, 

Education  of  mothers.     L.  Aimc  Martin, 

Theory  and  practice  of  teaching.    D.  P.  Page, 

The  school  and  school  master, 

History  of  Sunday  schools.     Lewis  G.  Pray, 

Bxercises  on  the  block  board.    John   Guldsbttry, 

The  teacher's  insr.Luce.     Win.  B.  Fowle 

The  teacher's  manual.     Tkumas  H.  Palmer, • 1 

Tjectures  on  education.     Horact  Mann, * 


589 

The  teacher  taught.     Emergun  Davis, I 

The  district  school  as  it  wa.s.     W.  .Burton, 1 

Slate  and  black  board  exercises.     W.  A.  Alcctt, I 

Mental  cultivation  and  excitement.     A.  Briffham ,.,,...  1 

Confessions  of  a  schoolmaster.     W.  A.   Alcott, .' I 

Common  schools  and  teacher's  seminaries.     C.  E.  Stowe, 1 

History  of  education.     H.  I.  Smith, .1 

Domestic  Education  and  Economy. 

Humphrey's  domestic  education. 1 

Beecher's  domestic  economy, . 1 

"  ';        receipt  'book, .1 

The  mother's  book,  by  Mrs.  Child, •  1 

Plielps'  fireside  friend, 1 

Combe  on  infancy, 1 

Thompson's  management  of  the  sick  room, .1 

Shaw's  medical  remembrancer, 1 

Hand  book  of  needle  work, 1 

Leslie's  lady's  receipt  book, 1 

Frugal  housewife,  by  Mrs.  Child, 1 

Webster's  Encyclopaedia  of  domestic  economy, 1 

Physical  Education  and  Physiology. 

Education  of  the  senses, 1 

Air  and  its  uses. 

Griscom's  animal  mechanism  and  physiology, 1 

Combe's  principles  of  physiology, .* 1 

"        constitution   ef  man, 1 

Johnson's  economy  of  health, 1 

Alcott's  house  I  live  in, 1 

Warren  on  the  preservation  of  health, 1 

Self  Education,  fyc. 

Pycroft's  course  of  reading, 1 

Cobbett's  advice  to  young  men, 

Beecher's  lectures  to  young  men, 

Sprague's  letters  to  a  daughter, 

"  "          young  men, 

Hawes'  lectures  to  young  men, 

Nott's  counsels  to  the  young, 

Sedgwick's  morals  of  manners, •  • 

The  young  lady's  friend, 

Jewsbury's  letters  to  the  young, • 

The  young  maiden,  by  Muzzy, 1 

The  young  lady's  home, 1 

Self-culture  for  young  men,  bj  Dr.  Channing, .3 

Self-training  for  young  women,  by  Miss  Sedgwick, I 

AGRICULTURE. 

Fruit  and  fruit  trees  of  America, 1 

Agricultural  chemistry, 1 

New  American  Gardener, 1 

Farmer's  dictionary, 1 

The  farmer's  companion, 1 

The  complete  farmer, .  1 

Catechism  of  agricultural  chemistry, 1 

American  former's  encyclopedia, • 1 

Youatt  on  the  horse, > 1 

do        do        pig, 1 

Cultivation  of  the  grape  vine, ,  .  .  .  1 

American  flower  garden  directory 1 

The  American  florist, 1 

The  American  gardner, . .  .  .  .  1 

The  farmers'  instructor, 2 

American  husbandry, , 1 

Agriculture  and  gardening, 1 

The  American  poultry  book, 1 

The  honey    bee, 1 

The  cultivator, \ 

The  farmer's  library, 1 

Journal  of  agriculture, 1 

The  American  polterer's  companion, , 1 

Ladies'  companion  to  the  flower  garden. , 1 


COMMERCE. 


History  of  British  commerce;  by  Clark. 

Book  of  commerce. 

MoOulloeh's  commercial  dictionary. 


590 

MANUFACTURES  AND  TRADES. 

Beekmau's  history  of  inventions, . 2 

Panorama  of  trades   and  professions,  by  Hazen, 1 

The  useful  arts,  by  Eigelow, •  •  • 2 

British  manufactures, 6 

American  factories  and  their  operatives, .....I 

Lowell  as  it  was  and  it  is, 1 

Days  at  the  factories, 1 

Pastoral  life  and  manufactures  of  the  ancients, •••...! 

Manufacture  of  porcelain, ' .  .1 

Enterprize,  industry  and  art  of  man, 1 

Familiar  illustrations  of  mechanics, 1 

The  book  of  the  feet, 1 

A  tour  in  the  manufacturing  districts  of  England, I 

History  of  cotton  manufactures  in  the  United  States, 1 

ARCHITECTURE    AND  LANDSCAPE  GARDENING. 

Eaua-Book  of  architecture, I 

Glossary  of  architecture,  by  Mrs.  Tuthill, 1 

Hints  to  young  architects,  by  Wigbtwich, I 

Builder's  guide,  by  Hill, 1 

American  house  carpenter,  by  Hatfield, , 1 

Downing's  cottage  residences, , 2 

Hints  on  landscape  gardening  and  rural  architecture, 1 

Browne's  trees  of  America, 1 

Emerson's  trees  and  shrubs  of  Massachusetts,  ......••• I 

FINE  ARTS. 

Reynolds'  ('Joshua,)  discourses  on  the  fine  arts, I 

Lassing's  history  of  the  fine  arts, . 1 

Lanzi's  history  of  painting, 3 

Hand-Book  of  painting, 1 

Cunningham's  lives  of  painters  and  sculptors, 2 

MORAL  AND  MENTAL  SCIENCE. 

Boyd's  eclectic  and  moral  philosophy, 1 

Wayland's  elements  of  moral  science, 1 

Abercrombie  on  the  moral  feelings, , 2 

Henry's  history  of  intellectual  philosophy, 1 

Abercrombie  on  the   intellectual  powers, 1 

Whewell's  elements  of  morality, 1 

Dymond's  essays  on  morality, I 

Coleridge's  aids  to  reflection, I 

LOGIC,  RHETORIC,  COMPOSITION  AND  ELOCUTION. 

Whateiy's  elements  of  logic, 


Mills'  system  of  logic. 
Whateiy's  elements" of  rhetoric,.  . 
Kame's  elements  of  criticism, .  .  . 
Parker's  aids  to  composition,.  .  . 
Macery's  principles  of  eloquence, 

Russell's  vocal  culture, 

Comstock's  system  of  elocution, . 
Coldwell's  manual  of  Elocution, .  . 
Mandeville's  system  of  reading,. . 

Lovell's  young  speaker 

Russell's  juvenile  speaker, •  •  • I 


POLITICAL  ECONOMY. 

Wayland's  elements  of  political  economy,.  .  .  - I 

Smith's  wealth  of  nations, .....I 

Sedgwick's  public  and  private  economy, 2 

Claims  of  labor, .1 

Capital  and  labor, .... I 

SCIENCES. 

Objects,  advantages  and  pleasures  of  science,  by  Brougham, 1 

Somerville  on  the  physical  sciences, - .1 

Astronomy. 

Herschell's   astronomy, .1 

Oimsted's  rudiments  of  astronomy  and  natural  philosophy, ,1 

letters  on  "  1 

"          elements  of  "  .1 


591 

Dick's  Sidereal  Heavens, I 

"      scenery  of  the  Heavens, .  .  .  L 

"      practical  astronomy, 1 

Somerville's  mechanism  of  the  Heavens, 1 

Nichol's  architecture  of  the  Heavens, 1 

Natural  Philosophy. 

Outlines  of  natural  philosophy, 1 

Olmsted's  school  philosophy, 1 

"          rudiments  of, .  .  *. 1 

Remvick's, 1 

Chamber's, 1 

Euler's  letters  on, 1 

Natural  History. 

Smollie's  philosophy  of  natural  lu'story, 1 

Good's  book  of  Nature, 1 

Goldsmith's  animated  Nature, 5 

Duncaa's  sacred  philosophy  of  the  seasons, 4 

Hewitt's  book  of  the  seasons, 1 

Godman's  American  natural  history, 2 

Uncle  Philip's  conversations  on  natural  history, 1 

History  of  insects, 1 

"  *  birds, 1 

quadrupeds, 1 

"  the  elephant, 1 

White's  natural  history  of  Selborne, 1 

Parley's  anecdotes  of  the  animal  kingdom, I 

Naturalist's  library,  by  Sir  W.  Jar  dine, 21 

Mudies'  guide  to  the  study  of  Nature, 6 

Chemistry. 

Silliman's  chemistry, 1 

Draper's  "       * 1 

Renwick's,        u          1 

Liebig's  agricultural  chemistry, 1 

Mineralogy  and  Geology. 

Lee's  geology  and  mineralogy, 

Dana's  geology, 

Lyall's ." 

Page's  geology. 

Botany,  and  Vegetable  Physiology. 

Gray's  botanical  text  book, " 1 

Elements  of  vegetable  physiology, 1 

Science,  applied  to  the  Arts. 

Lardner's  lectures  on  science  and  art, 1 

Parnell's  chemistry  applied  to  the  arts, 1 

Arnott's  elements  of  physic, 1 

Practical  treatise  on   dyeing  and  calico  printing, 1 

Engineer's   and  mechanic's  companion, 1 

Farmer's  land  measurer, 1 

Practical  treatise  on  road  making, .  .  .  j 

Renwick's  practical  mechanic, 1 

Working  man's  companion, •  •  •  • 1 

Allen's   mechanics, 1 

HISTORY. 
General  Works. 

Pycroft's  course  of  reading, 1 

Cyclopedia  of  history, 1 

MunselTs  every  day  of  chronology, 2 

Taylor's  manual  of  ancient  and  modern  history, J 

Great  events,  by  great  historians, 1 

Muller's  universal  history, g 

Tytler's  do  4 

"White's,  Robbin's,  Worcester's,  Willard's  do. 


Ancient. 


The  Scriptures  of  the  old  testament, , 
Josephus' history  of  the  Jews, 


592 

Rollin's  ancient  history, .g 

Ancient  history,  by  various  authors, ,4 

Connexion  of  sacrt  J  and  profauo  history,  by  Davidson, , 2 

Russell's  history  of  Palestine, ". , l 

Ruins  of  ancient  cities, 2 

Glidden's  ancient  Egypt, ;( 

Greece. 

Outline  of  Grecian  history,  by  Christian  knowledge  society, \ 

Pinnock's  Goldsmith's  Greece, ;....... 1 

Heroditus  and  Thucydides, ,  .  , 5 

Heeren's  ancient  Greece, , J 

Thirlwall's  history  of  Greece, 5 

Demosthenes'  Orations, l 

Rome. 

Outline  of  Roman  history,  by  Christian  Knowledge  Society, 1 

Pinnock's  Goldsmith's  Rome, 1 

Schmidt's  Rome, i 

Furguson's  Roman  Republic, *  .  1 

Michelet's         "  "          .1 

Arnold's  «  "          2 

Livy,  Ceesar,  and  Salust,  (translated,) 8 

Cicero's  orations  and  life,  by  Middleton, 2 

Keightley's  Roman  Empire, 1 

Guizott's  Gibbon's  decline  and  fall 4 

Asia  and  Africa. 

History  of  China,  by  Davis, .2 

"  Bt,i,fish  India,  by  Barrow, 1 

"  NuMa  and  Ahy'sinia,  by  Russell, 1 

Arabia,  by  Crichton, 1 

"  Muhomet, 1 

"  K'irhary  States,  by  Russell 1 

Mesopotamia  and  Syria,  by  Frazer, .  „ 1 

"  Japan, \ 

"  Palestine,  by  Russell, I 

Moors 1 

"  Polynesia,  by  Russell, , 3 

Europe,. 

Guizot's  history  of  civilization  in   Europe, 4 

Arnold's  Lectures  on  modern  history, 1 

Mieho'.et's  elements  of  modern  history, .1 

Smythe's  lectures  on  modern  history, 2 

Froissart's  chronicles, 1 

Hallam's  middle  n.ees, 2 

Diffby's  nges  of  fairh, , \ 

James'  history  of  chivalry  and  the  crusaders, 1 

"          "  Charlemagne, 1 

)taly  and  Switzerland. 

Sismondi's  Italian  Republics, .   , 1 

Machiavelli's  Florentine  histories, .  .2 

Bmpdl^y's  Venetian  history, 2 

Spaulding's  ItaJy, 1 

Roscoe's  de  Medici  and  Leo   X., 5 

History  of  Switzerland, 1 

Germany  and  North  of  Europe. 

KohJrausch's  history  of  Germany, 1 

Coke's  history  of  Austria, .  . 1 

Schiller's  thirty  years'  war 1 

"        Revolt  of  the  Netherlands, K 

Fletcher's  history  of  Poland, „,,..,,,. .fc 

Wheaton's  Denmark,  Sweden  and  Norwry, 1 

Grat'-an's  Netherlands , « .1 

History  of  Iceland,  Greenland,   &e., 1 

Boll's  Russian  Empire, •  •  ......-...•......•,.  ^.  ....<• 


593 

Barrow's  Peter  the  Great, 1 

Voltaire's        do        do     .1 

France,  Spain  and  Portugal. 

Pictorial  history  of  France, 1 

Crowe's  history  of  France, 3 

Michelet's        do        do 2 

The  French  revolution,  by  Theirs, 4 

do  do  "  Carlyle, 1 

do  do  Allison, 4 

do  do  do     abridged 1 

The  Consulate  and  Empire,  by  Theirs, .  . 2 

Life  of  Napoleon,  by  Scott, '.  ! 2 

do        do  "  Hazlitt, 2 

Camp  and  Court  of  Napoleon 2 

.Napoleon  and  his  Marshals,  by  HeadJy, 2 

Napoleon's  expedition  into  Russia,  *" 1 

History  of  Spain  and  Portugal, 5 

Robertson's  Charles  V., 1 

Preseott's  Ferdinand  and  Isabella, 3 

Napier's  Peninsular  war, 4 

British  Empire. 

Compendium  of  English  history,  by  Christian  knowledge  society, 1 

do  do  do  "         Keightley, '. 2 

do  do  do  Goldsmith,  by  Pinnock, 1 

Turner's  history  of  the  Anglo  Saxons, ' 2 

Hume  and  Smollett's  England, 8 

Knight's  Pictorial  England, 4 

Guizot's  English  revolution, 2 

Carlyle's  letters  and  speeches  of  Cromwell 2 

History  of  Scotland,  by  Scott, 2 

do        Ireland,  by  Moore 2 

do        British  Colonies,  by  Martin 10 

Vol.  1  Canada.  2  &  3.  West  Indies.  4.  Gibralter  and  Malta.  5.  Nova  Sco 
tia,  fi.  Good  Hope.  7.  Ceylon  and  Northern  Africa,  8  &  9.  East  India 
Co.  10.  South  Wales.  £c. " 

America. 

General  history  of  America,  outlines  of. 

do  do  Willard, 1 

do  do  Robertson, 1 

Conquest  of  Mexico,  by  Prescott, .  .  . 3 

do          Peru,  by        do 2 

British  America,  by  Murray 3 

History  of  United  States,  by  Hale 1 

do  do  *    Willard, 1 

do  do  Bancroft, 3 

do  do  Graham, 2 

Pictorial  history  of  the  United  Stetes,  by  Frost, 2 

do  do  do  Goodrich, 2 

Cooper's  naval  history, 1 

Frost's  book  of  the  Navy, 1 

do  do         Army, .  .  .  .••• ..1 

American  Indians. 

Drake's  book  of  the  Indians, 1 

Thatcher's  Indian  biography, 2 

do        traits  of  Indian  character, 2 

Poetry  and  history  of  Wyoming, 1 

Frost's  book  of  the  Indians, .1 

Stone's  border  wars, 2 

Catlin's  Indians  of  North  America. a 2 

Particular  States. 

Chronicles  of  Plymouth,  by  Young, 1 

do          Massachusetts,    do     1 

Barber's  historical  collections  of  New  England,  Massachusetts,  Connecticut,  New  York, 
New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  Ohio — 1  volume  each, 8 

History  of  Virginia,  Connecticut,  New  Hampshire,  New  York,  Massachusetts,  Michigan, 
and  Wisconsin, 8 

BIOGRAPHY. 

Plutarch's  lives, 4 

Lives  of  ancient  philosophers, .  .  .  .  1 1 

Zenophon's  Cyropredia, 1 

Famous  men  of  ancient  times. 1 

75 


594 

Life  of  Alexander, 1 

do      Julius  Caesar, - I 

do      Bolizarius, 1 

do     Mahomet 1 

VOYAGES   AND   TRAVELS. 

Circumnavigation  of  the  Globe,  by  Magellan  and  others 1 

Voyages  around   the  Globe,  by  Cook, 1 

Parry's  Voyages  for  a  Northwest  Passage, 2 

Discoveries  in  the  Polar  Seas  and  Regions, 1 

Voyages  of  Discovery  in  the  Arctic  Regions,  from  1818  to  1846, 1 

Progress  of  Discovery  in  North  America, 1 

Lives  and  Voyages  of  Drake,    Cavendish  and  Dampier, ; 5 

Seaward's  Shipwreck  and  Discoveries  in  the  Caribbean  Sea, 1 

Mutiny  of  the  Ship  Bounty,  and  discovery  of  Piteairu's  Inland, 1 

Narratives  of  Shipwrecks, 1 

Expedition  to  Siberia  and  the  Polar  Sea, 1 

Dana's  Two  Years  before  the  Mast. I 

United  States  Exploring  Expedition, I 

Journal  of  a  Naturalist,  in  a  voyage  around  the  World £ 

Keppel's  expedition  to  Borneo, 1 

Travels  in  China  and  the  East,  by  Marco  Polo, 1 

"      to  Mount   Ararat,  by  Parrot. 1 

Military  operations  in   Afghanistan,. 1 

Travels  in  Africa,  by  Bruce, .  .  .  . 2 

"      .         "          "  Mungo  Park 1 

"  the  Landers, 2 

"  Dedham  and  Ciappcntcr 1 

Southern  Africa,   by  Moftat, ' 1 

Egypt,  Nubia,  Arabia  proper,  Palestine,  bv  Stephens 2 

by  Pres.   Olin •••-..  .2 

"        by  Dr.  Durbin 2 

"        Algiers, 1 

Eothen,  by  Kinglake, 1 

Crescent  and  the  Cross,   by  Warburton, 2 

Travels  in  Greece,  Turkey^  &c.,  by  Stephens, 2 

Greece  of  the  Greeks,  by  Peddicari, 1 

Travels  in  Italy,  by  Headly, 1 

"          Switzerland,  by' Headly 1 

"          on  the  Continent  of  Europe,  by  Dr.  Fisk, 1 

"  "  "  Dr.  Durbin .  .  • 2 

German  Watering  Places,  by  Dr.  Granville, I 

Bubbles,  &c.,   by  Head, 1 

Notes  of  a  traveler  in  Germany,  by  Laing, •  •  1 

Rural  and  domestic  life  in  Germany,  by  Howitt, 1 

Belgium  and  the  Rhine,  by  Mrs.  Trollope, 1 

Travels  in  the  North  of  Europe,  bv  Dr.  Baird 2 

"        Russia,  by  Rob!, 1 

"        Sweden,  &c.,  by  Laing, 2 

Austria,    by   Trumbull 2 

"        Spain,  by  Barrow, 2 

Ford, 2 

England,  Ireland  and  Scotland,  Pukler,  Muskau, 1 

"  "  "          by  Kohl, 1 

"  '1  "          by    Z.  Allen 2 

A  tour  in  the  manufacturing  districts  of  England, 1 

Scotland  and  the  Scots,  by  Sinclair, 2 

Shetland  and  the  Shetlanders,  by  Sinclair, 1 

Travels  in  New  England,  by  Dr.  Dwight, 4 

Society  in  America,  by  Miss  Martineau, 2 

"Winter  Studies  and  Summer  Rambles  in  Canada, 2 

The  Emigrant,  by  Sir  Francis  Head, 1 

Lewis  &  Clark's  Travels, •  •  • 2 

Fremont's  Exploring  Expedition  beyond  the  Rocky  Mountains, I 

Gregg's  Commerce  of  the  Prairies, .' I 2 

Travels  in  California, 1 

Rambles  in  Yucatan, 1 

Stephen's  Yucatan  and  Central  America, 4 

Humbolt's  travels  and  researches  in  Central  America, 1 

Argentine    Republic •  •  • 1 

Kidder's  Brazil,  Howitt's  visits  to  remarkable  places, 2 

America  and    American  people, 1 

Miller's  Rural  Sketches, 1 

Paraguay, , 1 

Parker's  Tour  to  the  Rocky  Mountains, ] 

Prairie  Land, 1 

Distinguished  men  of  modern  times, 4 

Georgian  era,  or  modern  British   biography, 2 


595 

Modern  British  Plutarch, 1 

Belknap's  American  biography, 3 

Spark's  American  biography,  [first  scries,] 10 

"  [second  series,] IS 

Dwight's  signers  of  the  declaration  of  Independence, 1 

Thatcher's  Indian  biography, 2 

Artists  and  Literary  and  Scientific  Men. 

Martyrs  of  Science,  by  Brewster, ^ 

Distinguished  Painters,  by  Cunningham, .  .  . j» 

Authors  of  England,  or  a  new  spirit  of  the  age, 2 

Men  of  letters  and  science  in  the  reign  of  George  III., "- 

Life  of  Dr.  Samuel  Johnson,  by  Bos  well, ~ 

"      Sir  Walter  Scott,  by  Lockhart, 5 

"     Sir  Isaac  Newton,  by  Brewster 1 

"      Dr.   Arnold, 1 

';      John  Foster, 1 

"      Addison, 1 

':      Cowper, 2 

"      Leibnitz, 1 

u      M'ozart, 1 

American. 

Life  of  Columbus,  by  Irving, - 

Lives  of  Pizarro  and  Cortes, •  •! 

Life  of  Americanus  Vespucio, 1 

"  Capt.  John  Smith,  by  Simms, 1 

"  William  Penn, 1 

"  Washington,  by  Bancroft, 2 

by  Sparks 2 

Lives  of  Washington  and  his  Generals,  by  Headley, 2 

Life  of  Jefferson,  by  Tucker, 2 

'•  De  Witt  Clinton,  by  Kenwick, I 

Lives  of  Jay  and  Hamilton, 1 

"  American  naval  officers, 1 

Life  of  John  Paul  Jones, ....'. 2 

Putnam, 1 

English. 

Life  of  George  Canning, 1 

Statesmen  of  Commonwealth  of  England, 1 

Orators  of  the  ;vge 1 

Southey's  life  of  Nelson, 1 

Female. 

Biography  of  Pious  Women,  by  Burder, 1 

"    "        Good  Wive;-.,  by  Mrs.  Child, 1 

English  Church  Women, 1 

Lives  of  Female  Sovereigns,  by  Mrs.  Jameson, 1 

Lives  of  the   Queens  of  England,  by  Agnes  Strickland, 1 

Lives  of  Famous  Women,  by  Parley, 1 

Memoirs  of  Mrs.  Hemans, '. 9 

"         Hannah  Moore., 1 

"        Charlotte  Elizabeth, 2 

"         Jane  Taylor, 1 

':         Empress  Josephine, 1 

"        S.  L.  II.  Smith, 1 

"        Isabella  Graham, 1 

"         Mrs.  Fry, 3 

"        Mi's.  Van  Lenope, 1 

'•         Mrs.  Duncan, 1 

"        Madame  D'Arblay, 2 

Mechanics  and  be  If -Taught  Men. 

Life  of  Smeafoii,  and  history  of  Light-Houses, 1 

Biography  of  Eli  Wheaton, 1 

Memoirs  of  Samuel  Slater, 1 

Memoirs  of  a  working  man, 1 

Biography  of  self-tanght  men, 2 

Pursuit  of  Knowledge  under  difficulties, 2 

Ijegal  and  Medical. 

Eminent  British  Lawyers, 5 

Lives  of  the  Lord  Chancellors  of  England, 3 

Life  of  Sir  Matthew  Hale, 1 

Memoirs  of  Chief  Justice  Marshall, .  1 

Memoirs  of  Judge  Storey, I 

Thatcher's  mediczd  biography, 1 

Williams'  1 


POETRY . 

'I'reatiae  respecting  Poetry. 

Lowth  on  Hebrew  poetry, 1 

Herder's  spirit  of  Hebrew  Poetry, 2 

Coleridge  on  the  study  of  the  Greek  and  Roman  poets, 1 

Hunt's  Italian  poets, « .2 

Montgomery's  lectures  on  poetry, 2 

Hazlett's  lectures  on  English  poetry, 2 

Latin  and  Greek  Poets. 

Homer's  Iliad  and  Odessy — translated  by  Pope, 3 

Virgil's  Eclogues,  and  ^Enead—  translated  by  Dry  den, .2 

Peters'  specimen  of  the  poetry  of  the  ancients, • .  •! 

Italian.   Spanish,   German,  fyc. 

Longfellow's  specimens  of  the  poetry  of  Europe, 1 

Tasso— translated  by  Hunt, 1 

Dante — translated  by  Carey, 1 

Schiller — translated '  by  Buhver, 1 

British. 

Walsh's  British  poets, 50 

Aiken's  British  poets, 1 

Frost's  continuation  of  Aikin, 1 

Griswold's  poetry  of  England  of  the  XJXth  century, 1 

Halleck's  selections  from  British  poets, 2 

Lamb's  specimens  of  the  dramatic  poets, 2 

Sharkspear's  works 6 

Milton's  poetical  works, 2 

Heman's  poetical  works, £ 

Pope,  Young,  Thomson,  Cowper,  Montgomery,  Goldsmith,  Gray,  Campbell,  Wordsworth, 

Coleridge,  E.  Scott,  Rogers,  Kirk  White,  Elliott, 14 

Byron — selections  from, 1 

Burns — selections  from, <••  1 

Motherwell's  poems, 1 

American  Poets. 

Bryant's  selections  from  American  poets, T 

Griswold's  American  poetry, 1 

"Bryant's  poems, 1 

Lo-jgfellow's  "     1 

Whittier's       "     1 

Hillhouse's      "     1 

8igourney's     "     2 

Gouid's  "     1 

Miscellaneous  and  Juvenile. 

Poetry  for  home  and  school, - 1 

Keble's  Christian  year, 1 

Keble's  Child's  Christian  year, 1 

Lays  for  the  SabbaM), 1 

Hart's  class  book  of  English  poetry, 1 

Cleveland's  compendium  of  English  poetry, 1 

Taylor's  poems  for  infant  minds, 1 

Beauties  of  Shakspeare, 3 

Poetry  of  the  passions,  affections,  ilowers,  sentiments, ] 


STATEMENT  OF  EXPENDITURES  AND  RECEIPTS  OF  UNIVERSITY,  FROM  ITS 
ORGANIZATION  (1837,)  TO  DECEMBER  31st,  1861,  COMPILED  FROM  REPORT  OF 
REGENTS. 

In  the  aggregate  there  has  been  expended  as  follows,  vi/.: 

For  Branches, $3ft,935  00 

«  Janitor, 530  72 

<•  Printing, 833  50 

"  Secretary, 2,25S  4* 

"  Treasurer, 637  &1 

"  Librarian, ?00  •! 


507 

«     Minerals, 3.898  38 

«    Library •     7,449  26 

"    .Regents'  Expenses, 1,317  73 

«    Professors'  Houses, - 30,933  2T 

"    Main  buildings 20,101  26 

«  12,755  26 

"     Medical  buildings, 8,300  00 

"     Wells, 786  05 

"    Grounds, 1,845  87 

"    Trees  and  plants 234  00 

"    Fixtures, 2,474  00 

"    Insurance. 1,516  00 

"    Professors'  salaries, 31,060  25 

Total. $185,460  90 

Nora..—  In  the  above  cost  of  the  main  University  building  first  erected,  under  the  superin 
tendence  of  Harper  Lum,  is  included  the  cost  of  woodhouse,  and  privies  for  Professor's 
dwellings,  and  five  water  cisterns;  also,  salary  ($1,478  07)  paid  said  Lum;  also  his  traveling 
and  extra  incidental  expenses,  so  that  the  actual  cost  of  this  main  building  alone,  may  be  esti 
mated  at  about  $10,000.  The  appropriation  for  the  main  building  last  erected,  under  the  su 
perintendence  of  J.  Kearsley,  was  $13,000,  of  which  $244,75  was  expended  for  fixtures,  leaving 
the  actual  cost  of  this  edifice,  $12,755  25. 

In  addition  to  the  above  sum  of $185,460  20 

Is  to  be  added  expenditures  for  plans,  interest  on  bonds,  &c, 81,617  2f» 


Making  total  disbursements, $267,077  45 

RECEIPTS, 

'337     From  old  board  of  trustees  of  University, $6,464  71 

Loan  from  Bank  of  Michigan,  on  State  bonds, 100,000  00 

Premium  on  Loan. 6,000  00 

Interest  on  Premium, 38  50 

Per  contract  with  Bank  of  Michigan  on  interest  account, 10,555  67 


Total  proceeds  of  Loan, $116,594  17 

Prom  State  Treasurer,  from  1&38,  to  July  1.  1850, 145,028  57 

$267,077  46 
Disbursements  brought  down, $267,077  45 

Agreeably  to  a  communication  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office,  dated  March 
I,  1861,  it  appears  that  up  to  that  period  there  has  been  sold,  as  follows: 
Of  university  lands,  acres,  21,366.31 
Unsold  university  lands.  "  23,055.00 

Total  acres  located,          44,421.31 
Amount  due  from  purchasers, .  .  .  .$137,108  18 

interest  on  the  above  annually,  at  7  per  cent, $£,601  77 

interest  from  counties  on  $24,500  02, 1,715  00 

><        «      State  on  $12,789  87,.  . 


Cntereat  due  from  A ,  Mann.  - 


$12,716  06 

As  it  is  believed  the  interest  due  from  the  State  is  exclusive  of  the  $6,000  and  charges  pay- 
iWe  m  New  YorJr  annually,  the  resources  of  the  unfremty  interest  fund  for  educational  por 


598 

poses  may  be  safely  estimated  as  above,  with  such  gradual  increase  as  may  accrue  from  addi 
tional  sales  of  land.  By  a  report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  State  Land  Office,  dated  July  11, 
1850,  it  appears  that  623.93  acres  of  land  and  76  lots  in  Niles,  were  sold  during  the  year  ending 
June  1,  1850,  for  §10,682  47,  the  interest  on  which  will  accrue  on  the  1st  of  June,  1851,  amount 
ing  to  §717  77,  which  wiU  make  the  university  interest  fund  for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1851, 
^13,463  83,  or  after  deducting  interest  due  from  Mr.  Mann,  (504,)  the  present  annual  interest 
may  therefore  be  estimated  at  $12,959  83. 

The  above  statement  includes  the  fiscal  transactions  of  the  Board  of  Regents  up  to  July  15, 
1851.  By  a  supplemental  statement,  it  appears  that  itp  to  December  31,  inclusive,  when  the 
term  of  the  old  Board  expired,  there  had  been  expended  as  follows: 

For  printing, $293  88 

secretary, 274  00 

treasurer 177  83 

library, 247  50 

Regents'  expenses, 335  88 

medical  building, 950  00 

fixtures, 676  15 

insurance, 374  00 

professors'  salaries, •  •  • 16,516  56 

Total  supplemental  statement, $19,850  77 

"     statement  dated  July  15,  1851, 267,077  45 

Aggregate  disbursements, $286,928  22 

According  to  the  statement  of  the  Board  of  Regents  and  Treasurer  of  the  University,  there 
were  outstanding  unpaid  warrants,  December  31,  (inclusive,)  1851,  the  sum  of  sel  1,822  70. 
December  31,  1851. 


599 


COMPARATIVE  STATEMENT  OF  THE  SALES  OF  PRIMARY  SCHOOL  LANDS. 
[FROM  THK  REPORT  OF  THE  COMMISSIONER  OF  THE  STATE  LAND  OFFICK  FOR  1851.] 


YEARS.                                                            Acres. 

Ne£    amount 
of  sales. 

Total  amount  of  sales 
Part  year  ending  Nove 
do             do 
do             do 
do             do 
do             do 
do             do 
do             do 
do             do 
do             do 

up  to  April  1,  1843,  inclusive,  52  39^.  8i 
uiber  30    1843                                                        •    .        t>  1.59.94 

£3  9  264  39 
32,101  00 
3,-,860  60 
6974  17 
35  169  70 
•'5817  15 
68  763  88 
08  509  74 
17,111  26 
83,4i9  b9 

do    '  1844'                        1       7.  '5  -.66 

do       1845  .     .                          .     .            ....         3  00;>.93 

do       1846'                                                ....  1       (j  »/!'  ti3 

do       1847            ....           H  .%0  'M 

do       1848        .                  15  0  *i  Ml 

do      1849                              .                      .    .        8  9  6  66 

do      1850                                                                10  Q      79 

do      1851            19  i;-9  95 

1.9  02956'    Jj816,0rfl  88 
Less  for  forfeiture  of  land  sold  J.  M.  Barber,  charged  back  in  1851,  j 

should  have  been  charged  in  1847, 6  ,0  00  4,315  52 

Net  sales  of  primary  school  lands, j  1 :8,'J£9  56 j    $811,761)  36 

Total  amount  of  primary  school  fund, 


i-811,766  36 


COMPARATIVE  STATEMENT  OF  THE  SALES  OF  UNIVERSITY  LANDS. 


YEARS. 

I     Acres. 

Total  amount  of  sales  up  to  April  1,  1813,  inclusive,  
From  April  1,  1843,  to  November  30,  1843,  
1  year  ending  November  30,  1844,  

1      ,0,  51.31 

1            do            do            do    1845,  
1            do            do            do    1846 

i        !  '!•''{  "1 

1            do            do            do    1847,  

1        1  0  !  7  }(i 

1            do            do            do    1848 

1           0«'2  7  1 

1            do            do            do    1849 

1            do            do            do    1850 

„  T  )»> 

1            do            do            do    1851 

'            |    5K(,  .-,<)! 

Net  sales  of  university  land.  .  . 

i      ^  W7.70 

of  sales. 


Total  amount  of  university  fund, . 


.*i'tJ8,639  49 


600 


ABSTRACT  OF  SCHOOL  INSPECTOR'S 


ALLEGAN 


1 

j§!i 

^  ^ 

i 

3 

if 

5           iPurpos's 

* 

-£ 

•ET^  & 

ij«£ 

2 

•1 

33 

£ 

o 

ft 

|w^ 
||| 

ave  attenc 
4  years  o 

.11 

i* 

attended 
year. 

ft.2< 

13 

U 

*R 

S£ 

£-« 

£o 

11 

1 

i'« 

TOWNSHIPS. 

2 

11 

$*3 

_  •-;-, 

^^ 

?* 

11 

o| 

la 

£  ft 

o  y 
3  '5 

3 
O 

| 

| 

3  g 

H1, 

ts  3 
?  b 

c;   >i 

i2 

•z  bo 
11 

•".3 
3  g 

5?3~ 

si 

•o 

I 

3 

7; 

6 
fc 

|«|| 

II 

•"3  2 
"0+3 

thave 
over 

o'0 

ft 

o 

o  3  0 

ai| 

fsi^ 

3 

c 
p 
3 

*3 

0 

2 

o 

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+-.  fcc 

o 

c;  "^ 

°aa 

^                   "5 

-• 

o 

'o 

o 

o 

-. 

6^  S« 

d  '^ 

6 

3-33 

A 

,"- 

X4 

¥ 

K        '•     (K 

x5         ? 

? 

«<                   ?                   H 

Alle  gan,  .... 

4 

3       7 

294 

10 

»9 

263 

$579  00 

$155  82|       $693  75 

$201^ 

] 

1 

20 

9 

90 

99   J^j 

16  00 

122  7r> 

Fillmore 

4 

196 

i 

112 

118   00 

53  70 

175  57 

938 

8 

198 

200  91 

00  06 

53  00 

Ganges,  .... 

fi 

5 

80 

10 

74 

56  04 

162  32 

***** 

45 

28  1         91  00 

7  83 

100  47 

_        *    * 

Af     1"        ' 

1 

l 

o 

36 

37'         Q4  riO 

13  60 

ol)  (M 

Martin,  

'1 

1 

1 

126 

1 

88J       168  48 

48   12 

69  30 

****** 

Monterey,  .  .  . 

6 

105 

3 

2 

88!       162  29          106  02 

88  00 

15  00 

1 

I 

1 

28 

28         CM  on           39  on 

q 

6 

1S3 

246 

357  25 

142  42 

327  13 

173  00 

Pineplains,  .  .  . 

1 

! 

18 

4 

.  .  . 

18 

65  25 

2  78 

117  54 

100  00 

Trowbridge,.  . 

\ 

2 

6 

148 

2 

158        152  50  i           22  37 

.  321  74 

230  00 

Watson,  .  .  .  . 

* 

1        4 

131 

3 

8 

123 

166  79           43  86 

203  47 

75  00 

Wayland, 

103        4 

6        78 

144  04           24  Mfi 

232  84 

Total,  .  .  -  • 

i: 

&28 

1,447 

i: 

i  .-48 

1851 

*162 

1  $2,500  51  1      $81498 

$2,707  88 

$1019  89 

Assyria,  .... 

1 

2 

0 

E5 
12 

Barrv 

3 

j 

4 

Castleton,  .  .  . 
Carlton,  .... 

2 

2 
2 

'5 
v  4 

Hastings,  .... 
Hope,  

3 

.. 

,:  3 

1 

1 

Johnstown,  .  .  . 
Maple  Grove,  .  . 
Orangeville,.  .. 
Prarieville,  .  .  . 
Rutland,.  .  .  . 
Thornapple,  .  . 
Woodland,.  .  . 
YankeeSpritigs 

7 
3 

i 
7 

1 

5 

3 
1 

'i 
'  i 

I 

4 

3 

4 
3 
4 

Total,  .  .  .  J57I211     66! 


120 

fi 

"97 

$163  50 

$31  96 

$228  00 

$200  00 

98 

9 

14: 

176  50 

28  42 

54  52 

148 

131 

144  50 

38  31 

66  00 

116 

9 

101 

152  97 

27  52 

115  00 

229 

1 

121 

178  17 

86  01 

41 

» 

5) 

51  00 

18  32 

32  76 

68 

^. 

69 

20  06 

57  00 

151 

2 

15 

79  00 

''00  65 



31 

73  50 

q  ig 

51  00 



154 
199 

3 
12 

10 

10 

16; 

144  25 

59  74 

49  63 

63  81 

145  50 
121  00 

68  50 

76 
137 
105 

'"•i 

5 
9 

9 

101  25 
181  84 
91  25 

25  09 

37  27 
34  00 

243  87 
581  88 
37  00 

198  00 
200  00 

100 

2 

6 

96  38 

44  05 

26  00 

. 

1,773 

26 

72 

MRS, 

$1,614  8.' 

'   $592  63 

$1,960  16 

$666  50 

601 


RETURNS  BY  TOWNSHIPS,  FOR  1851. 
COUNTY. 


for  which  it  was  raised,  and  amount 

i      £ 

5  2  b         i     ?9  ,§  "o 

i  o  S 

raised  for  each  particular  purpose. 

g 
ja 

c3 

ft 

T"2.^         ;      §5^             ^l^l 

"2 

•3 

^ 

P  1  -3          !      S  §  ° 

os  £  &-S3 

school  house. 

f  school  Inci 
of  teachers. 

t  indebtedness 

purpose. 

aised  by  rate  L 

a 

« 

"  mill  tax  ass( 
)r  and  collect 
jhool  and  town 
•] 

tax  voted  at  tli 
jting  in  additi 
•  the  support 

fines,  penal  tie 
recognizance 
reasurer  for  t 
and  township 

O                   *  sS 

c3 

t. 

*s                         P 

®.2£S 

o  °  °  * 

C  *t  **  -? 

ft 

•- 

c 

1 

•g  r^-^ 

-*J    S          rH 

t.  o 

.& 

o 

>> 

0 

5 

'-g 

p     0.£     0 

3  *>  2  o 

^J     W           ^ 

P, 

S 

& 
O        ' 

S 

x 

ssl£ 

I'll  21 

ilio 

PH 

02 

EH 

•*! 

£; 

•< 

•flj 

•<5 

$91  50 

$639  51|$102  18 

$112  50 

§262  41 

110 

$99  OOi            $00  00 

22  75 

6  7T 

144 

,-jrr     ,^  - 

73  12 

22  45 

-,  DO 

101 

-1       >O 

73  1° 

45  00 

X  00 

168  63 

75  00 

211  03 

8  20 

5  00 

165  27        226 

97 

(55  00 

4  50               63 

14  S3 

!           40  00 

65  00 

94                22  26 

40 

43  64;           "^  M 

81  00 

190 

25  00 

35  001 

78  77 

74 

159  75 



47  f)"i 

13"7 

54  00!         123  00 

4  00  i          5  13 

155  43 

223 

60  79 



17  <U 

112  25 

1   99  i 

36  00 

ion 

"  <)  i  "d 

5  OOr           92  05 

1  00    

92  66!  .... 

22  38 

42  65 

14  25i          169  13 

12  96         ?>f>  50 

94  26!       148                25  00 

$32936[  $1,637  52'  §200  2S    $164  76 

$1.334  21      1.712           $441  83           $437  91 

COUNTY. 


$0  OOI   $163  50 

'SOO  00  '  '  'l5-i  75 

S  00     58  01 
46  001    32  50 

$18  47 

$0  00 

$114  40 

'  'l05  5*1 

79  85 
28  01 
92  15 

245 
58 
120 
193 
130 
585 

$26  18 

$28  00 

33  84 
24  50 

80  00 

|  

80  00 

5  00 
700 
56  00 
5  00 

tO  50 
77  00 

'  *4  00 

6  00 

20  00 
89  63 
52  38 
53  64 
93  81 
17  18 
40  73 
36  73 
36  53 

146 
156 
109 
200 
200 
136 
385 
300 
351 

25  00 

31  50 

66  50 

14  50 

1  00 



23  17 

66  50 

77  25 
7244 
71  42 
71  88 

2  00 




40  50 

19  69 

25  00 
21  81 

:.'.'...!.'.'.  //. 

i 

$52350 

$799  75(  $53  66  1   $2  00   $860  55 

3.314 

$259  50 

$215  00 

76 


602 


BERELSN 


2 

||| 

|a 

jsj 

§ 

'o 

_c 

3 

^'o 

,Q 

Purpos's 

o 
P< 

"M  a   rt 

Jl 

1  i> 

03  ^ 

T)  _O 

1 

|| 

*1S 

"S  S 
«£ 

'S   rt 

li 

Pi 

g| 

^s 

'13  & 

^  "^   Cy 

^   o 

s  y  i  s  2 

VH    ^ 

t>5   ~* 

S  '£< 

2 

TOWNSHIPS. 

1 

£  « 

£  "3    £ 

"rt  'H 

.2  ^ 

5  ^ 

O  ^ 

^     '-1 

<n  "S 

o 

/ 

1  i 

fl  *-> 

*~ 

if 

-g-3 

O   §  ^ 

S  g  a 

•S  2 

0 

| 

* 

^6 

jfjj 

II 

If 

ii 

"o  _&.a 

3  -^ 

o 

.2 

0 

S, 

.^  §  §  •£ 

5  ? 

J  ?* 

£ 

o-S 

S  3  a 

« 

•3 

0 

: 

"o 

dill 

^  *s 

o 

o 

_2 

III 

2 

,0 

^ 

i 

^ 

ft 

ft 

^ 

1? 

<1 

^         !        H 

Bainbridge,  .  .  . 
Bertram!,  

6 

7 

i 
3 

8 

222 
405 

23      21 
20      35 

250 

358 

$336  66 
466  08 

$65  98 
196  13 

$117  11 
498  59 

$55  00 
180  00 

Benton,  

4 

1 

132 

3 

113 

31  81 

28  41 

31  81 

180  00 

Berrien,  

6 

3 

7 

311 

4 

24 

286 

377  44 

110  02 

146  41 

Buchanan,.  ..  . 

4 

292 

5 

266 

252  25 

140  36 

103  00 

30  00 

Galien,  

3 

2 

135|     in 

71 

33  291 

Hager,  

3 

2 

58 

1 

44 

19  59              7  00 

Lake,  

3'  i 

4 

82 

4 

7 

93 

129  001           <U  M 

156  45 

75  00 

New  Buffalo,.  . 

3 

2 

210 

100 

4 

144 

232  38 

83  94 

174  00 

Niles 

i  ii 

/• 

13|        1  297 

3 

35 

758 

1940  21 

646  81 

1465  66 

Oronoko,  

5           '289 

1 

13 

277 

498  61 

103  47 

559  10 

Pipestoue,  .... 

g 

1 

6 

147 

4 

130 

228  00 

45  44 

263  00 

209  00 

Royalton,  

5 

2 

63 

46 

26  76 

171   25 

St.  Joseph,  

1 

1        1 

116 

10 

6 

132 

50  00 

30  00 

Watervliet,  .  .  . 

1 

2 

75 

3 

61 

43  25 

32  98 

132  45 

101  4-5 

Wesaw,  

3 

3 

107 

(J 

81 

121  62 

24  13 

148  50 

Total,  

73l  25 

59 

3,941 

187 

163 

3,110 

$4,707  31 

$1,641  86 

$3,974  33 

$830  45 

BRANCH 


Algansee  ..... 
Batavia,  ...... 


Bethel  ........ 

Butler,  ....... 

Branson,  ..... 

California,.  ..  . 

Cold  water 

Gerard 

Gilead, 


Kinderhook,. . 

Mattison, 

Noble 

Ovid, 

Quincy |  6 

Sherwood, C 

Union 


Total, :90Uo 


•1411  6 
3061  9 
224 
202 
310 
244 
7101 
348 
218 
119 
145 
2361 
282 
4871 
267 
452 


4,691 


65 


6 

141 

$133  96 

$63  27 

$98  50 

$80  00 

18 

269 

336  75 

202  95 

284  38 

150  00 

16 

151 

193  74 

156  31 

102  00 

2 

165 

149  61 

127  70 

21 

224 

255  26 

208  05 

179  43 

8 

212 

275  87 

88  15 

187  72 

82 

687 

1,222  73 

276  91 

1,218  68 

780  00 

.22 

117)   "485  37 

236  97 

169  79 

23  00 

6 

163    146  70 

107  66 

17  87 

180  00 

8 

112 

163  05 

70  70 

149  59 

135  00 

15 

131 

146  37 

114  88 

121  65 

11 

228 

231  00 

139  42 

92  62 

7   259 

314  92 

106  57 

238  36 

75  00 

31 

505 

539  52 

298  22 

616  06 

470  00 

14 

241 

326  61 

148  31 

15 

391 

694  50 

269  12 

295  64 

G9  00 

282 

3,996 

;$5,466  35 

$2,637  10 

$3,899  99 

f!962  00 

COUNTY. 


603 


for  whic  i  it  was  raised,  and  amount 

J2    P-'^J 

^  5  J*           '     i,  15  3> 

raised  for  eacli  particular  purpose. 

library. 

^       ^J     ~~* 

-"c-§ 

||| 

•^  o  "  >> 

f                      1 

S 

,j 

.5' 

1  ?,  9 

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i 

li  \    1  i 

-S             '        ^        1        ~'T.?.                   ^Z  a  Pi 

|ilf 

o 

'o 

lj 

O 

i 

o 

^ 

o 

5-aoS           £'*** 

||s| 

o 

p, 

Zj                  ±3 

"?    3  ^    y 

X  '"  _~ 

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X 

^""3          -3 

3 

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•-i^r—i     i  '-5  *o  5  3 

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^  3  -  o     1  ^     ^ 

0 

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^  t  '"*"  — 

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t,_ 

2  §,  .-  ^ 

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p, 

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ll'l'o 

*              £          '       H      '       < 

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•s                          •        •<                                •< 

$-21  11 

§25  11       t270  6  '      237,           &:  9  6:, 

13  60 

5272  20 

145  40 

12  00 

P3  !  3  ! 

45  > 

60  57 

6 

6     0 

3  00 

132  41 

11  00 

3]  I  081 

6^  10 

11  €0 

6  37 

74  00 

165  :^7|                               6  56 

<1 

7  00 

48  871       131,               14     8 

3  00 

129  00 

6     45,       2'5               '-'1  75 

r  co! 

12  00 

163  00 

4'6 

85  73 

174  OOj 

135  48 

2,030  70 

135  00 

528  76 

5f»0 

2  7  32 

76"  00  | 

5  001        '206  50 

350  60 

166  91  i       :-'6>                25    0 

2  6  50 

15  25         228  00    109  00 

10  0'          145  9.'        2i-0'               4i  2                  ;()     0 

198 

50  ''0 

20  CO        148               :!•-•  CO 

70  81 

16     5         174 

5  s: 

40  00  1 

13  00 

116  13 

59  05 

11  50 

6  CC 

5C 

3.)     !    1 

16  00  1 

$234  44 

$3,472  75 

810  05 

f58  61 

52  C80  6c 

3,811'          iiB-J  97'       :;1  295  501          $6  37 

COUNTY. 

$8846'                      1850!       $1  09  10         23              §:?!  00 

6  50 

341  75 

]<J     PO 

202  53 

32  56 

IP  9          9  0|               21  P5|             159  97 

68  OC 

65  -'6        rP6                                        25    Oi 

80  37 

99  (6 

6"    '2        «'(J8                02  C( 

) 

379  00 

IF"  "2        21'               2!  « 

) 

142  50         806  64 

26  00        20  22          6  P  4P          n;             11?   1. 

\ 

67  29!          61  (  1 

18  50  ;         1  0     f>9        P~  0               :  0  0  i 

2  1J 

»        re  70 

111  90          6  OC 

49  '  I         T 

?                                        15  75 

14  5( 

)          163  «!5 

11  00 

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3  2c 

>            91  Of 

7  00                            fjfi  4<         f9r!              2F  50 

92  62 

i           9f  (>'.'        T'.O                I"   50                 12  00 

3  00         315  51 

5  00            4     ;r        T9               5"  (8 

60  8 

5            31  7( 

21  8" 

:il  50  ;           4     ?i        ?T> 

VP  T2        ^9               64  18 

34  15         149  0( 

)        3  54                          Pr?   12           '9                                       9J  50 

§40-2  23    52,899  4( 

)  $313  0< 

2     .t99  7;;J    ,  23!iH'4        JT9             -0    C6             (;(•"  2 

604 


CALHOUN 


i 

g 

ill 

jiil 

1 

3 

|£ 

£ 

Purpos's 

ft."?    & 

CD 

o 

33 

_§,_, 

1 

1         3  ^   es 

1     IP' 

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?  S 

I. 

I  . 

"*.& 

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II 

1 

f>a 

il 

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li 

Il    II 

p  1 

ll      * 

TOWNSHIPS. 

i 

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Is 

2  5  |       'S  5 

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stricts. 

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3  - 

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c  '£ 

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£  iff 

X 

"1 

p 

H 

Athens,  .... 

1 

1         5;           1911       -2:      151     149 

$261  11 

$88  55 

$38  00 

$0  00 

Albion,.  .           1  9 

6j           452 

8      281 

193  52 

318  81 

Battle  Creek,..!  5 

:; 

8;           916 

9 

28      746 

123  05 

478  39 

1,720  00 

1,500  00 

Bedford,  .... 

6 

:; 

8  '           2G5 

121     245 

116  53 

494  15 

441  00 

Burlington,  .  .  .  1  6 

51           254 

15!     198 

296  00 

98  70 

74  53 

Clarence,  .  .  .  .  |  5 

3 

6            197 

6 

162 

209  32 

81  10 

192  98 

88  00 

Clarendon,  .  .  . 

4 

1 

5 

277        1 

24 

307 

353  60 

124  73 

16  00 

Convis  .... 

S     4  ;        5 

191 

5 

177 

229  50 

66  89 

156  00 

68  50 

Emmett,  .... 

5 

; 

8 

270 

16 

3 

191 

352  31 

109  69 

172  27 

Eckford,  

7 

24,", 

3 

12      237;       351  25          108  95 

12  75 

Fredonia,  .... 

6 

4 

9 

282 

2 

2;     221 

460  14 

159  46 

440  63 

100  00 

i 

6]       8 

30-1 

2 

12      280 

444  65 

162  93 

205  00 

Lee,  

., 

3        4            161 

2 

7 

133 

T:V*    40 

48  20 

209  20 

105  00 

Leroy  ...... 

5 

2!       7 

293 

9 

13 

31  ll       <i,i  s;  fio 

132  96 

128  37 

Marshall,  
Marengo,  .... 

8 

3 
3 

11 

938 
365 

31       10 
3      13 

189 
340 

1,453  00 
458  33 

566  33 

227  14 

4,918  40 

306  94 

3,928  35 
14  75 

Newton,  

21  6 

5 

182 

ft 

163 

209  22 

94  09 

7  94 

Pennfield  

3i  3 

233 

4 

12      251 

308  50 

98  99 

626  22 

225  00 

Sheridan,  

2]  2 

130 

1 

9 

217 

105  35 

211  32 

979  00 

Tekonsha,  .... 

5     1 

6 

259 

2 

19 

251 

354  87 

114  38 

353  90 

310  00 

Total,  

93  57 

113|        6,403;     92 

231 

5,049  !  $7,757  55|    $2,983  36!  $10,601  91 

$7759  60 

CASS 


Howard,  
Jefferson,  
Marcellus,  .... 

11 

8 
4 
5 

3 

5 
5 
6 

9 
5 

7 
6 
8 

2 

1 

8 
4 

6 

6 
9 

i 

6 

186 
352 
103 
187 
289 
140 
272 
830 
283 
466 
202 
449 
219 
234 

1 

\ 

3 

! 

•I 
« 

j 

13 
31 

I 

i 

36 
14 

1 
'? 

12 

147 

324 

82 
169 
238 
106 
184 
391 
285 
453 
166 
439 
202 
191 

460  00 
107  67 
182  50 
335  73 
110  45 
447  00 
650  30 
434  75 
607  46 
198  36 
667  60 
237  00 
262  00 

71  25 
124  73 
73  07 
46  75 
124  47 
42  50 
105  92 
193  72 
147  77 
180  17 
55  42 
206  84 
81  76 
100  06 

30  00 
314  70 
41  00 
2J9  11 
37  60 
20  00 
435  21 
262  81 
175  96 
396  56 
254  00 
188  02 
9  00 
108  00 

180  on 

314  69 
250  00 

175  0(1 
100  00 

Milton 

Newberg,.  
Ontwa,  . 

Pokagon,  .... 
Penn  

Porter  . 

Silver  Creek,.  . 
Lagrange,  .  .  . 
Volinia,  .... 
Wayne,  

Total,  .... 

f>2  is   85 

4,448   41 

212  1  3,585 

$4,976  87 

$1,612  23l  $2,907  35|$11196& 

•at.  Marie,.  ...|   l!   V 


CHIPPEWA 


349 


75 i    $150  00 i 


005 


COUNTY. 


for  which  it  was  raised,  arid  amount 

!§•£    ;  Is-i     1  1*1 

raised  for  eacli  particular  purpose. 

,Q 

j?*J       1||     1  1||  j- 

a5 

a 

1  ^  Z              23-^         i   "a  'S  ^ 

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—  '.              '— 

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1 

T;     . 

1      !                    «      •      E 

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3  "  t.*S 

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1.3  f 

ill! 

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§ 

1>           .2 

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X 

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tM     ^  **"*   ^ 

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1 

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3 

ET 
as 

} 

3 

O 

6 

fill 

j2  ^ 

llli 

Jib 

$5  00 

$33  00 

.$0  00 

$0  00 

$112  18 

3101            $43  46               $0  00 

$0  00 

137  97 

433 

60  00 

160  00 

744  66 

600|             116  97 

8  <7 

n  oo 

127  75  j 

lOt  74 

177  34 

276 

77  78 

3  09 

209  32                          6  00 

128  46|       239 

3  83 

3  00 

»>  00 

1  50 

257  82 

387 

52  00 

13  00 

102  12 

313 

53  00 

1  85 

221   62 

350 

115  68 

7  95 
14  23 

115  75 

398  54 

2  19        10  00 

205  72        420  i               70  00 
148  39!       2801             110  27 

6  75 

2  38 

58  25 

94  00 

40  00 

12  75 

246  00 

448                93  06 

;VJ  00 

3  47 

4  00 

4  20 

23  i  50]         4  00 
247  f>6\       12  30 

3  75 

29  51 

192  36 

162 
266  1               25  00 

3  01 

35  60 

967  Gii 

215  00!         347  71 

7351            288  67 

967  14 

9  43 

50  46 

135  96!       10  14!         4  38          168  17 

3W0'             135  57 

7  94i        217  16 

77  67 

159 

46  44 

10  00!         101  22 

260  00                          132  18 

30? 

70  37 

2  14 

285 

52  43 

335  50 

15  00 

32  90 

259  42 

350 

50  00) 

i 

$284  63    $3,355  87 

$358  63 

$446  28 

$3,656  43!    fi^°l 

$1,401  53J       $1,029  89          $34  14 

COUNTY. 

S23  28 

$112  88 

$8  28 

$10  00       $157  94 

397 

$0  00 

$0  00 

$0  OQ 

16  25 

115  16 

400 

16  00 

10  02 

469  68 

15  00 

247  86 

r>5  oo 

40  00 

3  90 

25  50 

16  40 

15  50 

308 

11  68)              47  00 

500 

13  10]           50  68 

3  86 

115  26 

279 

144  40 

192  39 

10  00 

67  95 

27  88 

92  64 

356  79 

5  00 

7  81 

513  97 

123!              59  64 

8  83 

30  00          330  75 

3  92 

5  00 

152  02 

425 

5  00 

22  0(> 
50 

411  09 
52  OOl         8  50 

388  32 
81  68 

310 

35  30 
70  00 

3  59 

45  00 

249  88 

9  00!         318  31 

400i 

52  93 

3001              50  OOl 

6  00 

2  00 

166  95 

331 

46  28 

5  81 

$23459 

$1,837  76 

$136  65 

$44  86    $2,927  53     3,303           $222  60 

$192  30 

$48  53 

COUNTY. 


$68  001 


00; 


606 


CLINTON 


1 

fff 

"O    C 
•0*0 

K 

1 

•1   • 
5  « 

|| 

2 

Purpos's 

TOWNSHIPS. 

Whole  districts. 

|  Krational  districts. 

Whole  No.  from  which  repo 
been  received. 

No.  of  children  in  each  town? 
tween  the  ages  of  4  and  18  i 
school  has  been  taught  by  a 
1  ed  tracher. 

No.  of  children  that  have  atten 
ring  the  year  under  4  years 

No.  that  have  attended  during  t 
over-  18  yenrs  of  age. 

Whole  No.  that  h:ive  attended 
during  ilie  year. 

Whole  amount  of  wages  j 
teachers  in  the  township 

Am't  of  money  received  from 
ship  treasurer,apportioned  b 
ship  clerk. 

S'.§ 

n 

0 

B 

a 

o 

"o 

c 

00 

i 

Bath,  

: 
3 

2 

3 

35 

45 

j 

2 

$11  50 

$106  00 

Bine-ham,  
De  Witt,'.  

3 
4 
| 

i 
1 
j 

4 
4 

63 
251 

2 

3 

12 

60 
231 

74  05 
354  50 

18  05 
121  94 

120  50 
70  00 
275  65 

$120  00 
65  00 

Ea«-le,  

fi 

6 

219 

_ 
6 

72  46 

1  50 

Essex      

0 

43  29 

142  25 

Greenbush,  ..  . 
Lebanon,  
Olive,  

5 

I 

; 

3 

3 

115 
51 

81 

2 

2 

58 

102 

51 

54  (b 

22  48 
33  99 
14  96 

15  00 
54  00 
61  00 

15  00 
54  00 

Ovid 

Cj 

4 

101 

189  30 

Kiley 

O 

85  25 

Victor   

• 

g 

108 

94 

1.05  50  1 

25  16 

20  00 

Watertown.  .  . 
Westphalia,  .  .  . 

J 

1 

4 
2 

126 
238 

2 
3 

10 

143 

167  34 

200  76  i 
i 

| 

29  92 

36  72 

82  96 

137  421 
140  50  i 

85  00 

75  00 

Total...  . 

yr 

45! 

1.776 

91 

„ 

EATON 


Brook-field.  ...     4  41 

Bellevue, 52        4| 

Benton, 

Chester. 

Carmel, 

Delta, 

Eaton, 

Eaton  Rapids,.  11  j  2      13 

Kalamo 7  i 

Oneida,. 4|  4        S 

Roxand,    

Suiifield, 

Vermontville,  . 

Windsor 

Walton, 

Total. 72  26      86 


186 

271 

87 1 

1641 

563 

194 

259 

129 

21 

130 

98 

210 

2,731 


I 

88 

fill  43 

5 

17:-: 

90 

122  00 

3 

150 

198  K; 

3 

208 

247  66 

86 

7 

152 

223  75 

•-•;•; 

495 

536  59 

: 

192 

13 

231 

270  68 

5 

120 

193  92 

12 

19  50 

1 

in 

180  OO1 

4 

121 

192  75 

2 

166 

217  75 

83 

2,428 

$2,514  16 

60 
31 

54 
92 

68 
131 
53 
57 
43 
5 
58 


90  871 


$122  39!    375  00 
3!) 

200  00 
380  00 


251  50 
456  43 
112  50 
117  OOl 
320  00 
186  29' 
115  25 
273  50 
128  75 
14  38 
130  50 
255  71 
133  63J 


200  00 

75  00 


195  00 


10  00 

72  00 


$865  97'  $2,657  00 '$1207  00 


6-07 


COUNTY. 


for  which  it  was  raised,  and  amount 

£!«         Ill 

raised  for  each  particular  purpose. 

5 

_& 

I||       Ills. 

| 

5 

IS! 

l'|^| 

S.J'c 

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13 

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1              1 

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-    rr                         —  •                        K 

>;.             i        <.,                 "CO 

**  "to  §             '        P-  ?_  9  3 

| 

11 

^ 

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5 

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X.g  oi 

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01  "o             -~ 

p 

1 

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fl'?e^^ 

£  !  c  (-P       H  £  2  « 

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ti-J  o         i         "t/' 

^^ 

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• 

^  ^  O  ,  , 

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Jj  C 

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+=  p*"i 

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s- 

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c-  5"                •— 

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5 

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^^  "~ 

JB     -H          -J         |          _^-     -     - 

$72  00  i 
25  00           $8  00! 

$32  50 

240 
450 

i                 i 

$26  50! 

5  00 

56  00 

219 

$41  00 

7  00- 

40  00 

114  00  $101  65 

99  52 

240 

71  80 

1  50 

69  04 

210 

45  03 

142  25i 

500 

47  00 

142  25 

! 

200 

39  81 

215 

22  35) 

41  GO 

250 

27  15 

172  80 

58  87 

31  52 

i 

85  25 

26  75l 

20  00 

81  00 

252 

22  00  i 

137  42 

60  42 

309 

77  00 

55  50' 

231 

200 

26  38 

$17372;      $319  75i$104  00                       $58660 

3.516 

$100  791          $252  75 

COUNTY. 


$15  89  [   $46  00, 

$5  00 

$46  66 

226 

$24  05 

$26  50 

13  (JO 

193  56 

371 

48  40 

51  50  1 

33  34 

242 

25  00 

40  00!  $9  93 

26  50 

106  71 

300 

25  00 

40  00 

221  16   24  25 

9  69 

101  33 

335 

43  62 

111  50 

25  00 

13  50 

199 

25  00 

2  00 

29  50 

76  06 

227 

51  15 

2  50  |    129  00 

41  52 

75  54 

155  47 

231 

27  78 

7  00 

30  00 

41  50 

182 

34  33 

47  00 

22  00!    74  81!   5  00 

475 

47  88 

150 

i 

1-1  38 

226 

14  81 

71  00 

49  50  i 

39  39 

308 

11  58 

4  25!    192  75 

4  56 

15  00 

.01  90 

220 

28  69 

68  00 

5  00 

167  75 

14  00 

54  66 

153[      35  68 

77  50, 

$96  64 

$1,053  47  ,$134  76'  $116  44 

$1,050  38 

3,370  j    $395  00 

$370  CO 

608 


GENESKE 


! 

•°^"| 

•U 

0) 

5 

Q 

- 

II 

j? 

1 

Purpos's 

! 

!SI 

•"3    ^ 
fl     W 

S  * 

K 

1 

'1| 

11 

S 

1 

H*S 

18 

3^ 

o 

"?  2 

-§1 

0   rt 

to> 

Its 

.^•5 

S^s 

-5  3 

?  -*-» 

05 

35 

TOWNSHIPS. 

~~ 

C    °    ,- 

13  ^ 

72     S 

S  >•> 

?S 

15 

J3  fee 

O  i3 

il  . 

*s^ 

o 
A 

s 

H 

r!  ~ 

S  *  S 

*2     "^ 

«  = 

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3  £7; 

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1 
tl 

'Q 

1 

'0 

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E 

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£•5^ 

0  fi'o  ^ 

II 

35 

at  have 
ear  ovei 

y 

J3  j£ 

i| 

%-t  ^  ^ 
°  a  a 
^',52 
c  2  S 

§5 

o 

i 

1 

2 

i 

^ 

'o 

O  ?>  J3  'S 

'-Sff 

5 

% 

^  "*^ 

gg? 

•3 

1 

ja 

| 

| 

^ 

» 

6  " 
55 

| 

I 

| 

•"J 

^ 

H 

Argentine  .... 

4 

1 

5 

210 

8 

(j 

165 

§214  46 

$73  73 

$160  00 

$160  00 

Atlas  

10 

9 

488 

I 

46 

352 

39  00 

217  15 

259  18 

Clayton,.  .    . 

3 

Davison 

j: 

' 

1  /x. 

Forrest  

3 

1 

Flint  ..... 

14 

F^nton  .  .  . 

Flushing  ..... 
Genes?e  .  .   . 

7 

i 

8 

205 

5 

13 

313 

268 

398  00 

138  88 
112  61 

409  62 
389  05 

14  00 

Grand  Blanc.  . 
Gomes  

6 

8 

375 

12 

33 

364 
373 

378  75 

135  49 

168  62 

625  07 

31000 

Montrose  ..... 

1 

1 

20 

0 

i 

115 
14 

184  96 
51  00 

74  30 
8  61 

Muady  
Eichfield  
Thetford  
Vienna  

6 
4 
4 
1 

2 
1 

6 

5 
6 

327 
193 
175 
67 

10 
3 

14 
1 

9 

263 
159 
158 

160  75 
186  50 

94  26 
53  96 
70  S9 

210  00 
67  01 

139  48 

80  00 

Total... 

83 

n 

99 

4.607 

r>7 

^30 

3838 

4  081   Q3 

.«i  r.94  OQ 

.«!3.7<W  fiS 

1.84900 

HILLSDALE 


Adams  ....... 

Alten,  ........ 

Amboy  ....... 

Camhria  ..... 

Camden  ...... 

Fayette  ....... 

Jefferson,  ..... 


Pittsford  ..... 

Ransom  ...... 

Reading  ...... 

Somerset  ..... 

Scipio  ........ 

Wheatficld,... 
Wright  ....... 

"Woodbrwlge  .  . 


Total 110145    125 


432 
348 
95 
213 
209 
902 
279 
543 

392 
214 
367 

294 
2611 

5'0i 
2601 

J?L 

3,848'' 


8|  25 

394 

«6?G  51 

$172  53 

$227  76 

4 

20 

348 

519  01 

137  38 

394  92 

$15000 

'. 

6 

110 

92  50 

25  86 

145  45 

*  7500 

4 

7 

212 

291  38 

69  23 

61  00 

156 

165  27 

76  16 

44  50 

18 

43 

716 

1579  25 

214  61 

1047  81 

37  00 

ft 

5 

270 

335  82 

121  79 

24993 

1 

17 

555   718  50 

224  90 

161  00 

8 

24 

3461  549  91 

178  14 

141  50 

4 

20 

389 

532  01 

148  72 

518  29 

50  00 

:•; 

8 

217 

223  90 

63  53 

226  40 

2 

20 

352 

317  78 

106  42 

168  98 

250  00 

3 

34 

298 

427  59 

107  54 

482  50 

3 

7 

146 

254  551    117  17 

168  73 

5 

39 

532 

613  75 

284  42 

691  83 

43C  00 

i; 

J7 

257 

318  62 

111  08 

328  20 

169  00 

2 

108 

129  73 

38  76 

622  59 

488  68 

B! 

294 

5,406 

7,708  03 

,$2,393  24 

$5,198  80 

2,142  13 

609 


COUNTY. 


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13  00 

414  00 

107  87 

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95  54 

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315 

90  84 

328  31 

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175  21 

208 

59  10 

52  00 

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42  39 

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38  85 

126  75 

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40  79 

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88  91 

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$11  90 

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392  38 

3  00 

19  50 

203  06 

350 

123  76 

394  92 

3  00 

59  00 

8  45 

9  45 

171 

33  60 

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1  50 

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37  52 

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321  001  351  00 

1,271  34 

92  20 

121  66 

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118  60 

8  50 

14  50 

353  93 

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64  72 

31  05 

239  96 

12  56 

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197  34 

21  00 

388  29 

4  00 

322  37 

278 

47  00 

2  50 

223  90 

7  89 

164  88 

173 

20  50 

51  37 

27  00 

9  50 

284  93 

16  58 

460  71 

278  69 

44  83 

47  42 

17  50 

257  91 

235  53 

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3  50 

13  00 

212  71 

14  66 

21  46 

211  35 

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28  00 

125  50 

5  70 

105  38 

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119  00 

102  13 

2487 

13  45 

170      51  53 

408  83 

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Phelpstown,  .  . 
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233  00 
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22  08 

229  10 

12  39 

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257  40 

17  78 

279  22 

15  11 

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241  35 

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87  03 

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77  00 

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197 

28  90 

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109 

50  89 

44  00 

253  10 

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202  511 

109  29 

120 

35  00 

8  70 

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2,157 

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448 
285 

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$216  15 
201  01 

$225  10 
331  93 

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1  1 

1 

12 

509 

3 

27 

368 

682  75 

228  66 

272  03 

210  00 

Hanover,  .... 

3 

6 

296 

6 

18 

299 

399  14 

141  39 

696  49 

414  75 

Henrietta,  .  .  . 

5 

2 

7 

309 

24 

303 

420  00 

105  64 

301  00 

Jackson,  .... 

L3 

4 

15 

1376 

9 

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2,557  75 

836  03 

1,704  85 

112  00 

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3 

526 

14 

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174  18 

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112  03 

785  18 

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Napoleon,  .  .  . 
Parma,  

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365 
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674  80 
576  64 

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735  42 
606  57 

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7 

279 

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20 

305 

372  19 

122  94 

39  1  63 

144  00 

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5 

176 

4 

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175 

220  64 

82  24 

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150  00 

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5 

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132  57 

256  91 

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5 
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280 
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172 

371  12 
235  00 

91  72 
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157  60 

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5 

5 

10 

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4 

33 

442 

517  89 

244  97 

410  34 

305  00 

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Brady, 

Cooper, 
Charleston,  . . , 
Climax,  .  .  .  . 
Comstock, .  .  . 
Kalamazoo, . . . 
Oshtemo,. .  .  . 
Pavilion,.  .  .  . 
Portage, 
PrarieRonde,. 
JRichland, 

Ross, 

Schoolcraft,. .. 

Texas, 

Wakeslnna,.. 

Total,  .  .  .  . 


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146  20 

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102  72 

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165  00 

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1,091  25 

209  39 

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259  69 

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81  75 

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12  00 

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116  40 

1,146  42 

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159  68 

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5  77 

247  86 

150  49 

152  25 

318 

35  71 

149  00 

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26  63 

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209  42 

11  00 

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41  90 

25  00 

252  32 

7  00 

252  32|       335 

47  71 

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257  90 

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101  86 

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32  00 

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33  34 

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40  00 

$502  75 

$4,438  93 

$721  28 

$321  75  1  $4,016  98 

4,334 

$736  83 

$153  75 

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$68  00 

$105  00 

$22  50 

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300  66 

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42  17 

434  70 

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314  42 

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482  20 

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176  69   167 

103  00 

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262  01 

248  47 

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6  35 

8  62 

182  91 

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205  59 

21  60 

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335 

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2 

$183  82 

$15  44 

$100  00 

Ada  

e 

3 

6 

179 

9 

187 

289  11 

65  06 

207  62 

$95  62 

Algoma,  .... 

.i 

3 

1 

53 

8 

55 

73  00 

9  31 

25  00 

Byron  

; 

3 

113 

i 

1 

101 

107  98 

41  08 

139  90 

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4 

4 

95 

8 

55 

13  26 

140  00 

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Courtland,  .  .  . 

7, 

4 

159 

3 

136 

150  73 

25  84 

218  75 

160  00 

Cascade,  .... 

J 

2 

G 

225 

3 

8 

202 

282  2.5 

55  42 

327  50 

173  50 

Caledonia.  .  .  . 

•2 

2 

39 

1 

34 

76  83 

24  10 

99  50 

Cannon,  .... 

6 

-j 

8 

353 

5 

13 

297 

437  50 

128  65 

246  80 

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Grattan,  .  .  .  . 

6 

4 

160 

1 

8 

148 

54  06 

193  00 

Gaines  . 

g 

P 

133 

•*• 

140 

200  62 

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6 

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226 

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125 

193  38 

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76  56 

739  50 

O  rf  i)   UU 

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2 

3 

1122 

2 

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608 

596  95 

284  53 

1,533  12 

200  00 

Lo-vvell,  

3 

0 

130 

§ 

3 

81 

120  00 

36  00 

1  36  5€ 

Oakfield  .... 

3 

3 

3 

129 

6 

10 

151 

197  00 

41  78 

78  84 

Plaiufield,  

3 

1 

3 

177 

3 

3 

83 

102  00 

34  36 

Paris  . 

2 

140 

Q 

147 

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C,f\~     f\t\ 

Spart*i             • 

82 

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70 

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8 

403 

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15 

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360 

547  00 

114  50 

468  95 

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250 

218 

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Wyoming,  .  .  . 

! 

1  '• 

175 

2 

2 

85 

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208  00 

94  91 
82  44 

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93 

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90 

4,558 

45 

141 

3,374 

$4,265  45 

$1,353  27 

95,774  47 

1,974  12 

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Almont,  
Attica 

5 

12 
5 
LO 
3 
9 
3 
I 

5 
3 

3 

9 

3 
3 

7 
4 
11 

6 
1 

10 

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6 

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478 
118 
478 
112 
303 

512 

285 
56 

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11 

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4 

38 

18 
3 

24 
3 
21 

17 
1 

8 

413 
109 
477 
65 
315 
21 
447 
190 
263 
57 

$280  50 
105  02 
487  62 
154  22 

35  75 
531  07 
59  81 
429  00 
111  00 

$161  75 
14  29 
167  37 
26  18 
119  18 
10  11 
212  11 
12  58 
109  60 
38  74 

$350  00 
86  00 
582  92 
120  00 
269  00 
163  00 
15  30 
305  81 
149  50 
89  50 

$350  00 
75  00 
336  00 
80  00 

130  00 

200  00 
GO  00 

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j  a7'r*  * 

Marathon,.  .  . 
Metamora,  .  .  . 

Total,.  . 

55 

33 

2,420 

95 

2,357|  $2,193  99 

§931  91 

12,331  03 

1.231  00 

COUNTY. 


615 


for  which  it  was  raised,  and  amount 

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159 

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8  78           95  00                       8  00 

79  83 

27  73 

22  00 

52  75          204  75 

109  40 

212               27  47               82  50 

10  00 

CO  00      58  00 

15  90 

100               21  71  !             27  00 

48  08         194  00'       4  00             75 

116  81 

160               38  79 

194  00 

166  00 

9  00 

203  02                        9  00 

105  40 

172               31  50 

85  00  i 

77  05 

123  45 

115 

5G  80 

23  97         978  11 

275  28 

150  00 

741  28 

180 

1104  00 

237  00 

43  50 

143 

35  00 

5  00           58  00       4  84  !       11  00           o4  99 

25  00 

.77  00 

2  50                                                             63  00        1G5|              33  29 

10  75 

178  50                                           77  07        If-  9 

97  50 

150 

34  12 

432  83 

2  00 

356  69 

200 

34  59 

49  00            17  00 

9  49 

79  33 

296 

50  49 

55  90 

7  (JO 

0  72 

105 

•3720  17 

13,049  11  S441  49  $324  29 

•12,292  1C 

2,923           -f402  71          $360!  00 

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1  IB           84  00      §5  44                          $91  5fl,                                     ! 

110  02 

54  52        200               25  00 

11  00 

10  12 

159  05 

74  10 

S3  75         110  79 

3  00 

37  00 

94  CO        230  i             29  85 

21  09 

100  00 

3851              78  93 

18  00 

5  00 

10  00 

3  60 

ICC 

3  10 

i       7  <lO 

5  10 

326  72 

107  51 

10  00 

59  81 

45  78 

10  00 

53  50 

15  00 

5  001         200  7(i 

290 

50  ('( 

2  00 

3  00 

12  12 

104 

20  (,' 

*1  99  10 

$447  98|fl09  54     *•->';  -:,•  §1,100  511    1,441 

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$32  00 

616 


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Adrian,  .... 

9 

ti 

15 

1670 

23]     27 

1096  *2628  54 

$5(2  95 

!$3,422  10  $2337  00 

Blissfield,  .  .  . 

6 

2 

6 

390 

4    '17 

357 

227  55 

158  92 

216  80 

Cambridge,.  . 
Dover,  .     .  . 

6 

.. 

305 
10!          483 

4      13      191 

10!     34      518 

315  50 

683  2*5 

162  421         153  38 
216  73         311  02 

180  00 

Franklin     .  .       7 

3 

10!          522 

3      23      440 

573  90  1        223  57         338  02 

294  00 

Fairfield,     .  .     11 

3      111           547 

9      20 

529 

630  71 

279  12         314  07 

177  07 

Hudson,  .     .  . 
Medina,  .     .  . 

8    7|     10           485 
13           12            666 

7      12      457      666  03 
13      28  1     6541 

181  721          45  50 
230  93!       1013  83 

507  00 

Madison,     .  . 

6 

51      8!          397 

2      25      311      517  63         189  44  i         164  13 

Macon,   .... 

6 

1                    425 

7      17      310 

126  48'          75  90'       75  00 

Ogden,  .... 

6    2 

7 

317 

41     23 

257 

299  04         116  06 

116  00 

180  00 

Palmyra,  .  .  . 

g 

29           387 

2:     25 

345 

474  421        169  03 

386  57 

264  00 

Ridgeway,  .  .  . 
Rollin,  .... 

»> 

4       4           260              20l     213      336  87J        111  93           56  00 

5           «                QO4I          ll       i)4\       or;ol          37    fif\l            3O^    77  1            3O«   Q7         130    00 

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Riga,  '  
Raisin,  .... 
Seneca,  .... 
Tecumseh,  .  . 
Woodstock  .  . 

5 

7 
LO 

-i 

I 
3 

11 
4 
11 
8 
11 
9 

JJO              i          ^J 

78 
501!     101     32 
430       21     10 

921       8l     41 
r         389|      8      28 

72!     128  6f 
409      208  00 
3451     304  46 
752  |   1664  66 
373      461  25 

~ifU      JO                     OUO     Vi7\          **l*J     VV/ 

23  54  1          79  00  ) 
262  05          141  25|     100  60 
162  29!        278  51]     180  00 
542  701         809  27  j     520  00 
147  44          120  42 

Total,"  

134 

62    162!      10,050 

119    442    8359  i  10747  93 

4,519  30 

,8,769  51    5219  67 

LIVINGSTON 

Brighton,   ...    8 

3 

Hi          337 

7l     10 

259 

$379  80;      $107  44        $78  03 

Con  way,  .... 

3 

2 

5j          181 

4 

153 

202  621           58  54 

397  07 

$316  57 

Deerfield,  .  .  . 

11 

i 

8i          331 

1      23 

287 

391  25         123  51 

59  97 

20  00 

Green  Oak,.  .. 

5 

2 

6!          295 

25      347 

338  00         144  67 

95  54 

Genoa,  

5 

1 

8           344 

5      16      297 

390  51!         124  91 

115  79          1  14 

Hartland,  .... 

1 

8!           335 

6      38      287 

376  82;         130  98         301  89l 

Hamburg,  .  .  . 

6 

1 

7|          28fl 

3        7      260 

339  26,        115  90 

257  33      197  50 

Howell,  

a 

3 

g 

474       KI     ir<     413      ciis  o/;         i«3  on 

950  48 

433  OO 

Handy  >....!  6 

5 

1K7 

ij 

147      158  25^           49  33 

444  001     498  00 

2 

5  '          201 

7        4 

IgG         ISJ    3fii               7K   fil 

109  94,' 

Marion.  .  .  .  .  !  g 

4 

10           368 

17 

38-4 

499  01 

113  33 

532  00 

257  00 

Oceola,    ....  |  7 

2        81           318!       4      15!     317 

274  13 

133  79 

25  0!) 

Putnam,  .  .  .  .  :  g 

3i       91           43]        2      15      442;     492  00          156  63 

22  64'     149  00 

Tyrone  (7 

7            2951                8 

260      296  24 

112  82 

251  00      240  00 

Tuscola  4J  5 

6            19(5        6|       8 

191 

272  35 

63  23 

336  91      180  00 

Unadilla,  g 
— 

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81           35!>        9i     23      333 

335  52 

99  98 

365  68      365  68 

Total  '99  37 

116!        4918      56    232 

4583 

5816  17        1774  88  1       4343  27!   2657  89 

617 


COUNTY. 


for  which  it  was  raised,  and  amount  | 

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$39S  38 

$10  23 

1  20          265  23 

2i  64 

317  75 

59  29 

466  36 

23  50 

23  21 

3  50 

8  00 

101  23  i         87 

$6800 

$260 

27  64 

247  56 

75          385  68  j       600 

79  0<> 

453 

5  08 

10  00;         186  99 

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31  00 

39  00 

j       12  00         327  42 

406 

4  17 

34  38 

8  00         477  08 

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4  04 

17  00            70  19                                         426  99' 

51  01         270  09 

13  00  j                        330  73 

356  ;            175  80 

3  35 

9  00 

140  69 

! 

16  13         7  78           97  57 

329 

24  75 

474  92  i       3  2.5 

1  16          272  17        320 

65  00 

2  46 

45  00 

11  001 

209  07        420 

$56  00 

2  00 

5  50 

269  86 

6  93 

9  2B            66  20!       387 

180  50 

2  83 

55  85 

571  05 

8  00 

279  27        428 

81  00! 

4  45 

71  00 

40  56  |       430 

25  001              78  00 

17 

46  00 

130  00 

117  25 

386 

134  00                                    6  00 

32  00 

54  00 

1  25 

11  25;         188  54 

424 

3  35 

72  50 

153  61 

46  68 

321  00 

26  00 

133  42 

12  00 

185  34 

344 

58  00 

3  26 

629  33  \     3,378  73 

180  31 

69  42 

4,744  70 

6081 

866  30 

134  00 

43  21 

COUNTY. 

$5000 

8  03  |   20  00 

178  59 

$80  50 

76  67 

290 

29  9& 

80  50 

34  25 

64  59 

23  47 

57  51 

296 

23  51 

83  51 

21  00 

187 

50  00 

25  00 

11  00 

118  20 

199  16 

314 

34  62 

44  50 

9  18 

292  39 

10  32 

259  94 

301 

50  00 

5  00 

29  83 

200  55 

25  00 

25  00 

62  00 

228  CO 

93  06 

20  OOl    413  63 

285 

52  07 

25  (10 

84  94 

7974 

267 

41  46 

3  00 

131  00 

101  00 

40  00 

238  77 

340 

45  00!     131  00 

12  00 

10  00 

3  00 

167  53 

140 

47  Ou! 

2001 

22  64 

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2  00 

198  58 

168 

40  00! 

131  91 

1   25  00 

77  71 

300 

32  25 

1 

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90  94|   1224  9.: 

240  88;  134  83   2169  38 

3088J     400  39 

328  61 

2  08 


2  00 

4  08 


618 


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3 

7 

3            504 

7 

26)     438 

$631  00 

$2i)3  661      $14  00 

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341      48Q 

736  4^ 

317  10 

27  71 

Chesterfield..  . 

o 

5 

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297 

223 

234  11 

114  80 

174  92 

GO  00 

Clinton  . 

7 

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077 

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553 

1112  00 

289  61 

344  00 

400  00 

Erin 

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ft 

86 

127  63 

77  91 

53  44 

Harrison,  .... 

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199, 

77 

99  00 

18  35 

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8|           295'       4 

t  -i 

258 

404  90 

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241  00  1     1-2.1  00 

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8           445 

3 

13 

303 

389  75          143  96 

72  72 

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21 

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438  89 

203  02 

242  40 

138  25 

Richmond.  .  . 

* 

•J         J-  -1  j               t  J  1J 

2!      81          418 

15      371 

539  53 

171  17 

28  30 

Shelby,  

- 

! 

81           5041     10 

33 

496 

559  66 

223  55!       508  35 

Sterling,  

3 

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5 

284        5 

5 

259 

374  50 

97  57 

243  00 

195  00 

Washington,.. 

6 

15 

Q 

444!       3 

29 

413 

570  13 

223  62 

346  55 

300  00 

Warren,  .... 

5 

1 

6 

287        2 

3      124 

169  00 

94  98       201  01      175  00 

Total,     .  .  . 

7941      94        6,063      50 

210  i  4,630 

$0,386  5? 

$2,288  19  $2,507  50;  1,393  25 

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Bedford  .... 
Dundee,  .... 

6 
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5 

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30 

6 

12 
4 

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8 
6 

1 
94 

328 
513 
407 
218 
470 
104 
439 
263 
296 
3  045 
279 
470 
165 
296 

5 

29 
3 
1 

11 

o 
1 

20 

38 

j 

1 

9 

9 
10 
12 

169 

244 
564 
181 
97 
306 
94 
312 

261 
350 
113 
280 
KiO 
284 

343  63 
661  40 
233  00 
117  00 
368  25 
199  00 
332  75 
403  00 
215  14 
821  00 
132  25 
490  50 
169  60 
404  32 

125  60 
155  59 
192  97 
78  97 
150  84 
61  25 
145  18 
105  92 
107  03 
572  13 
135  06 
179  24 
59  96 
114  42 

134  87 
306  25 
71  81 
52  21 
324  00 
74  00 
128  00 
273  42 
232  73 
213  00 
1C6  00 
399  73 

119  00 

75  00 

75  00 
76  81 
184  00 

150  00 
75  00 

$635  81 

Exeter  . 

Frenchtown,  .  . 
Ha  

La  Sallo,  .... 
London,  .... 
Milan  . 

Monroe  city,  .  . 
do    towns'p, 
Raisinville.  .  . 
Summerfield.  . 
Whiteford.  .  . 

Total,.  .  .  . 

5,850 

69 

3,637  §5,427  33     82,387  89 

$2781  02 

COUNTY. 


619 


for  which  it  was  raised,  r.nd  amount 

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16  121      £321  901 
4  42 

23  29 

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30  00 

202  75! 

2  00 

119  57!       1411              28  OOi 

40  38 

689  64        395             113  97             144  00 

20  Oil 

10  ooi 

61  9f>.         95                39  86 

2  00 

8  00            88  65        212                23  35 

146  90'       387                52  76              116  00 

5  30         344  75 

118  (  6|       103| 

12  65         126  08 

17  35 

154  Oil       240!              64  52 

25  00 

2  50 

80         367  56  i      263'              19  74 

32  00 

564  23 

532  50 

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196  35 

240!                                       10  00 

46  69 

7  26          2  08i         349  70        1641             314  97! 

20  00 

5  00 

1  00  i        104  05  j       890 

33  00  1 

$251  56 

•§1,559  81 

.842  11  1     537  17 

83,743  35     2,040  '         %57«  17|          f270  00 

COUNTY. 

$16  75 

$290  50) 

3  50        32  00         -¥59  34        2*5               59  v 

8  12 

332  50 

8  43            80  44 

133               47  39             168  62 

46  88 

218  DO 

29  CO 

6  00         207  90 

l 

10  25 

124  75 

52  00 

325 

j 

250 

28  001 

27  00 

327  25 

20  50!        5  50           41  13 

228 

72  67 

14  50 

40  00 

5  00            33  93 

280 

1 
j 

3  00 

34  50 

6  00 

129  25       382 

j 

147  CO 

147  00        320 

29  74 

7  94            50  02 

3  81 

70  90        290 

4  CO          880  00 

19  00 

32  00 

292  09 

160             224  94             212  00 

13  001         150  25 

3  00 

117 

58  39 

24  07          328  58 

G  43 

310  82 

200 

46  74! 

29  00 

150  60 

i       275 

15  26 

1)4  00 

4  74 

5  00 

46  18 

310 

42  19               94  00 

$219  77;  $3,107  fi5 

•?S6  98 

$59  93 

§1,473  m 

3,545 

$609  65           $474  62  1 

620 


MONTCALM 


Eureka,  .  .  . 
Bushnell, .  .  , 
Fairplain,  .  . 

Total,  .  .  . 


126  00 


MICHILIMACKINAC 


Holmes,  .... 
Inverness,  .  .  . 
Peaine,  ..... 

Total  
Addison,  .... 

2 
1 
5 

2j          282 
ll            38 
287 

15 

4 

17 

143 
26 

189 

438  00           44  00 

341  00 

655  00 

8 

5 
9 
6 
6 
6 
6 
5 

8 

iS 

7 
5 
6 

LJ 

8 
4 

I 

- 
7 
6 
6 

!       3!          607 

1        61          287 
3      12           603 
9      10           624 
4i      8           323 
9      10           459 
5      10           648 
7       5           339 
2       6           298 
2       8           268 
7           384 
4       6           350 
1      11           614 
4      11           586 
27           392 
3       7           452 
6        6            456 
4|     ]i  j        1025 
2        71          323 
3                    420 
4       9           606 
2       8           383 
91       9           444 
4l     10           411 
5|       8           358 
5|       7           372 

15 

o 

1 

3 

5 
j 
q 

i 

6 
5 
11 
14 

7 
3 
4 
16 

3 
23 
4 
3 

147 

21 

20 
25 
29 
19 

18 
51 

7 

1 

14 
21 
30 
25 
35 

J 

39 

70 
8 
24 
7 
30 
12 
9 
11 

358 

1  297 
1582 
581 
329 
459 
648 
273 
214 
222 
331 
260 
492 
410 
312 
276 
315 
864 
181 
257 
486 
153 
451 
393 
275 
283 

438  00 

315  60 

784  84 
725  38 
440  116 
524  20 
730  88 
256  20 
408  85 
318  25 
446  83 
379  00 
676  66 
631  58 
518  06 
404  25 
316  43 
1545  19 
288  20 
34  98 
694  00 
434  63 
77  07 
595  21 
363  50 
525  88 

44  00 

122  89 
295  28 
180  96 
107  68 
223  44 
411  84 
109  24 
137  70 
109  35 
177  84 
160  12 
261  88 
310  86 
196  34 
15828 
139  23 
486  84 
113  79 
180  83 
274  23 
129  92 
248  50 
188  60 
135  46 
195  17 

r.  nna  07 

341  00 

OAK] 

240  00 
203  96 
40  75 
339  13 
637  39 
348  98 
26  25 
128  86 
109  00 
23350 
10  00 
582  45 
648  25 
127  71 
30  00 
409  42 
2845  04 
769  50 
183  68 
64  58 
468  73 
213  85 
436  40 
53  00 
407  05 

n  <KQ  na 

655  00 

LAND 

20000 

287  00 

400  00 

172  70 
64  00 

270  00 
2440  38 

100  00 
129  00 

Bloomfield,  .  .  . 
Brandon,  .... 
Commerce,  .  .  . 
Farinington,  .  . 
Groveland,  .  .  . 
Highland,  .  .  . 
Holly,  ...... 

Independence, 

Milford  

Novi,  
Oakland  
Orion,  ...... 

Oxford,  .... 

Rose 

Royal  Oak,  .  .  . 
Southfield,  .  .  . 
Springfield,  .  .  . 

Whiteford,  .  .  . 
White  Lake,.  . 
W.  Bloomfield, 

Total,  . 

1(V)     1QQ         11  4in 

PCRP, 

O1/M 

lo^t;  ti 

A  n«"}  nc 

621 


COUNTY. 


for  which  it  was  raised,  and  amount  j 
raised  for  each  particular  purpose. 


53  27 

•My 

•25  84 


COUNTY. 


75°l 

5  50 


407  50 


38  001 


17  00;  -24  50j 

80  00! 

110  00!          98  00: 


54  00|        407  50      38  001     127  00         202  50! 


112  56' 


394  00 
19  00 
100  00 

513  00 


COUNTY. 


40  00 
9  00 
18  90 

39  75 
115  00 

71  37 
3  00 

5  65 
30  00 

40  15 

10  00 

33  50 1 
103  951 

21  2l| 

11  581 
90  00 

34  54 
8  00 

12  00 

6  04 
23  00 
62  56 
54  00 
12  00 
51  10 


90C  30 


192  75   200;      27  4-1 

297  38 

15  22l 

497  76   325      25  00 

13  08 

465  43   15-2 

115  00 

466  22 

369  13 

336      48  03 

287  09 

16  43 

367  81 

431 

91  06 

16  00 

336  40 

466 

148  00 

23  25 

110  82 

320 

48  17 

115  86i 

241  121   331 

25  00 

79  00 

135  58  j   302 

61  00 

332  09   1951      83  34 

218  88   297 

60  40 

553  90 

12  50 

3  50    477  85 

400 

74  23 

696  31 

20  21 

624  31 

217 

118  80 

299  00 

373  87 

280 

62  06 

173  66 

22  42 

208  91 

41  26 

300  89 

225  75 

224 

57  85 

171  53 

328  59 

1099  93 

99  31 

260 

167  50  i 

234  54   311 

25  00 

51  54 

i    7  UU 

469  77   541|      96  80 

505  17 

215  23   189!      .is  59 

349  10 

47  34  1       1    517  73 

393     HO  10 

323  58  129  00 

9  00 

296  13 

320 

76  65 

362  00  1   1  00 

190  15 

262 

55  77 

538  741 

330  92 

298 

81  66 

5,650  64)  564  59'  347  09i  8.532.  86.  7.050;    1.530  19! 


8  27 


62  00, 
33  50  i 


54  50 
50  50 
41  00 

249  77 


7  09 
5  62 

3  49 
5  45 

1  46 

4  50 

3  69 

4  35 
4  00 

7  50 


2  51 


6  72' 


1  72 
4  58 


62  73 


622 


OTTAWA 


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P=           1        H 

Allendale,  .  .       1!  1!       1!            15 

1        1        22 

48  00 

108  00!       40  00 

Chester,   .  .  . 

13!       4            155 

2       4 

123 

159  13 

31  38 

172  ^5 

51  00 

Crockery.  .  . 

11             41 

26 

47  28 

10  00 

10  00 

Georgetown,. 
Holland,  .  .  . 

* 

3,            51 

1        l|           150 

•*! 

53 

80 

60  50 

80  001         111  70 

49  76 

100  00 

Ottawa,   ...        1 

1'          116 

5 

140 

280  00 

296  00 

253  00 

Polkton..  .  .        l!  3        4             66 

1        2        60 

76  00 

Ravenna,  .  .  . 

3 

31            21 

i!      29 

46  00 

24  00 

159  25      132  25 

Tallmadge,  .. 

3 

31           152 

20  i      2      128 

138  50 

46  52 

1.06  61 

Wright,  .  .  . 

4 

31       5            130 

4       3 

13G 

21)7  75 

38  76 

81  50 

Zealand,  .  .  . 

1 

]        2           203 

91 

99  00  !          63  92 

42  00  i 

Total,  .... 

21J12      28!         Hi'2 

33 

18 

SS8 

1085  66 

682  78 

1158  37 

223  25 

SAGINAW 

Bridge-port.  ...  2    1          i            G  L 

13, 

35  50 

14  00 

21  50 

Hampton,  ...   2 
Northampton,     1 

i 

' 

44 

5 

2 

401 

32! 

120  00 
65  00 

19  04 

120  00 

Saginaw,  ....   3 

3 

li          282 

'  1 

64 

298  00 

231  31 

256  00 

Taymouth,  ...    1 

] 

67 

I 

21! 

19  00 

20  00 

'Tittabawftssee,  5 

5i                   161 

. 

6 

1 

146| 

196  75 

51  70 

62  00 

Total.  ...  .14  12!       1;          712 

12        4 

346  1 

834  25 

316  05 

479  50 

623 


COUNTY. 


for  which  it  was  raised,  and  amount 
raised  for  each  particular  purpose. 

•*> 

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48  00 

20^)0 

33  00|         90 

J5  00 

10  00 

14C  00 

4  25 

36  01 

74 

36  10 

107  00 

3  00 

50  28 

84 

30  00 

50  00       20  00 

50 

150  00 

125  00 
50  00 

128  00 

60  00 

303 

87 

97  00              128  00 
28  76  !              33  00 

27  00 

22  00 

18  10 

27  00 

28  11 

47  00 

49  00  1 

79  50 

2  00 

94  67        185 

42  00 

42  00 

412  75 

246  ll|        561  1S\'   52  00 

44  25 

336  68  |      873 

179  96  |            872  75 

COUNTY. 


to  oo 

3  00 
5200 

35  50 

15  00 

18  80 
15  85 

1    6  20 
4  00 

4  50  1   10  06 

21  50 
124  00 
23  32 
126  45 
15  85 

64 
92 
?0 
114 

118 

48  87 

30  00 
137  30 

10  00 

65  00 

134  35 

4  50|   20  20 

311  12 

468 

216  17 

10  00 

624 


SANILAC 


TOWNSHIPS. 


Purpos's 


Lexington  .  .  . 

Sanilac 

Wright 

Total, 


51  302| 
2  44 
6  106 


13  i     452 


00 


176  821  225  00 
13  261  171  84 
68  55  22  50 


.f233 


25S  63 I      419  34      100  00 


100  00 


SHIAWASSEK 


Antrim,  .... 
Bennington  .  .  . 

5 

7 

0 

"| 

4 

1! 

Caledonia,  .  .  . 
Hazleton,  
New  Haven,.  . 
Owasso  
Perry 

5 

I 
1 

3 

1 

' 

•> 

5 
S 

Rush  .  .  . 

I 

Sciota 

•  t 

3 

Shiawassee,.  .. 
Venice,  

I 
< 

3 

] 

I 

Woodhull,.  .  . 
Total,.  .  .  . 

4 

47 

1!) 

-i 

1301 
210   2 

0 

10 

126 
199 

133  25 
225  95 

32  10 
57  97 

203  50 
104  50 

150  00 
12  00 

221   9 

18  234 

382  33 

100  67 

194  67 

220  1   5 

10 

232 

270  25 

54  40 

474  00 

40  00 

9 

44 

6 

56 

81  83 

15  64 

85  00 

10  00 

154 

2 

6 

139 

233  50 

52  02 

351  00 

180  00 

109 

Q 

13 

132 

116  16 

44  86 

56  61 

j 

82  75 

60  00 

60 

2 

78 

108  41 

16  66 

102  00 

150  00 

362 

] 

16 

264 

423  31 

105  36 

538  'OO!  50000 

97 

3 

4 

82 

127  74 

21  36 

249  00 

170  00 

303 

7l  16 

264 

284  53 

93  741    43  25 

73 

3 

70 

49  00 

,992 

*14 

106 

1.876 

2436  26 

504  18 

2,484  28 

1272  00 

625 


COUNTY. 


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raised  for  each  particular  purpose. 

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200 

$54  80 

$75  00  1 

$28  00 

57  00 

$43  74 

115 

16  40 

41  00 

10  00 

38  89 

138 

47  00 

$38  00       $218  40 

S82  63 

453 

$118  20 

$116  00 

COUNTY. 

$50  00!        $10  48 

$94  04 

132 

$52  00 

25  00 

67  50 

118  78 

171  00 

$967 

$14  00 

151  12 

210 

47  13 

§23  67 

2  50 

3C6  1)0 

120  00 

3  25 

222  38 

2£6 

25  00 

25  00 

81  83 

4  00 

30  94 

33 

18  00 

143  00 

8  00 

20  00           88  57 

294 

40  70 

66  11 

90  40 

180 

25  00              147  01 

14  00 

8  75 

11  25                14  00 

5  00           34  00 

16  00!           22  00 

13  00 

104  80 
307  15 

130 
212 

17  58  j 
43  111 

31  OOl           28  00 

11  00 

86  08 

200 

14  19           29  00 

171  04 

283 

35  19 

49  00 

100  1  . 

$168  f»9 

$972  & 

$150  45 

$61  25 

$1,514  30 

2,030!         $2fl6  96 

$23268 

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2 

6 

258 

3 

12 

224 

$265  08 

$100  42 

$47  39 

Brockway,  .  .  . 

1 

3 

117 

1 

72 

60  58 

65  74 

170  00 

$150  00 

Burchville,  .  .  . 

4 

4 

241 

184 

162  52 

88  48 

128  11 

Casco        .... 

I 

2 

1 

51 

2 

25 

39  50 

21  19 

China     .  .  •  •  . 

g 

g 

405 

15 

15 

310 

463  50 

168  06 

171  00 

5 

338 

22 

15 

207 

288  08 

120  56 

123  40 

Columbus,  .  .  . 

5 

2 

4 

182 

2 

123 

57  72 

75  21 

6  00 

Cottrelville,  .,, 

4 

3 

323 

3 

2 

209 

281  27 

159  51 

74  06 

Clyde               . 

(1 

305 

208 

94  53 

122  41 

Ira,           .... 

3 

3 

300 

254  00 

172  24 

388  94 

125  00 

Port  Huron,  .  . 

7 

6 

756 

8 

8 

657 

973  25 

329  65 

696  95 

i 

3 

130 

1 

131 

99  25 

38  76 

302  50 

300  00 

St.  Glair,  

(i 

6 

597 

6 

33 

413 

645  00 

246  54 

792  52 

300  00 

Wales,  ...... 

3 

2 

97 

6 

2 

98 

86  16 

21  97 

133  25 

80  00 

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64 

6 

60 

4,100 

66 

92 

2.986 

3.630  91 

$1,702  86 

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289 
454 
170 
292 
184 
179 
307 
337 
225 
297 
388 
353 
101 
376 
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12 
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36 
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284 
387 
152 
220 
152 
132 
229 
303 
110 
272 
353 
343 
96 
371 
218 

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295  00 
614  93 
173  87 
372  00 

147  75 
350  98 
424  52 

374  03 

784  87 
505  50 
156  48 
581  50 
390  00 

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108  77 
183  00 
60  43 
127  39 

46  20 
97  70 
170  86 
68  52 
132  76 
238  42 
33  69 
20  21 
156  59 
217  27 

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110  00 
369  19 
91  00 
356  18 

12  00 
407  15 
704  00 
79  34 
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91  71 

511  89 
129  00 

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185  00 
335  00 
660  00 

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Constautine,  .  . 

Florence,.     .  • 
Flowerfield      . 
Fawn  River    . 
Leonidas,  . 
Lockport, 
Mottville,  •       • 
Mendon,  . 
Nottawa.  . 
Park 

Sherman,  .  .    . 
Sturgis,  .  .      . 
White  Pigeon, 

Total,  

Tuscola,  .... 
Verona,  

Total,  

63 

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31 

206 

3,896 

60 
32 

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$1,766  24 

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627 


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53  00 

22  00 

164  52 

21  00 

275 

39  50 

19  20 

117 

23  50 

483  66 

2  75 

19 

152  41 

203 

59  20 

158  00 

33  00 
19  50 

90  00 

17  24 

27  18 

2201               39  91 
170                35  00 

6  76 

233  75 

1  19 

115  94        198 

I 

10  00 

206  94 

280 

51  57 

154  95 

4  00 

16  00 

40 

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98  00 

350  48 

180  60 

51  32 

201  50 

204 

138  94 

101  75 

2  50 

188 

7  00 

335  52 

95  00 

55  00  i         182  93  1       230 

344  41 

11  27 

4  13 

44  50 

2  00 

4  75  1                            285 

41  50 

1  90 

$247  39 

$2,248   57 

$284  04 

119  15       $773  40  1    2;763 

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$13  17 

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335  52 

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344  41 

11  27 

4  13 

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2  00 

4  75 

285 

41  50 

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1 

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$284  04 

119  15   $773  40  1  2,763 

$822  51  j    $242  50 

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27  00 

61  50 

13  00 

133       33  00 

60  00 

465  1      43  58 

71  00 

189  63 

5  00 

99  85 

236 

44  89 

15  00 

4  90 

169  65 

391  65 

134  52 

66  65 

141  95 

15  14 

285 

85  00 

12  00 

158  00 

7  66 

59  60 

189 

3  00 

213  50 

14  85 

180  63 

226 

50  62 

10  90 

9  75 

35  00 

241  41 

279 

180  00 

600  00 

6  00 

15  00 

10  00    373  45 

8  50 

195  73 

219 

11  02 

3  001    238  20 
3  001     62  71 

77  26 

356  82   270      77  28 
309  241   3841      33  99 

62  71 

14  46 
12  63 

136  92 

144 

13  50 

471  39   23  00 

440  89 

73  99 

22  00 

412  70| 

55  00  j   250      72  00 

69  51 

13  54 

444  90 

2,607  73 

$55  51 

$106  76 

$2,450  14  3,314     $809  92 

$949  17  1   $97  26 

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| 

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628 


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2 

1 

3'             501       2 

31| 

$30  81 

$200  75 

$150  00 

Antwerp  

" 

7 

228 

6 

35 

$416  12 

113  38 

88  65 

Almena,  

3 

-1 

3 

95 

3 

62 

84  00 

30  38 

160  50 

150  00 

Bloomingdale  . 
Columbia,  .  .  . 

3 

I 

42 
68 

1 

1 

1 

45 
55 

52  50 
63  00 

7  00 
35  47 

62  15 

Decatur  . 

,t 

3 

118 

A 

iio 

121  50 

11  22 

332  00 

245  00 

Hartford,  .... 

2 

3 

5 

165 

4 

13 

165 

170  35 

25  51 

163  72 

100  00 

Hamilton  .... 

5 

4 

150 

9 

140 

163  56 

40  121           321  00 

200  00 

Keeler,  

5 

i 

4 

g 

153  50 

34  00 

.743  00 

200  00 

Lafayette  .... 

"i 

., 

6 

389 

36 

5 

328 

603  91 

165  01 

239  67 

114  47 

Lawrence,  .  .  - 

4 

2 

6 

179 

4 

7 

l68(     263  5(» 

76  37 

82  50 

Porter..  .... 

6 

i 

6 

177 

10 

1?9|     171  65           53  30 

24  77 

Pine  Grove,  .  .  . 

1 

1 

2 

40 

4()|       1 

40 

35  00           80  00 

SO  00 

50  00 

South  Haven.  . 

3 

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59 

1 

50 

96  00  1           36  60 

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1 

5 

3 

115 

4 

17 

110 

171  50 

37  46 

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29 

58 

2.027 

103 

76 

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do      t'ns'p. 
Augusta,  
Bridgewater  .  . 
Dexter,  

8 

10 
6 
7 
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Freedom,  .... 
Lyndon,  .... 
Lodi 

Manchester  .  .  . 
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Pittsfield,  

Salem  

gCJQ  

Sharon,  
Superior,  .... 
Sylvan,  

Webster  
York  

Ypsilanti,..  .  . 
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1027 

18 

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463 

3 

29 

420 

637  50 

242  86 

336  79 

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141  93 

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324  25 

179  79 

149  90 

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661  76 

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268  19 

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438  01 

161  82 

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585  25 

246  75      88  92 

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14  275 

500  24 

163  33 

432  91 

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337 

455  78 

323  68 

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395 

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182 

29  44 

221 

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62   15 

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34  50 

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29  37 

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105  72 

30  72 

2  34 

101  62 

27  43 

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120  03 

28  78 

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192  75 

125  51 

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$318  75 

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1  $1,464  71 

$252  50 

$102  61 

157  i     $25  OO'1 

$31  70 

563  51 

12  22 

5  34 

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155 

24  94 

67  00 

1  00 

187  62 

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411  88 

330 

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254  89 

254  89 

310 

152  OOJ 

11  49 

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6  50 

82  52 

289 

8271 

5  00 

192  70 

117  91 
149  90 

240 
158 

50  84  1      24  10 
93  79 

8  40 

424  45 

308  55 

225 

31  00 

55  00 

19  72 

36  62 

232  66 

428 

102  72 

7  00 

265  68 

1  00 

209  96 

230 

29  00 

23  52 

300  22 

4  00 

24  39 

355  72 

430 

108  98! 

17  00 

8  00 

384  87 

409 

385  71  i 

17  20 

161  56 

207  31 

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680  26 

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130  23 

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6  00 

14  00 

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189  27 

231 

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54  20 

334  26 

19  76 

15  05 

315  22 

70  00 

16  00 

336  91 

336  91  1 

1 

11  42 

26  00 

20  30 

293  51 

43  04 

162  44 

20  00 

144  42 

364 

87  60| 

218  16 

549  99 

198  79 

77  92 

912  93 

755 

$581  75 

$6,234  77 

$562  99 

$339  16 

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5.370 

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s 

8 

404 

34 

12 

305 

482  96 

$147  8& 

$155  70 

Canton,  .... 

5 

4 

9 

612 

3 

17 

585 

683  75 

237  04 

222  00 

$180  00 

Detroit  City,. 
Dearborn,  .  . 

8 

2 

8 

7253 
549 

8 

4250 
339 

6255  25 
38  61 

197  94 

8665  00 
39  25 

1500  00 
46  61 

Ecorse,  .  .  . 

3 

3 

2561       1 

1     163!       158  3S 

99  7£ 

6  00 

Greenfield,.  . 

8 

2 

8 

588 

17 

12 

334 

490  3' 

149  77 

180  79! 

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5 

1 

6 

475 

'20 

4 

257 

433  0( 

206  5f 

249  50 

Huron,  

1 

4 

182 

15 

189 

265  9i 

56  9e 

143  00 

Hamtramck,  . 

7 

2 

5 

498 

2 

220 

429  0( 

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400  00 

Livonia,  .  .  . 

8 

1 

495 

3 

28 

456 

225  01 

397  98 

180  00 

Monguagon, 
Nankin,  .  .  . 

3 

7 

3 
9 

337 
630 

12 

4 

16 

27 

152 
424 

168  5( 

)         162  5( 
211  3: 

559  00 
G29  17 

559  00 

Plymouth,  .  . 

10 

5 

15 

904 

6 

67 

938 

1570  44  1        494  K 

!          955  85' 

Redford,  .  .  . 

lit 

1 

10 

645 

7 

27 

440 

645  30'         306  2( 

>           27  00 

Springwells, 
Sumpter,  .  . 

3 
2 

4 

2 

366 
106 

2 

2 

173 
102 

291  6S 

!         181  11 
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L         550  00 
L         120  00 

554  50 

Taylor,.  .  . 

2 

3 

5 

418 

2 

10 

119 

69  2. 

>           29  K 

62  50 

Romulus,.  . 

1 

6 

1 

237 

1 

7 

183 

75  8£ 

!          132  44 

Van  Buren,. 

7 

8 

432 

5 

20 

371 

329  6! 

)          183  0" 

283  24 

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101 

31    108 

15,087 

127 

264  '  18000 

12,312  0. 

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288  76 

8,003  67 

1347  21 

29  50  ! 

1 

184  06 

39  40 

22  00 

20  00 

262 

6  00 

19  50 

270 

5  76 

33  00 

24  19 

10  60 

151  68 

63  63 

16  31 

51  00 

328  00 

7  00 

262 

25  00 

$50  50 

14  35 

25  00 

118  00 

75  58 

207!              31  00 

43  00 

215  50 

I                j 

326  1 

298  50 

12  96 

52  50 

482  14 

8  81          7  00  1        322  28 

! 

J 

152  29 

192 

62  00 

2434 

453  80 

j 

350 

47  94 

14  00 

59  10 

303  18 

524  71  1      23  32 

894  68 

374 

ISO  82 

303  18 

26  97 

22  00 

335  56 

355 

100  00 

42  85 

71  00 

5  00 

263 

30  83 

272 

12  00 

50  50 

19  45 

217 

49  78 

4  56 

161 

25  00 

109  87 

647  45 

106  25 

134  73 

1198  06 

$10,261  53 

2059  42  !    $67  01 

$2,788  58 

3,834  !          $750  44 

$652  18 

$316  19 

632 


RECAPITULATION  OF  SCHOOL  INSPEC- 


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Allegan,  .... 
Barry,  

43 
57 

13 
21 

48 
66 

1851 
1773 

28 
26 

162 
72 

1417 

1489 

'2500  511  $814  98!     $2707  881  $1019  89 
1614  85|     592  63        1960  16      666  50 

Berrien,  .... 

73 

25 

59 

3941 

187 

163 

3110 

4707  31 

1641  86 

3974  33 

830  45 

Branch,  .... 

90 

40 

93 

4691 

65 

282 

3996 

5466  35 

2637  10 

3899  99 

1962  00 

Calhoun,  

93 

57 

113 

6403 

92 

231 

5049 

7757  55 

2983  36 

10601  91 

7759  60 

Cass,    

O-? 

j~ 

18 

85 

4448 

41 

212 

3585 

4976  87 

1642  23 

2907  35 

1119  60 

Chippeu-a,.  .. 

1 

1 

349 

75 

150  00 

80  58 

Clinton,  .... 

57    10 

45 

1776 

24 

75 

1591 

1475  15 

545  35 

1415  12 

329  00 

Eaton,  

72 

26 

86 

2731 

33 

83 

2428 

2514  16 

865  97 

2657  00 

1207  00 

Genesee,  .  .  . 

83 

31 

99 

4607 

67 

230 

3838 

4081  93 

1694  20 

3703  65 

1849  00 

Hillsdale,  .  .  . 

110 

J;"l 

125 

5848 

89 

294 

5406 

7708  08 

2193  2i 

5198  80 

2142  13 

Inghum.   .  .  • 

73 

31 

84 

3436 

61 

175 

3096 

4108  55 

1223  50 

4634  41 

2708  40 

Ionia,  

56    39 

64 

2884 

G7 

153 

2593 

3496  73 

1082  26 

2534  90 

988  20 

Jackson,  .... 

108 

60 

132 

7036 

85    355 

6028      9606  82 

3312  11 

7856  371  3466  25 

Kalamazoo,  .  . 

95 

32 

99 

4671 

86    206 

3692      5691  17 

1485  28 

4183  06 

1403  00 

Kent,  ...'.. 

93 

37 

90 

4553 

45 

141 

3374 

4265  45 

1353  27 

5774  47 

1974  12 

Lapeer,  .... 

55 

33 

54 

2420 

38 

95 

2357 

2193  99 

931  91 

2131  03 

1231  00 

Lenawee,   .  .  . 

134 

62 

162 

10050 

119 

442 

8359 

10747  93 

4519  30 

8769  51 

5219  67 

Livingston,  .  . 

99 

37 

116 

4918 

56 

232 

4583 

5816  17 

1774  88 

4343  27 

2657  89 

Macomb,    .  .  . 

79 

41 

94 

6t'63 

50 

210 

4630 

6386  59 

2288  19 

2507  50 

1393  25 

Monroe,  .... 

89 

30 

94 

5850 

69 

169 

3637 

5427  33 

2387  89 

2784  02 

635  81 

Montcalm,.  .. 

10 

4 

232 

3 

8 

217 

119  66 

59  16 

182  31 

126  00 

Mackinac,  .  .  . 

8 

3 

607 

15 

21 

358 

438  00 

44  00 

341  00 

655  00 

Oakland,  .  .  . 

153 

LOO 

199 

11430 

147 

566 

9344 

12435  71 

5056  27 

9558  08 

40o3  08 

Ottawa,  

21 

i  "2 

28 

1112 

33 

18 

888 

1035  66      682  78 

1158  37 

223  25 

Saginaw,  .  .  . 

14 

I 

12 

712 

12 

4 

346 

834  25      316  05 

479  50 

Sanilac  

13 

1 

11 

580 

7 

13 

452 

233  75 

258  63 

419  34 

100  00 

Shiawassee,  . 

47 

19 

58 

1992 

34 

106 

1876 

2436  26 

594  18 

2184  28 

1272  00 

St.  Clair,  .... 

64 

6 

60 

4100 

66 

92 

2936 

3G30  91 

1702  86 

3150  53 

961  00 

St.  Joseph.  .  . 

63 

i! 

81 

4540 

70 

206 

3896 

5480  43 

1766  2t 

3591  20 

1C28  25 

Tuscola,  1 

1 

123 

92 

VanBuren,.  . 

48 

29 

59 

2027 

103 

76 

1654 

2581  09 

776  66 

2168  96 

1209  47 

Washtenaw,  . 

118 

65 

163!  104'?G 

141 

428        8693 

13137  84 

5236  71 

8081  1C 

3127  51 

Wayne,  

101 

31 

108 

1  151)87 

127 

264 

leooo 

12312  05 

3353  74 

14036  92 

3420  11 

Total,  

2313 

994:2594 

143272 

2086  5784 

115,165 

155,46930 

55,897  44 

130,19638 

57,348  52 

TORS'  RETURNS  BY  COUNTIES,  FOR  1851 


for  which  it  was  raised,  and  amount  '                            £        •£'<£  ~       i    c  2  •?       ;     -s  °  S 

raised  for  each  particular  purpose. 

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1    :     Ia         nil           <            £ 

J5"-5    l55*1^    I5gts 

3329  36 
523  50 

£1637  52  1^00  *2H 
799  75      53  66 

2  00 

!    81331  21 
860  55 

1712 

3314 

§411  K{ 
259  50 

$437  91  | 
215  00 

234  44 

3472  75 

810  05 

58  61 

21'80  68 

3811 

633  97 

1295  50 

S6  37 

402  23        2899  40 

313  Oi 

99  72 

2368  74 

3909 

500  06 

607  22 

284  63 

3345  87 

358  63 

446  28 

3656  43 

6701 

1401  53 

1029  89 

31  14 

231  59!       1837  76 

136  65 

14  86 

2927  53 

3303 

222  60 

192  30 

18  53 

1 

16  74 

66 

68  00 

54  00 

173  72 

319  75 

101  CO 

586  66 

3516 

100  79 

96  64         1053  47 

134  76 

116  41|       1050  38 

3370 

395  09 

370  50  ! 

771  9i 

2414  92 

104  8(1 

74  09 

1139  12 

2-775 

492  79 

211  00 

408  83 

4016  43 

479  6ft 

447  -'H 

4124  32 

3364 

634  49 

717  58 

170  81         2111  39 

337  62 

74  00        1532  83 

2845 

627  55          957  53 

256  42        1987  50 

52  til 

116  5S         1939  48 

2157 

330  22          124  i  Ol 

502  75 
392  73 

4438  93 
2580  14 

721  2s 
215  78 

321   75 
167  37 

4016  98 
2C03  61 

1334]         736  83!         153  75 
2998          lit  u          2«   67 

37  00 

720  17 

3019  11 

441  49 

324  29 

2292  16 

2923 

402  71 

1661  00 

199  40 

417  98 

109  54 

23  85 

1000  51 

1441 

311  36 

32  00 

629  33 

3378  73 

1KO  .".1         69  42 

4744  70 

6081 

866  30 

134  99 

13  21 

90  91 

1224  95 

210  88      131  83 

2169  38 

3088 

400  39 

328  64 

4  08 

251  56  ,       1559  81      42  11        37  17        3743  15          2646 

578  17|         270  00 

219  77        3167  95      86  98        59  93        1473  98 

3545 

609  65          174  62 

53  27 

25  84 

75 

54  00          107  50 

38  00      127  00          202  50 

1          112  56 

519  00 

906  30        5650  64  i   561  59 

347  09!       8532  86!         7050        1530  19          249  77!           62  73 

216  11 

561  78 

52  00 

11  25          336  68!           S73 

179  96          872  75' 

I  B  65  00           134  35 

1   50;       20  20          311   12  j            168 

216  17 

10  00 

38  00          218  40                                             82  63"           453 

118  20 

116  00 

168  69 

972  98 

150  42        61    25 

1511  30          2030          296  96          232  68 

247  39,        2248  57 

284  04!     119  15 

773  40'         2763!         822  51          242  50 

13  17 

141  90        2607  73  ;     55  51 

IOC  76;        2450   14 

3314          809  92          949  17            97  26 

118  64  1       1598  43 

92  11 

97  SO         1442  92          3028]         434  83 

318  75 

518  75        6231  77    562  991     339  16 

4972  32j         5370]       1410  88 

169  9»i             3  44 

1198  06 

10261  53 

2059  42|       67  01 

2788  58          38341         750  44          652  is)         316  19 

[1 1,2.65  60!    70,731  06  !U033li    111.290;    69,085  37,'      97,158|    17,140  591    H.OS6  GO! 


666 


80 


634 


STATEMENT  OF  INCREASE  OF  NUMBER  OF  CHILDREN  RESIDING  IN  THE  DIST 
RICTS,  AND  OF  THE  INCOME  OF  THE  PRIMARY  SCHOOL  FUND  FOR  THE 
LAST  TWO  YEARS. 


COUNTIES. 

1850.                              ||                               1851. 

Am't  per 
scholar 

No.  of 
schol'rs. 

Amount       1  1  Am't  per 
apportioned.  j|    scholar. 

No.  of     j      Amount 
scholars.   j  apportioned. 

A.lleo'fin  

34 

cts. 

1500 
1526 
4047 
4345 
6490 
.       3806 
237 
1596 
2403 
4191 
5250 
3048 
2565 
6319 
4141 
4055 
2445 
9596 
4711 
385 
5165 
5512 
174 
11230 
1031 
679 
1690 
3476 
4107 
539 

1644 
10115 
14592 

$510  00 
518  84 
1375  98 
2611  20 
2206  60 
1294  04 
80  58 
542  64 
817  02' 
1424  94 
1778  52 
1036  32! 
906  10| 
2214  46 
1407  94 
1378  70 
831  30 
3262  64 
1601  74 
130  90 
1756  10 
1874  08 
59  16 
3818  20 
354  54 
230  86 
574  60 
1181  84 
1429  38 
183  26 

'558  96 
3439  10  j 
4961  28 

40 

cts. 

1851 
1773 
3941 
4654 
6403 
4448 
349 
1776 
2731 
4471 
5848 
3436 
2884 
7036 
4671 
4558 
2420 
10050 
4918 
607 
6063 
5850 
232 
11430 
1111 
712 
1992 
4100 
4540 
580 
123 
2199 
10426 
15087 

9740  40 
709  20 
1576  40 
1861  60 
2561  20 
1779  20 
139  60 
710  40 
1092  40 
1788  40 
2427  60 
1374  40 
1153  60 
2814  40 
1868  40 
1823  20 
968  00 
4020  00 
1967  20 
242  80 
3425  20 
2340  00 
92  80 
4572  00 
444  40 
284  80 
796  80 
1640  00 
1816  00 
232  00 
49  20 
879  00 
4170  40 
6034  80 

Barry  .  .           ... 

Branch,  
Calhoun   

Cass  .... 

Chippewa,  .... 
Clinton   

Genesee  
Hillsdale  . 

Ingham,  

Kalamazoo,  .  .  .  . 
Kent  

Lenawee,  
Livingsten,  .... 

Maeomb  
Monroe,  
Montcalm,  .... 
Oakland  
Ottawa  

Shiawassee,  .... 
St    Clair  

St.  Joseph  .... 
Sanilac         .  . 

Tuscola  
Van  Burcn.  .  .  . 

Washtenaw,  .  .  . 

Total  

132.6101       S46,35l  82 

143.270 

$57.308  00 

INDEX 


A.  €, 

AGRICULTURE:  CERTIFICATE: 

memorial  to  establish  a  branch  oi  the     J        for  qualified  teachers,. 

University, 2(b         to  supervisor,  by 

for  the  establishment  of  an  agricultural     _  COUNTY  TREASURER: 

college, 206          to  ,(pp]v  for  school  moneys, 

debate  in  convention  on  the  establish-        CHALLENGES: 

ment  of  an  agricultural  school. 2 16          bv  1(,Kal  votcrs, , 

branch  proposed,  and  debate  thereon,. 246 
ANNUAL  REPORT: 

of  director, 373 

"    district  board, 374 

"    school  inspectors, 390 

"    county  clerk, 403 

ANN  ARBOR: 

collection  of  school  taxes, 49C 

APPARATUS: 

tax  may  be  voted  for, 35.c 

articles  recommended, 355 

APPURTENANCES: 

what  important, 355,  467 

ASSESSOR: 

to  file  acceptance, 341 

pay  moneys, 358 

collect  rate  bills, 358 

form   of  proceedure, 35£ 

to  give  notice  of  sale, 35S 

return  of  warrant, 359 

form  of  warrant, 

return, 359 

bond, -. 359 

to  appear  for  district, 360 

duty  in  relation  to  rate  bill, 369 

to  certify  judgments, 40b 

form  of  certificate, 406 

acting — when  district  board  to  appoint,  380 
ATTENDANCE  ON  SCHOOLS: 

report  of  superintendent  thereon, ....  9F 

irregiilarity  of, 9( 

comparison  with  other  states, 96 

B. 

BOOKS: 

list  of  text, 587 

list  of  library, 537 

uniformity  of, 44 

BLACK  BOARD: 

instruction  on, .45' 

BLIND: 

act  to  establish  an  asylum  for, 546 

BATTLE  CREEK: 

union  school  at, 572 


.406 
.4*5 


.350 


CHARTERS— /or  Private  Colleges: 

propriety  of,  discussed, 38 

first  petition  for, 41 

CONVENTION: 

first  constitutional, 17 

second  constitutional, 212 

COUNTY  CLERK: 

duties  of, 402 

to  transmit  reports  to  Superintendent,.  403 
to  deliver  copy  of  notice  to  treasurer, .  4i3 
penalty  on  for  neglect, 407 

D. 

DIRECTOR: 

to  file  acceptance, 341 

clerk  of  district  board  and  district  meet 
ings,  360 

to  record  proceedings  and  keep  copies,  360 

loss  of  record  by, 360 

to  contract  with  and  hire  teachers, .  .  .  .360 

contract  to  be  in  writing, 361 

liability   of, 361 

form  of  contract  with  teacher, 362 

duty  of  in  districts  containing  over  100 

scholars, . 363 

to  ascertain  amount  of  fuel, 3<J3 

manner  of  ascertaining, .363 

how  supplied, 363 

when  to  take  census, 354 

who  included  therein, 364 

penalty  for  neglect, 407 

to  furnish  copy  of  list  to  teachers, ...  364 

manner  of  making  up  list, 364 

form  of,   &c., 366,  366 

to  ascertain  who  is  exempted, 367 

to  make  out  rate  bill, 368 

form  of  rate  bill  and  warrant, 368 

renewal  of  warrant, 370 

to  provide  appendages, 37C 

allowance  of  account, 371 

to  give  notice  of  meetings, yj\ 

to  draw  and  sign  orders,. 372 

to  make  annual  report, .373 


636 


DIRECTOR: 

fractional  district*,  ...  ...........  393 

to  draw  books,  ................  393 

form  of  order  on  assessor,  ........  373 

warrant  on  treasurer,  ............  373 

to  deliver  report  to  the  township  clerk,  373 
neglect  to  deliver  report  to  inspectors,  374 

DISTRICT  BOARD: 

who  to  constitute,  ...  ...........  374 

to  report  to  supervisor,  ...........  374 

form  of  i-ppon,  ................  374 

to  include  amount  exempted,  ........  375 

to  purchase  books  for  children,  .....  375 

to  purchase  or  lease  site,  .........  376 

form  of  deed  and  lease,     ..........  376 

to  apply  school  moneys,  ...........  378 

to  require  bond  of  assessor,  .......  378 

annual  report  of,  ...............  379 

to  ha>  c  custody  of  school  house  and 
other  district  property,  ..........  379 

to  fill  vacancy,  ......  ".  ..........  380 

may  appoint  'assessor,  ............  380 

when  vacancy  in,  to  be  filled  by  inspec 
tors  .....  ."  ...........  *  ......  398 

DETROIT: 


DISTRICTS: 

form  of  notice, 339 

inhabitant  to  serve  notice, 339 

election  of  officers, 341 

their   duty  to  file  certificate  of  accep 
tance  with  director, 341 

form  of  acceptance  of  office, 342 

when  district  is   duly  organized, .  .  .  .342 
what  business  may  be    done    at  first 

meeting, .' 341 

proceedings  in  case  of  failure  to  organ 
ize, 342 

corporate  powers  of  districts, 342 

effect  of  director's  record  as  evidence,  .343 
when  district  presumed  to   be  legally 

organized, 343 

dissolution  of, 343,  409 

multiplication   of, 410 

formation    of   districts    from   two   or 

more  townships, 391 

how  such  districts  are  regulated, 391 

single    districts  may   be  formed  from 

two  or  more, 392 

pupils  in  districts  may  be  classified, .  .  .  398 
suits  and  judgments  "against  districts, .  405 


act  relative  to  free  schools  in, 491J         execution  not  to  issue  against  districts,  405 

acts  to  amend        do,.  494,  495,  496          judgments  against  districts  to  be  cer- 


ladies'  academy  ac,  ...............  5' 

commercial  college  at,  ............  579 

memorial  of  board  of  education  of,.  ..159 

reports  of  board  of  education  of,  '.202,  289 

DEAF  AND  DUMB: 

act  to  establish  an  asvlum  for 
DEGREES: 

report  on  conferring  literary 
DISTRICT  MEETINGS: 

annual  meetings,.  .  .  ............  31-4 

form  of  notice"  for,  .............  345 

special  meetings,  ................  347 

form  of  notice  for,  ..............  348 

what  notices  to  specify,  ...........  317 

when  illegal  for  want  of  notice,  .....  349 

who  may  vote  at,  ...............  350 

false  oath  at  deemed  perjury,  .......  351 

power  of  voters  at,  .............  351 

mav  direct  purchase   of  school  house, 

&c.,  ......................  352 

may  impose  tax  for  repairs,  etc.,  .  .  .  .355 

when   may   vote  a  tax  for  apparatus, 

globes,  etc.,  ..................  355 

may  determine  length  of  time  a  school 

shall  be  taught,  which  shall  not  be 

less  than  three  months,  .........  350 

may  determine  when  public  money  shall 

be   applied,  .................  356 

may  direct  the  sale  of  school  house  or 

other  property,  ...............  357 

may  give  directions  in  relation  to  suits,  357 
penalty  for  disturbing  district  meetings,358 
form  of  written  request  for,  .......  347 

DISTRICT  OFFICERS: 

their  powers  and  duties,  ..........  357 

who  to  be,  term  of  office,  &c.,  .......  357 

may  be  appointed  by  the  district  board,  380 
form  of  appointment  by  district  beard,  380 
may  be  appointed  by  school  inspectors,  398 
form  of  appointment  by  school  inspec 

tors,  .....................  398 

penalty  on,  for  neglect  of  duty,  .....  407 

DISTRICTS: 

formation   of,  .................  382 

form  of  notice,  ............  .....  339 

form  of  endorsement  upon  notice,  .  .  .  .340 

duty  of  director  to  record  notice,.  .  .  .3-11 

proceedings   on  formation  of  new  dis 

tricts,  ..  ....................  339 

duty  of  township  clerk  to  deliver  no 

tice,  .......................  338 


judgments  against  districts  to  be  cer 
tified  by  assessor,  &c., 405 

proceedings  when  assessor  fails  to  cer 
tify, 406 

when  district  is  situated  in  two  or  more 
townships, 406 

supervisor  to  assess  judgment, .  ....  .406 

persons  paying  taxes  in  districts  may 
send  to  school,  and  be  rated  therein,. 407 

when  divided  after  tax  has  been  assess 
ed,  but  not  collected,  how  collected 
and  apportioned, 408 

when  district  is  composed  of  two  or 
more  townships,  how  income  of 
school  fund  is  apportioned, 408 

form  of  certificate  of  judgments  against,40G 

small  districts   unprofitable, 455 

consolidation  of, 456 

E. 

EDUCATION: 

provisions  of  first  constitution  rela 
tive  to, 18 

establishment  of  an  educational  paper 
recommended, 77 

action  of  constitutional  convention  rel 
ative  thereto, 212  to  259 

article  on, 258 

first  and  revised  constitution — compar 
ison  of, 259 

legislative  proceedings  relating  there 
to,  21, 35, 41, 49,51,  52,57,  58, 66,  88, 89,  90, 
111,  113,  120,  123,  128,  129,  144, 157,  175, 
193,  204,  20C,  207,   295 

[See  Legislative  proceedings.] 

messages  of  Governors  relating  there 
to,  20,  22,  37,  46,  51,  58,  69,  90, 114,  124, 
131,  150,163,  176,  195,  261 

F. 

FORMS: 

of  notice  to  taxable  inhabitants, ....  339 

written  notice, 340 

endorsement  on  notice, 340 

acceptance, 342 

notice  of  annual  meeting, 345 

adjournment  of        "         345 

record  of  proceedings  of  district 

meetings, s 346 

written  request, 347 

notice  of  special  meeting, 348 

certificate   of  inspectors,  on  deter 
mining  site  for  school  house, .  .  .  352 


637 


FORMS: 


assessor's  return  on  warrant,  .....  35f 

assessor's  bond,  ........... 

teacher's   contract. 

director's  list,  ...  ............  365 

weekly  roll,  ................  367 

rate   bill  and  warrant, 

notice  of  assessor's  sale,  .........  371 

endorsement  of  warrant,  .......  37C 

order  on  assessor,  ............  372 

warrant  upon  township  treasurer,.  373 
report  of  district  board  to  supervi 
sor,  .....................  374 

deed  and  lease,  ..............  37C 

appointment  by  district  board,.  .  .  .380 

bond  of  chairman  of  inspectors,..  .382 
resolution  on  change  of  site, 
teacher's  certificate,  ............  395 

notice  for  examination  of  teacher,.  .396 
notice  for  re-examination  of    "     .  .397 
notice  of  annulment,  ..........  397 

appointment  by  school  inspectors,.  398 
certificate  to  supervisor,  ........  400 

FREE  SCHOOLS: 

recommended,  ............  23,  6'2,  197 

report  of  committee   on  education,  .  .  .208 
importance  of,  .................   79 

cost  of,  .......................  209 

debates  upon  ....................  213 

FR  ACTIONAL  DISTRICTS: 

formation  of,  ..................  39] 

districts  may  lie  formed   from  two   or 
more  townships,  ..............  301 

duty  of  director  of  district  formed  from 
two  or  more  townships,  .......  391,  39" 

how  fractional  districts  are  regulated,.  393 
fractional   districts   may  be  created  b 


IIUCORPORATED    LITERARY    INSTITU 
TIONS: 

Allegau  Academy, 514 

Grand  Rapid's  Academy, 515 

Ueica  Female  Seminary, 516 

Ann  Arbor   Female  Seminary, 517 

Ypsilanti  Seminary, 518 

Adrian  Seminary,'. 519 

Clinton  Institute, 521 

Owasso  Literary  Institute, 522 

Vermontville  Academical  Association,. 523 

White  Pigeon  Academy 524 

Raisin  Institute,.  .  .  . 526 

Howell  Academy, 527 

Leoni  Theological  Institute 528 

Leoni  Seminary 529 

Olivet  Institute, 530 

Woodstock  Manual  Labor  Institute,.  ..530 

Oakland  Female  Seminary, .531 

Tecumseh  Literary  Institute,    532 

Clarkston  Academical  Institute 533 

Clinton  Institute, 534 

Young  Ladies'  Seminary,  Monroe,.  .  .535. 
St.  Mark's  College,  Grand  Rapids,.  .  .537 
St.  •  Mary's  Academy, 538 

INTERNATIONAL  LITERARY  EXCHAN 
GES: 

joint  resolutions  relative  to, 545 

act  for  support  of, »  .  546 


IJONESVILLE: 

union  school  at, , 


.1. 


the  division  of  townships, 34-! 

where  teacher  to  be  examined  in  case 

of, 392,  396 

annual  report  from,  where  made,. .  .  .393 

G. 

GRAND  RAPIDS: 

laws  relating-  to  schools  i:i, 497 

H. 

HOLYDAYS: 

when  school  may  be  dismissed, 356 

I. 

INCOME  OF  SCHOOL  FUND: 

when,  by  whom,  and  how  distributed,.  405 

who  may  participate  in. 368,  309,  384,  393. 

399,  400,  408 

duty   of  countv  treasurer  in    relation 

to, 405 

duty  of  county  clerk  in  relation  to,.  .  .405 
duty  of  township  clerk  in  relaiion  to,.  .405 

INSPECTORS: 

[Sec  School  Inspectors.] 

INDIGENT  PERSONS: 

exemption  of, 415 

INCORPORATED     LITERARY    INSTITU 
TIONS: 

general  law  relating  to, 497 

Marshall  Academy, 497 

Michigan  Central  College, ....  499  to  501 

Spring  Arbor  Seminary, 501, 

Wesleyan  Seminary, 503,  504,  505 

Michigan  and  Huron  Institute, 505 

Kalamazoo  Institute 500 

Tecumseh  Academy, 507 


.508 


Grand  River  Seminary, 

Grass  Lake  Academy, 509 

Marshal!  College, 510 

Marshall  Female  Seminary 510 

St.  Philip's   College, V 513 


•70 


Lt. 


LIABILITIES: 

[See  penalties  and  liabilities.] 
LIBRARIES: 

who  to  be  township  librarian, 401 

to  be  maintained  in  each  township.  .  .403 
books,  when  to  be  distributed,  and  in 

what   proportion, 403 

duty  of  director  to   draw  and  return 

books, 371 

rules  for  the  government  of, 581 

certain  fines,   &c.,  to   be  apportioned 
among  townships  for    purchase    of 

books, 404 

distribution  of  books  and  collection  of 

damages  by  director, 404 

damages  done   to  books,  how  collected 

and  applied, 404 

who  entitled  to  draw  books  from,. .  .  .404 

list  of  books  recommended  for, 587 

works  proper  for, 416 

importance  of, 447 

estabishment  v»f  recommended, 47 

report  on, 128 

LITERARY  ASSOCIATIONS: 

Detroit  Young  Men's  Society, 539 

Union  Hall  Association,  Monroe ....  540 

Adrian  Lyceum, 541 

Almont  Young  Men's  Society, 5i2 

Lawrence    Literary  Institute  Associa 
tion 543 

Niles  Union   Hall  Association 544 

LAND  OFFICE: 

relati°n  theret' 549to  m 


laws  relating  to  purchase  and  sale  of 

school  and  university, 549  to  56° 

LANSING: 


union  school  at, 


. 
LEGISLATIVE  PROCEEDINGS:  ' 

relative  to  education  for  18CO,  ....         21 

1837,  ......  33 

1838,  ......  41 

1839,  ----  49,  51 


638 


LEGISLATIVE  PROCEEDINGS: 

relative   to  ducation  for  1840,52,  53,  01,  »» 

1841, 66 

1842,.  .88,  89,  90 

1843,...  Ill,  H3 

«  1844,.  .  .120, 123 


0. 


1340, 144 

1847, 157 

1848, 175 

1849, 193 

1850,...  204, 206 
1850,.  .  .207,211 

1851, 295 

MISCELLANEOUS  PROVISIONS: 

relating  to  primary  schools, 40* 

when  persons  paying  taxes  in  district 
may  send  to  school,   and   bo   rat«d^ 

therein, i0 

when  district  divided  after  atsessment 
and  before   collection  of  taxes,  how 

taxes  collected,  &c., ** 

apportionment  of  income  of  school  fund 
in  districts  situated  in  two  or  more 

townships, •  •  •  -40? 

moneys  may  be  raised  by  townships  for 

support  of  schools, 40£ 

nalty  on  supervisor  for  neglect  to  as- 


1845,.  .  .  128, 129  OLIV*ET  INSTITUTE: 


Eersons  challenged  to  take 350 
ilse  oath— perjury, 3ol 

form  of  oath, •??" 

bv  whom  administered, •»" 


sketch  of, 


P. 

PENALTIES  AND  LIABILITIES: 

for  neglecting  to  serve  notice  of  first 
meeting, 406 

on  district  officers  for  neglecting  or  re-    ___ 
fusing  to  serve, . • 40 1 

on  inspectors°for  not  qualifying,  or  neg 
lecting  duty 40< 

on  board  of  school  inspectors  for  neg-     ^ 
lecting  to  make  annual  report, .  .  .  .  40< 

amount  of  penalty,  and  how  recovered,407 

on   township   clerk   for  neglecting  to 


penalty 
sess  taxes, 


.4081 


duty  of  supervisor  on  delivery  of  war- 


transmit  report  of  inspectors  to  co. 

clerk, 40. 

on  county  clerk  for  neglecting  to  trans 
mit  annual  report  to  the  superinten 
dent  of  public   instruction,.  .  .  ..  ..40< 

money  collected  on  account  of  neglect, 

how  disposed  of, 407 

removal  of  officer  for  illegal  use  of  mo 
ney,    407 

rant  for 'collection  of  taxes, 409  PUBLIC  MONEY: 

duty  of  township   treasurer  in  case  of  j-Sce  income  of  school  fund,  and  taxes 

fractional  districts -409  for  school  purposes.] 

board  of  school  inspectors  may  suspend        PROCEEDINGS: 

operation  of  section  115. 40£          reconsideration  of. 345,  414 

do  may  restore  the  same, 409  PUBLIC   SCHOOLS: 

MODERATOR:  importance  of, 422 

to  file  with  director  written  acceptance     ^          improvement  of, 428 

of  office, 357         course  of  studies  proper  to  be  pursued 

to  preside  at  meetings  of  district  and    ^         U1) 430 

keep  order, 357|pHYsicAL  EXERCISE: 

to  sign  warrants  for  collection  of  rate  importance  of, 457 

bill,     357  PRIMARY  SCHOOL  LANDS: 

to  countersign  orders  upon  assessor  for    ^          statement  of  sales  of, 599 

moneys  to  be  disbursed  by  district,. 357  puBLIC  INSTRUCTION: 

to  countersign  warrants  of  director  up-       I         system  of, 18,23,76,136 

on  township  treasurer, 357          Governors'  messages  relating  to,.  ..20,  22 

assessors  bond  to  be  lodged  with 379  37>  46j  51,  53,  69,  90,  114,  124,  131,  150, 

to   unite   with  director  in  employing  163,176,195,261- 

teacher 260  PRIMARY  SCHOOLS: 


territorial  law  relative  to, •  •     8 

first  constitutional  provisions  relative 
to, 1~ 

revised  constitutional  provisions  rela 
tive  to,  258 

laws  and  notes  relating  to,.  .  .  -337  to  479 


_  [PRIVATE  SCHOOLS: 

579    attendance  on, 


MONTH: 

how  many  davs  make  a 356 

MONROE:     ' 

law  relating  to  schools  in 497| 

MARSHALL: 

young  ladies  seminary  of, .  .  . 
METEOROLOGY: 

provisions  relating  to, „„««—„-  -.., 

suggestions  in  relation  to,.  ..  .196,  266,  281         comparative  cost  of, 101 

MEDICAL  COLLEGE:  18,. 

rules  for  the  government  of, ^^  RATE  BILL  AND  WARRANT: 

MEMORIAL:  decision  of  supreme  court  on 475 

for  free  schools  in  Detroit, .•Io9i  REGENTS  OF  UNIVERSITY: 

for  Agricultural   branch  of    umversi^J         reportsOffo 

for  establishment  of  department  of  fine 
arts  in  university, 328 


NOTES: 

remarks  on «*>/ 

NORMAL  SCHOOL: 

act  to  estabUsh, 485 

consolidate  and  amend, .  .  .487,  491 

objects  defined, 194 

location  of, 203 

plan  of  building, 279 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


1840,  .  .  . 

52 

1841,.... 

64 

1842,.  • 

81 

1843,  •  .  • 

104 

1844,.  . 

117 

1845,-  • 

-126 

1816,-  • 

141 

1847,  •  .  • 

155 

1848,-  • 
1849,-  • 

168 
180 

1850,-  • 

198 

1851,-  • 

267 

1852,  •  • 

306 

639 


SCHOOL  DISTRICT: 

[See  districts.] 
SCHOOLS: 

discipline  and  conduct  of, 413 

SCHOOL  HOUSES: 

what  amount  of  taxes  mav  be  voted 
for, "......  .353 

when  they  may  be  used  for  religious 
meetings,  Sunday  schools,  etc.,..  .  .379 

erection  of,  ....••• 414 

location  of, 460 

ventilation  of, 460 

construction  of, 462 

who  has  custody  of, 379 

SCHOOL  INSPECTORS: 

township  board  of, 381 

when  to  determine  site  of  school  house, 352 

chairman  of  board  to  be  treasurer,  and 
give  bond, 381 

with  whom  bond  to  be  filed,  and  when 
sued, 382 

to  divide  township  into  school  districts, 
regulate  and  alter  the  same,  ete.,..  .382 

to  give  notice  of  meetings  for  forming 
or  altering  school  districts, 397 

mav  attach  to  district  persons  residing 
out  of  it, 366 

to  receive  library  money,  purchase 
books  and  establish  regulations  for 
township  library, 386 

to  appoint  one  of  their  number  to  visit 
schools, 387 

when  part  of  district  set  off,  to  appor 
tion  property, 389 

apportionment  of  school  money  in  such 
cases, 389 

how  proportion  of  property  to  be  as 
certained,  389 

township  clerk  to  certify  amount  to  su 
pervisor,  389 

disposition  of  apportionment  when  col 
lected, 3S9 

annual  report  of,  when  made  and  what 
to  contain, •  •  •  380 

to  examine  record  of  qualified  teach 
ers  before  making  report,  etc., ....  390 

may  form  districts  from  two  or  more 
townships,  etc., 391 

duty  of  director  of  district  formed  from 
two  or  more  townships, 393 

districts  formed  from  two  or  more 
townships,  how  regulated, 393 

how  amount  of  taxes  in  such  cases  is 
certified  and  apportioned, 393 

where  teacher  to  be  examined  when 
district  is  situated  in  two  or  more 
townships, 39f 

examination  of  teachers  by, 396 

may  re-examine  teacher  and  annul  cer 
tificate,  396 

time  of  meetings  of,  for  examining 
teachers, 396 

may  examine  at  other  times,  but  with 
out  charge  to  township, 396 

form  of  certificrte  granted  by, 395 

examination  of  teachers  to  be  public,.  .396 

number  of  meetings  of  board  of,  du 
ring  the  year, 397 

notice  of  meeting  to  alter  districts,.  .  .397 

formation  of  districts  by,  from  two  or 
more  districts, 397 

classification  of  pupils  by,  in  certain 
cases, 398 

to  account  to  township  board, 398 

when  to  supply  vacancy  in  district  b'd. .  .398 

township  clerk  to  be  clerk  of  board  of,  399 


SCHOOL  INSPECTORS: 

penalty  on,  for  not   qualifying,   or  neg- 

lectiug  duty, 401 

penalty  on  board  of,  for  not  making  an 
nual  report, ^7 

character  of, 428 

annual  return  of  for  1861, oOU 

SCHOOL  MONTH: 

how  many  days  make  a, 3oo 

SCHOLARS:' 

dismissal  of, 41b 

SCHOOL  FUND: 

origin  of, l 

[See  income  of.] 
SUITS  AND  JUDGMENTS: 

against  school  districts, r-40;> 

justices  to  have  jurisdiction  in  certain 

cases, 405 

suits  against  districts,  how  commenced  405 
execution  not  to  issue  against  district, .  405 
judgment  against  district,  by  whom 

certified,  etc., .  . .406 

proceedings  if  assessor  fails  to  certify,  •  406 
proceedings  when  district  is  in  two  or 

or  more  townships, 406 

SUPERVISOR: 

duty  of,  to  assess-  mill  tax, .  .  401 

to  assess    taxes   voted  by    school  dis 
tricts,  401 

to  deliver  statement  to  treasurer,  with 

warrant, 402 

liable  for  neglect  of  duty, 402 

SITE  FOR  SCHOOL  HOUSES: 

change  of, 413 

SUITS: 

liability  of  officers    in, 420 

SUPERINTENDENT  OF  PUBLIC  INSTRUC 
TION: 

duties  of,   prescribed, 481 

State  librarian  to  act  as  assistant, 485 

design  of  the  office, 19 

labors  of  the  office, 210 

election  of,  by  the  people, 159 

report  of  for  1837, 23 

do  1838, 38 

do  1839, 47 

do  1840, 51 

do  1841, 61 

do  1842, .  .  •  72 

do  1843, 91 

do  1844, 115 

do  1845, 125 

do  1846, 133 

do  1847, 151 

do  1848, 165 

do  1849, 177 

do  1850, 196 

do  1851, 264 

ST.  MARK'S  COLLEGE: 

sketch  of, 569 

T. 

TAXES  FOR  SCHOOL  PURPOSES: 

for  school  purposes, 401 

for  building  school  houses,  &c., ....  353 
for  purchase  of  globes,  outline  maps, 

district  board  to  report  to  supervisor 

amount  of,  voted  by  the  district, .  .  .  374 
duty  of  supervisor  in  relation  to, .  .  .  .401 
duty  of  township  treasurer  in  relation 

to, 402 

duty  of  supervisor  to  assess  mill  tax  for 

library  and  schools, 401 

money  may  be  raised  by  townships  for 

support  of  schools, 408 

TEACHERS— to  keep  a  list  of  scholars  at 
tending  school,  &c.,  and  to  return  the 
same  to  directors, 364 


640 


TEACHERS: 

how  long  to  teach  for  a  month 35 

what  days  entitled  to  as  holidays,. .  .  .35 
to  be  examined  before  commencing 

school, 390,  394,  37 

inspectors  may  re-examine,  and  annul 

certificate,    396 

examination  of,  to  be  public, 3S 

where  to  be  examined  for  districts  sit 
uated  in  two  or  more  townships, ...  39 
days  for  examination  of,  by  inspectors,  39 

qualifications  of '. 41 

contracts  with 414    41 

board  of, '.4] 

may  employ  means  of  correction, .  .'.'.42 
when  may  dismiss  scholar, .....  420,  42 
how  should  be  examined,.  ..451,  468  to  47 

the  necessity  of  good, 45 

calling  of, ..'.... \\\  '45' 

education  of, " .' .  '46' 

comparison  of  wages  of, 9;. 

may  be  examined  at  other  times, .  .  .  .  39i 
form  of  certificate  granted  to,  by  in 
spectors, '.  .  .39 

TOWNSHIP  CLERK: 

duties  of, 391 

to  be  clerk  of  board  of  school  insijec-' 

tors, ...391 

to  apportion  school  moneys,'.'.'.'. ".  ."."39< 
to  keep  books  and   papers  of  inspec 
tors,  399540 

to  receive  and   dispose  of  communica 
tions  from  superintendent  of  public 

instruction, 40 

to  transmit  inspectors'  report  to  county 

clerk, J  401 

penalty  on,  for  neglecting  to  transmit 

to  make  map  of  school  district's,'  ike.',.  '.40" 
to  file  copy  of  map,  and  deliver  copy  to 

supervisor, 

to  certify  amount  to  be  collected  on  di 
vision  of  district, 401 

to  be  township  librarian, 41)] 

to  deliver  to  township   treasurer  writ 
ten  statement  of  number  of  children 

drawing  money, 401 

TOWNSHIP  LIBRARIAN: 

who  to  be 40] 

to  have  custody  of  township  library,!  !401 
to  distribute  books  once  in  3  months  to 

districts 40i 

TOWNSHIP  LIBRARY: 

to  be  maintained  in  each  township, .       403 
[See  libraries.] 
TOWNSHIP  TREASURER: 

to  retain  full  amount  of  school  tax,  and 

hold  the  same  subject  to  warrant,  &c.,402 
to  apply  to  county  treasurer  for  moneys,402 
to  notify  township  clerk  of  amount  to 

be  apportioned, 400 

TOWrNSHIPS: 


list°f>-  •  •• • 5S7 

note  on, 413,447 

remarks  on, ro4 

TEACHERS'  INSTITUTES:  ' 

recommendation  of, 140 

appropriation  for  suggested, 179 

importance  of, 597 

u. 

UNION  SCHOOLS: 

note  relating  to, 453 

formation  of  single  district  out  of  two 
or  more  districts, 397 


UNION  SCHOOLS: 

classification  of  pupils  in,  by  inspectors,  398 

organization  of, I 155 

value    of, igo 

at  Jonesville, ".*570 

at  Battle  Creek, 572 

at  Yp'silauti, 573 

at  Lansing, 575 

UNIVERSITY  OF  MICHIGAN: 
[See  regents  of  university.] 

act  for  the  government  of, 483 

statement  of  expenditures  and  receipts 

of,  . 596 

statement  of  sales  of  lands, 599 

report  of  committee  on, 158 

constitutional    question     relating     to 

branches, .168 

chancellorship  defined •  •  -.  .186 

act  to  establish  the  CatholepLstemiad  or 

University  of  Michigan, 4 

act  to  establish  a  university, 6 

branches  of  do        *  C,  67,  168,  156 

academies  or  branches  of, . 25 

plan  of  organization  of  university, ...  27 
first  State  legislation  relative  to, ....  34 

fund  of  in  1838, 44 

agricultural  department  of  recommend 
ed,  48 

bill  to  create  branches  of  reported, ...   49 

branches  of, 63  109 

fiscal  affairs  of,  1841, 65 

branches  of  established, 66 

condition  of,  1842, 80 

condition  of  the  fund,  ....•••-...   81 

main  institution  opened, 83 

fund,  condition  of,  1843, 92,  104 

report  of  faculty,  1844, 105 

acts  relating  thereto, 106 

petition  to  transfer  university  fund  to 

primary  school  purposes, 120 

report  of  committee  of  regents  on  re 
duction  of  price  of  un'sity  lands,  144, 159 
medical  department,  organization  of,.  .181 

university  in  convention, 253 

course  of  studies  in, 267 

government  of, 269 

Romeo  branch  of, 280 

report  of  medical  faculty, 308 

memoir  of  regents  by  Dr.  Pitcher, .  .  .  312 
memorial  of  A.  B  radish,  for  establish 
ment  of  department  of  fine  arts,. ..  .328 

change  of  law  recommended, 66 

change  recommended  as  to  branches  of,  82 

crisis  in  affairs  of, 84 

fiscal  a  flairs  of  1843, 104 

establishment  of, 34 

fund  of  1845, 132 

funds  of  1851, 595 

reports  of  visitors,.  .93,  109,  118, 128, 141, 
156,  169,  182,  271 

V. 

TISITING  SCHOOLS: 

by  school  inspectors, 387 

duty  of  inspectors  to  appoint  a  visitor,.  387 
duty  of  visitor  to  visit  each  school  at 

least  once  in  each  school  term,  etc.,.  .387 
inspectors  entitled  to  pay  for  visiting     t 

schools, .  .388 


FESLEYAN  SEMINARY: 
origin  of, 


TSILANTI: 

union  school  at. 


w. 

NAR 

Y. 


.565 


UNIVERSITY   OF    CALIFORNIA 
LIBRARY 


This  is  the  date  on  which  this 
book  was  charge^  out. 


5 


?*1 

REC'D  LD 

M   9 '65 -8PM 

o  o  mcd  ft  «3 


[30m-6,'ll] 


